Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Environmental Investigation and Monitoring

• Unit Code

  SCI3206

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Kathryn Margaret MCMAHON

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Description

This unit examines the theory and practice of conducting investigations into the presence and spatial extent of biological, chemical and physical agents in the environment. It explores the rationale and design considerations in undertaking investigations. The range of monitoring methods and techniques available to sample biological and chemical agents as well as noise and radiation in the environment will be examined and a relevant sub-set will be implemented. The unit also involves analysing and presenting data in ways relevant to environmental investigations.

Prerequisite Rule

(Students must pass 1 units from SCI1185 AND Students must pass 1 units from SCI1186, SCI1193)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse and report environmental data in a variety of ways appropriate to environmental investigations.
2. Apply the theory of environmental investigation and monitoring to real world environmental problems.
3. Describe a range of monitoring methods and techniques available to investigate environmental problems.
4. Describe the process of investigating environmental problems.
5. Evaluate and report on the strengths and weaknesses of monitoring and investigation programmes.
6. Identify and implement appropriate methods to investigate or monitor specific environmental contamination events.

Unit Content

1. Development of an investigation and monitoring program.
2. Evaluating and reporting outcomes of investigations and monitoring for different stakeholders.
3. Legal framework for investigating, monitoring and reporting on biological, chemical and physical agents in the environment (including human exposure to such agents).
4. Methods for investigating ecosystem change and potential human exposure to pollutants.
5. Methods for obtaining, storing and preparing soil, water and air pollutant samples for analysis.
6. Sample analysis: Principles and methods for common analytical instruments; reporting of laboratory data.
7. The application of standards and guidelines to investigation and monitoring of biological, chemical and physical agents.
8. Theory and practice of environmental investigation and monitoring including: problem definition; need for investigation; the role of monitoring in investigations; and the steps involved in developing and implementing an investigation or monitoring programme.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, laboratory and tutorial exercises, field work and directed reading.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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