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

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  A/Prof 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.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

WIL - Field Experience

Students will undertake, and be assessed on, authentic activities through engagement with industry and community partners.

Students experience an environment where they observe and/or participate in the application of theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional setting, under the supervision of an expert or professional in the field. Examples include study tours, observation, shadowing, fieldwork, industry tours.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit uses technology enhanced learning with a mix of lectures and tutorials. Workshops, tutorials and laboratory classes are interactive and involve work in partners or groups where enquiry and researchled learning are used to demonstrate key concepts introduced in the lecture. There is also a WIL component which forms the main part of the assessment, where students design, carry out and report on a real-life environmental investigation, often in collaboration with a government agency. Information is provided via Blackboard and includes links to reading and relevant on-line videos and other sources of information.

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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