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  2. Environmental Monitoring and Investigation [SCI6100]

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 Monitoring and Investigation

  • Unit Code

    SCI6100

  • Year

    2016

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    1

  • Credit Points

    20

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    Online

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 described. The unit also examines how the data from investigations should be analysed, interpreted and presented.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCI5127

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. Critically evaluate a range of monitoring techniques available to investigate environmental problems.
  4. Critique a range of approaches for undertaking and reporting on investigations of environmental problems.
  5. Evaluate and report on the strengths and weaknesses of monitoring and investigation programmes.
  6. Investigate an environmental problem.

Unit Content

  1. Development of an investigation and monitoring program.
  2. Evaluation, reporting and communication of investigation and monitoring reports for different audiences.
  3. Legal framework for investigating, monitoring and reporting biological, chemical and physical agents in the environment (including human exposure to such agents).
  4. Sampling methods and techniques for investigating ecosystem change, potential human exposure and detection of biological agents.
  5. Sampling methods and the preparation and storage of samples for soil, water and air pollutant samples.
  6. The application of standards and guidelines to investigation and monitoring of biological, chemical and physical agents.
  7. Theory and practice of environmental investigation and monitoring including problem definition, need for investigation and the role of monitoring in investigations.

Additional Learning Experience Information

E-learning activities and support

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.

ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentReport50%
ExerciseCritical evaluation30%
TestEnvironmental investigation test20%

Text References

  • Artioloa, J. F., Pepper, I. L., & Brussean, M. (2004). Environmental monitoring and characterisation. Burlington, MA: Elsevier.
  • Longstaff, B. J., Carruthers, T. J. B., Dennison, W. C., Lookingbill, T. R., Hawkey, J. M., Thomas, J. E., Wicks, E. C., & Woerner, J. (2010). Integrating and applying science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. Cambridge, MA: IAN Press
  • Lindenmayer, D. B., & Likens, G. E. (2010). Effective ecological monitoring. Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO Publishing

Journal References

  • Environmental Forensics
  • Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
  • Journal of Environmental Monitoring

Website References

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI6100|1|1

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 Monitoring and Investigation

  • Unit Code

    SCI6100

  • Year

    2016

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    1

  • Credit Points

    20

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online

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 described. The unit also examines how the data from investigations should be analysed, interpreted and presented.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCI5127

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. Critically evaluate a range of monitoring techniques available to investigate environmental problems.
  4. Critique a range of approaches for undertaking and reporting on investigations of environmental problems.
  5. Evaluate and report on the strengths and weaknesses of monitoring and investigation programmes.
  6. Investigate an environmental problem.

Unit Content

  1. Development of an investigation and monitoring program.
  2. Evaluation, reporting and communication of investigation and monitoring reports for different audiences.
  3. Legal framework for investigating, monitoring and reporting biological, chemical and physical agents in the environment (including human exposure to such agents).
  4. Sampling methods and techniques for investigating ecosystem change, potential human exposure and detection of biological agents.
  5. Sampling methods and the preparation and storage of samples for soil, water and air pollutant samples.
  6. The application of standards and guidelines to investigation and monitoring of biological, chemical and physical agents.
  7. Theory and practice of environmental investigation and monitoring including problem definition, need for investigation and the role of monitoring in investigations.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On-campus and online lectures and tutorials

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.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentReport50%
ExerciseCritical evaluation30%
TestEnvironmental investigation test20%
ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentReport50%
ExerciseCritical evaluation30%
TestEnvironmental investigation test20%

Text References

  • Artioloa, J. F., Pepper, I. L., & Brussean, M. (2004). Environmental monitoring and characterisation. Burlington, MA: Elsevier.
  • Lindenmayer, D. B., & Likens, G. E. (2010). Effective ecological monitoring. Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO Publishing
  • Longstaff, B. J., Carruthers, T. J. B., Dennison, W. C., Lookingbill, T. R., Hawkey, J. M., Thomas, J. E., Wicks, E. C., & Woerner, J. (2010). Integrating and applying science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. Cambridge, MA: IAN Press

Journal References

  • Journal of Environmental Monitoring
  • Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
  • Environmental Forensics

Website References

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI6100|1|2