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

  Marine and Freshwater Processes

• Unit Code

  SCM2110

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Neil Edward PETTIT

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Description

This unit examines the natural processes occurring in marine, coastal and inland aquatic environments and the significance of these processes for managing these systems. In particular, the unit explores both the effects of these processes on aquatic ecosystems and how they may enhance or reduce the impact of human activities in aquatic systems.

Prerequisite Rule

(Students must pass 1 units from SCI1185 AND Students must pass 1 units from SCC1111, SCC1123)

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCM2202

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the impacts of humans on aquatic environments.
2. Describe the physical and chemical properties of water.
3. Design and undertake field assessments of water quality and hydrological parameters.
4. Develop conceptual models of the biogeochemical cycles for water, phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon, sulphate, iron and silica for specific aquatic ecosystems.
5. Evaluate and describe the major interrelationships between physical, chemical and biotic processes within aquatic environments.
6. Understand the relationships between geomorphology of land-based water bodies, the coastal zone and the open ocean and biological aquatic processes.

Unit Content

1. Chemical controls of aquatic environments: nutrient cycles (N, C, P), cycles of sulphate, iron and silica. Brief introduction to the impacts of human activities on these cycles.
2. Hydrological cycle, providing a brief overview of the type of aquatic environments found from source to sea.
3. Light environment: colour, light penetration. Distribution of heat: stratification (including salinity), mixing.
4. Physical and chemical properties of water: molecular structure, specific heat, density, viscosity, surface tension, diffusion, pH, conductivity, ionic composition, redox, dissolved oxygen.
5. Physical controls of aquatic ecosystems: hydrodynamics (waves, tides, currents, flow), erosional and depositional processes, sediment types.
6. Production: primary and secondary, microbial loop, trophic status.
7. Techniques for water quality and biological monitoring in a range of aquatic environments, including sampling and analytical problems and limitations.

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

Weekly lectures discuss physical and chemical aspects of marine and freshwater ecosystems, with a particular focus on the processes associated with eutrophication. This is supported through laboratory sessions which focus on the development of job ready practical skills in sample collection and processing. A field trip allows students to test their sample collection skills and to learn to manipulate large aquatic data sets for a major assignment. Online tests support an introduction to modelling and practice for the final exam. Blackboard is used to support learning through online lectures, support materials for assignments.

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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