Value: 6
Pre-requisite: Biology at 1st year

This topic explores the dynamics of natural populations of animals and plants. In particular it focuses on the description of population demography through life table analysis and population growth models, the regulation of population size, and different life history strategies as adaptations for population persistence. It further explores the major interactions between species in ecological communities. These include adverse interactions such as competition between species within trophic levels, and predator prey, parasite host, plant herbivore interactions across trophic levels. They also include mutualistic interactions that benefit the pairs of species involved. Finally we will discuss how we represent communities, food webs as flows of energy and nutrients. Examples from Australian ecosystems will be considered. The tutorials will involve working through specific examples of population dynamics and community interactions, deriving values of ecological parameters.

Value: 3

The first part of this topic introduces students to the major habitats in the marine environment and considers the attributes of the species and communities which reside in each. The ecological processes operating on marine populations and communities in marine systems will then be considered. Finally, some of the resource and environmental management issues, which arise from and are related to ecology of these systems, are discussed.

Value: 3

This topic will cover the elementary principles of infectious and non-infectious disease in aquatic and terrestrial animals, as well as their natural defence mechanisms. Students will be introduced to the host-environment-pathogen concept and the impact of stress on the immune system. Case studies will be used to demonstrate disease symptoms associated with different types of pathogens. The implications of good management practice for maintaining the health of animals in captivity will be emphasised and quarantine issues for biosecurity will be discussed.

Value: 6
Pre-requisite: 2nd year ecology unit

This topic will explore the scientific bases of biological conservation and the ways in which human impacts on natural ecosystems and habitats may be ameliorated. It describes ecological and genetic principles underlying the conservation and restoration of biodiversity and will examine the application of these principles across a range of habitats. Topic content includes the use of bioremediation and revegetation in restoring disturbed and degraded habitats; values of 'ecosystem services' and natural products and the role of 'bioprospecting'.

Value: 6

This topic covers the definition of climate, climate variability and climate change within a geological, historical, and current time frame. The link between climate, hazards and extreme events - tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanism, tectonic plate loading and unloading, impacts, and solar system forcing via Milankovich cycles.

The physical principles that establish the Earth's climate as a dynamic equilibrium between opposing processes. The forces involved.

Previous states of the atmosphere, land and ocean and the resulting climate during the Earth's evolution to its present state. Palaeoclimatology. The role of extreme events over the period.

Evolution of atmosphere, land and ocean since pre-industrial times to the present; anthropogenic factors.

The role of atmosphere, land and ocean in contemporary climate variability and climate change. Oscillations and variability. Modelling climate change - limitations, results.

Natural hazards and the functioning of human societies.

The role of science and scientific ethics in human influences on climate variability and climate change.

Value: 6
Pre-requsite: Some knowledge of maths is desirable

Surface water flows are a major component of the hydrological cycle. While stream and river flows, water supply and flooding receive much attention, there are other hydrological and environmental interactions which impact water supply, quality and environmental systems. This topic addresses surface water hydrology from a whole catchment perspective, examining the broader water balances that determine surface water flow, the hydroecology of inland freshwater systems and the way in which surface water systems interact with groundwater, estuaries and coastal systems.

Value: 6
Pre-requsite: Some knowledge of maths is desirable

Module 1 examines the nature of groundwater, its occurrence and distribution, types and properties of aquifers, analysis methods and management principles, and develops hydrogeological laboratory techniques, mapping and aquifer testing concepts. The module also includes hands-on experience in field-based methods. Research projects provide the opportunity to further develop critical thinking and professional communication. Lectures include advanced topics, such as environmental tracers, isotope hydrology, and surface-subsurface interaction.

Module 2 examines water in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. It provides insight into the composition, mineralogy, and physical structure and behaviour of soils. Concepts relating to the water regime in unsaturated soils include water retention, water content and water potentials, and plant-available water. Infiltration, redistribution and evapotranspiration are described using theoretical applications. Water losses to the atmosphere are discussed in relation to the energy budget of vegetated surfaces, and various methods of estimating evaporation and transpiration are applied to irrigation management scenarios.

Value: 3

This topic is an introduction to the Australian legal system. The emphasis in the topic is upon using or applying law in contemporary Australian society. That is, the topic examines substantive areas of law but also the means whereby individuals and groups can use the law to promote and defend their legal rights. Therefore, students consider how law is developed and reformed, the personnel who apply and enforce law, the elements of the legal system and the existing alternatives, and the ways in which the political and administrative environment shapes and is shaped by law. The topic also critically examines many of the basic and essential features of the legal system including concepts of equality, fairness, justice, fault and individual and social rights.

Value: 3

Current issues in Environmental Science pertinent to South Australia and Australia will be covered in lectures, work shops, and student presentations. Topics will range from Murray-Darling Basin water resources, Great Barrier Reef sustainability, urban coastal zone issues, drought cycles, and irrigation, waste water reuse and soil degradation.

Student presentations of selected material will be a major emphasis of this topic.

Value: 6

This topic analyses the components and functions of a system - the hydrological system. The functions and interrelations between subsystems of the hydrological system are identified. The topic has a strong focus on the physical nature of the hydrological system; however, for each subsystem a 'human link' is presented. The 'human link' may outline an applied aspect of the hydrological system; our role in the management of a hydrological problem; our role in creating a hydrological problem; or a monitoring, measurement or employment aspect of the hydrological system. In the former part of the topic the material covered in the lectures is linked to concurrent practicals, with a focus on developing 'hands-on' field measurement skills, and analytical techniques. In the latter part of the topic, students will apply these skills in a group-work project in a local catchment system.

Value: 6

This is a study of coastal environments and their management as resources. Beaches, coastal dunes, estuaries, mangroves, reefs and seagrasses, and hard rock coasts are examined with regard to natural physical and biotic processes. Environmental management at the coast, with special reference to Australia, is discussed. Students will also undertake a one-day field trip.

Value: 6

This topic presents an introduction to the concepts and underlying principles of environmental impact assessment (EIA). It focuses on the process of EIA and its practice in Australia. An overview of the methods used to identify and assess the environmental impact of major proposals is provided. The effectiveness and adequacy of EIA practice in Australia is considered.