Value: 4

An introduction to the principles of water conservation, and water auditing as an important tool in implementing water conservation and as part of a general environmental management system. A primary purpose of a water audit is to improve water use efficiency by identifying opportunities for reduction in water use and recycling. Topics include: flow measurement and instrumentation, water quality requirements for various types of water use, regulations governing environmental use of water and management strategies. Case studies are discussed.

Value: 4
Pre-requisite: Some chemistry or environmental science

An introduction to the study of pollution and its control, discussing the relationship between wastes and pollution. This unit examines the impacts of wastes on the environment, the ability of nature to assimilate wastes, and the natural physical, chemical and biological assimilative processes. Develops basic scientific and technical skills for pollution assessment with respect to the source, composition and characteristics of the wastes. Examines available technologies for pollution control and protection of water quality from municipal, urban, agricultural and industrial sources.

Value: 4

Develops an understanding of toxicology, how it is used and its limitations. This unit examines some chemical and physical pollutants and their presence in homes, the workplace, and the wider environment. Emphasis is placed on how we use chemicals, our day to day exposure to toxic substances, and the concept of risk. Discusses the interaction between toxins and the development of illnesses like asthma, allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity, as well as their impact on quality of life, health and work performance.

Value: 4
Pre-requisite: Good chemistry knowledge

This unit examines the materials and processes in landscapes including rocks, regolith and soils; and the storage and movement of water within them. Geomorphology and groundwater hydrology are studied with emphasis on the interactions between water, soils and plants. Principles and processes of saturated and unsaturated water flow are covered with particular reference to environmental degradation (salinity, groundwater pollution etc.). Laboratory experiments and field experiments give students hands-on exposure to these issues complemented by problem-based, numerical exercises.

Value: 4
Pre-requisite: ÉNV281

Develop an understanding of the Australian landscape as it relates to sustainable land use in a variety of contexts from primary industries to the mining sector. Focusing on the soils and landscapes of south-western Australia, examine the causes of land degradation including wind and water erosion, salinisation, waterlogging and acidification; evaluate the condition and capability of land; and the appropriate management techniques, including catchment management. Discuss steps for rehabilitation of land, including revegetation after mining, to achieve sustainable ecosystems.

Value: 4

This unit examines the major causes of disease, disability and death in developing and developed countries, including water and food borne disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and stress. There is a focus on the role of environment, diet and lifestyle in the causation and prevention of disease as well as the role of risk assessment and risk management. Topics: the role of nutrition, sanitation and transmission of infectious disease, stress and lifestyle factors. Concludes with prevention strategies and environmental aspects of preserving health and well being.

Value: 4

This unit explores the philosophical underpinnings of the environmental and sustainable development challenges facing humanity. Sustainability Ethics aims to critically reflect upon our beliefs and practices and the assumptions underlying them. The unit is specifically aimed at exploring the ethical foundations of sustainable living with a particular emphasis given to bringing together theory and practice.

Value: 4

Cities around the world are grappling with problems of automobile dependence, urban sprawl and environmental quality. This unit involves an integrated approach to understanding and changing cities based on a theme of sustainability. Topics: town planning, transport planning, environmental planning, social planning, natural resource management, infrastructure planning and management. The interplay between city technology, professional practice and community values. A case study focus on cities that have used sustainability to reduce automobile dependence and its associated problems.

Value: 4

This unit aims to provide a broad overview of technology for sustainable development, and the necessary understanding for evaluating and selecting technology appropriate for specific situations. It explores the production, use and application of renewable resources, and considers technology in the area of food production, water, wastes, shelter, energy, transport and materials production. The unit covers technologies for environmentally sound development relevant to developing countries, isolated communities, and urban villages, drawing on case studies from various parts of the world.

Value: 4
Pre-requisite: 2nd year Ecology unit

This unit focuses on the repair of damaged ecosystems and aims to provide a broad understanding of the concepts and practice of restoration ecology. Study both site-based and landscape-scale restoration, including mine site rehabilitation, plant regeneration in degraded ecosystems, revegetation, plant and animal reintroduction, and landscape design. Discuss restoration goals and techniques, the use of reference ecosystems, the concept of restoration thresholds and the design of resilient ecosystems. Also consider the broader socio-economic and decision-making contexts within which restoration activities take place.

Value: 4

Rapidly growing population, the spread of cities, the energy crisis, global warming, deforestation, desertification, the loss of species and toxic chemicals are examples of global environmental challenges with a social and economic basis that invite regional solutions. This unit will provide a global and regional perspective on the interconnections between these concerns; their solution in a sustainable development framework; and the role of technology, community values and global and regional sustainability institutions in managing our future.

Value: 4

Ecology concerns the interaction of biota and the environment. Study key ecological concepts and techniques, and their implementation in the field. Consider biogeographic aspects of the Australian biota as a foundation for examination of the four tiers of ecology: the individual, populations, communities and ecosystems. The unit is taught from an evolutionary perspective. A field component is an integral part of the unit and all students participate in the collection and interpretation of a substantial set of ecological field data.

Value: 4
Co-requisite: ENV268 Ecology if not completed 2nd year ecology unit
Pre-requisite: 2nd year Ecology unit

This unit provides a comprehensive theoretical and practical basis for the management, monitoring and conservation of rivers, streams, estuaries and wetlands. It develops an understanding of aquatic processes which includes the physical and chemical features of inland, estuarine and nearshore marine waters and aspects of primary and secondary production. The unit then focuses on human impacts, monitoring, management strategies and water resources policy. The practical component of the unit provides a knowledge of relevant physical, chemical and biological research techniques.

Value: 4

This unit addresses the challenges of assessing, designing, introducing and maintaining small scale renewable energy technologies in developing countries, particularly in rural areas. It is here that the big increases in global population and energy demand are predicted to occur over the coming two decades. Views the problem in a holistic, rather than a purely technical way. Adopts a broad description of what constitutes renewable energy technology since most energy in developing countries rural areas is currently derived from traditional renewable sources.

Value: 4

This unit covers the main policies and issues related to conserving marine habitats and care of the coast. It analyses the Federal marine and coastal policies that have developed in the last decade. Through these policies, the unit examines movements towards community involvement in coastal management and stewardship, towards an ecosystem-based approach to policy and management, and towards a comprehensive marine protected areas system. Key to the unit is practical and conceptual work with a local coast care group.