UWA Handbook 2024

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to some of the fundamental science which underpins the understanding of the whole of catchment water cycle, including water quality and water treatment for human consumption. The module introduces the properties of water (physical and chemical), as well as concepts relating to the natural hydrological cycle and the ecology of inland aquatic systems. The module also addresses the human uses of water including water quality and water treatment and highlights the dynamic relationship between human and natural aquatic systems. The unit content utilises case study material. It is assumed that students have a basic understanding of chemical equations and stoichiometry. This module comprises key skills that are critical for a rigorous understanding of integrated water management problems.

Credit

6 points

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the physical and chemical properties of water—these are the basic properties of water that underpin its role in the environment, and contribute to an understanding of water quality and water treatment for human consumption; (2) describe the processes that affect these physical and chemical properties with respect to water quality, including human influences in the environment, such as increased nutrient and organic loads on waterways, land use changes, hydrological changes and urbanisation; (3) analyse, interpret and write about water quality data—analyse given water quality data using correct analysis methods and statistics, present water quality data using correct tables and figures, interpret the outcomes of this analysis, and write a meaningful report about the data and its implications for water quality, ecosystem health or human use; (4) describe basic hydrology of catchments and physical processes within catchments—an understanding of basic catchment hydrology is important in understanding water quality, linkages between the terrestrial and aquatic environment, the influence of land use change on aquatic systems, reservoir function and water treatment needs and environmental flows; (5) describe basic ecological processes in aquatic systems and measure key water quality and biological indicators for ecological health in an aquatic system—in understanding the whole of catchment water cycle it is important to also have an understanding of the functioning of natural aquatic systems and the trajectories of change imposed on these systems by human development and modification; (6) understand the principles of water storage and treatment—most of the world’s freshwater systems have been modified for human use with water storage for human consumption a major use, and understanding the principles of water storage and its subsequent treatment for human use is a major component of integrated water management, particularly with respect to sustainable water use; (7) be aware of larger issues of water security such as climate change—in the current context of climate change it is important to understand issues relating to water security as climate change models can be used to assess water supply changes and also model changes in water quality; (8) manage their own study and work effectively in an engineering team—this include the ability to reflect on their own learning and improve study approaches on the basis of this learning, work in a team to solve a large complex problem and communicate the solution effectively, identify and overcome issues/problems in a team to make the team result better than the sum of the individuals; and (9) participate in an integrated group project exploring detailed aspects of integrated water management.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) an assignment on 'all about water' (10 per cent); (2) a report on field trip (10 per cent); (3) an assignment on water in the environment (15 per cent); (4) an assignment on water storage and treatment (15 per cent); and (5) a group project (50 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Barbara Cook

Unit rules

Prerequisites

enrolment in

the Master of Integrated Water Management (72590)
or Graduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management (72390)
or Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Management (72290)