Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, estuaries and coasts, supply a diversity of ecosystem services that support humanity. They have also been subject to exploitation and degradation at a global scale in response to development pressures. Critical to planning for the sustainable use and management of aquatic environments is an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes that govern ecosystem interactions and their ability to support biodiversity. This unit provides students with an understanding of how inland and marine ecosystems function, and develops practical skills associated with field, laboratory and modelling based investigations. Case studies of diverse aquatic system types are explored, and associated issues including contamination, Harmful Algal Blooms, habitat loss and biodiversity loss are explored. Management approaches and technologies to restore and sustainably develop aquatic environments are also covered, including approaches to environmental water delivery, nutrient management and ecosystem restoration. Students will participate in a five day field trip. In 2019 the field trip is in Albany.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 2 Albany Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply knowledge of aquatic ecosystem function across freshwater, estuarine and marine environments; (2) evaluate how different threats to aquatic systems alter ecosystem functions and processes and interpret how these manifest in biodiversity outcomes; (3) evaluate scientifically-based remediation strategies for aquatic environments, with consideration of the environmental and economic implications that will determine successful implementation; and (4) evaluate examples of successful policies and governance approaches that can support aquatic system sustainability.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) opinion paper; (2) conceptual model; and (3) research report. 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 Paul Close
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):Field trip accommodation and food expenses (estimated cost - $55 per day , up to $275). - Contact hours
- 1x2hr lecture
1x3hr laboratory/practical
plus a field trip
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.