Science, Technology and Engineering

Environmental Geoscience

Subjects

Processes that shape the earth (GEO1PRO)

In this unit students are introduced to the study of planet Earth, its origins and evolution, its composition and the processes that have shaped it. Students will learn about the planets of the solar system, the structure of the Earth, and the composition of the Earth's crust. The surface processes of volcanism, erosion and deposition that shape the landscape are described, including the landforms and sediments produced in the various environments across the Earth's surface (e.g. the formation of the Nile Delta). Students use their skills during weekly practical classes and a one-day field trip to the Bacchus Marsh area.

This is an introductory course; no background in earth science is required.

Lecturers: Dr Susan White
Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb

Earth structure, resources and history of life (GEO1ERS)

In this unit students learn about the evolution of life on earth, from microbes to modern-day humans (palaentology), as well as the impact of climate change and meteorite impacts on the fossil record. The Earth's resources are also covered, including fossil fuels, ore deposits and groundwater. Students also learn about the structural processes which alter the Earth's crust (faults and folds) and plate tectonics. Weekly practical classes allow students to practice mapping skills and identify fossil specimens. A one-day field trip to the Mornington Peninsula is included.

This unit can be taken as a follow-on from GEO1PRO, or as a stand alone subject. No background in earth science is required.

Lecturers: Dr Susan White
Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb

Surface/groundwater flow and chemistry (GEO2EGW or GEO3EGW)

In this unit different aspects of water, in terms of surface flows (flooding, relationship to climate), groundwater (movement, recharge and discharge) and water geochemistry (chemical processes influencing the composition of surface and groundwater) are looked at. Problem-solving and data-interpretation practicals and a one-day excursion are used to illustrate these topics. There is a strong emphasis on environmental aspects, including land contamination (e.g. acid mine drainage), salinisation of the landscape, and estimation and sustainability of water resources.

Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb

Remote Sensing and GIS (GEO2EGR or GEO3EGR)

This unit consists of several components, that cover the two main ways in which remotely sensed data can be collected (satellites and air photos), basic techniques of processing and interpreting the data, and how this data (and all other spatial data) can be plotted onto maps using GIS (geographic information systems) computer programs. In addition, GPS (global positioning systems) are discussed. The course introduces the basic theory of remote sensing, GIS and GPS, but focuses on the practical applications of the techniques, and the practical exercises cover a wide variety of topics.

Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb

Landscape and climate change (GEO2EGL or GEO3EGL)

This unit covers the causes and effects of climate changes, particularly during the Quaternary glaciations over the last 2 million years, and discusses the impacts of these changes on the evolution of the Earth's landscape and on the people inhabiting it. The influence of tectonism (earth movements) on the landscape is also considered. Fundamental questions, including the formation and erosion of mountain ranges, the onset of aridity in Australia, and the impact of people on the landscape, are discussed. In addition, the soils and regolith (weathered material) on the Earth's surface are described, along with the chemical and physical processes responsible for their formation, and related to climate history.

Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb

Water Resource Management (ENV3WRM)

This unit deals with water resource management, policies, practices and organisational arrangements aimed at the most effective and efficient use of the total water resource, while minimising adverse effects of water use on other natural resources.

Topics include the history of water resource development in Australia, current government policy and the basic concepts of water resource management, data requirements, correction and analysis, allocation policies and practices, storage and distribution systems, irrigation, urban and industrial use, water quality, salinity and nutrient management and river and flood plain management.

Lecturer: Danny O'Neill

Environmental Enquiry (ENV2ESA & ENV2ESB)

In first semester students attend a range of seminars that cover a variety of topics; students write a short assignment based on each seminar. Topics covered in previous years include:

• Climate change
• Industrial and residential waste management and disposal
• Dryland salinity
• Acid mine drainage
• Information on career paths and vacation work

In second semester students are divided into groups and research different aspects of an environmental topic in detail. Using the information provided in the seminars in second semester and derived from searching the literature and the web, each student compiles a report and each group gives a presentation to the class. The projects are designed to introduce students to the research process and encourage group work, presentation and environmental assessment skills.

Previous second year project topics are listed below:

Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb

Environmental Research (ENV3ENV)

Third year Environmental Science students are required to complete a small group or individual research project focussing on a relevant environmental issue. A variety of projects are offered across a number of research areas including geoscience, botany, soil science, chemistry, physics and zoology. The projects encourage students to develop a range of skills including:

• research and information gathering
• data processing and analysis
• field work and sampling
• laboratory work (including sample preparation and analysis)
• report writing
• oral communication

With these focuses students gain the experience of being able to work independently or as a small group on a detailed problem and are able to reach a meaningful and rewarding conclusion. Many of the projects are relevant to a particular site and can lead to postgraduate and/or career opportunities. A list of current and past projects is available.

Unit Coordinator: Dr John Webb