env2egw groundwater
GROUNDWATER - SUSTAINABILITY & CONTAMINATION
ENV2EGW
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Groundwater (water beneath the earth's surface) is a crucial resource in many parts of the world for urban and agricultural use, and its importance is increasing as surface water supplies become over-exploited. This subject covers how groundwater moves (flow, recharge and discharge) and the chemical processes influencing its composition (e.g. evaporation, weathering, mineral precipitation). There is a strong emphasis on environmental aspects and applications, particularly groundwater contamination (including salinisation and acid mine drainage) and estimation and sustainability of groundwater resources.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJohn Webb
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects ENV3EGW
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions This subject is co-taught with ENV3EGW, but ENV3EGW uses different marking criteria that assess a higher order of thinking (explain, analyse, relate, apply) than is expected in ENV2EGW.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Physical and chemical hydrogeology | Recommended | Domenico, P.A. and Schwartz, F. W. | WILEY 1990. |
| Readings | The geochemistry of natural waters | Recommended | Drever, J. I. | 3RD EDN, PRENTICE HALL 1997. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe the parameters that control the ability of aquifers to store and transmit groundwater, and understand the techniques used to measure these parameters.
- Activities:
- Introduction of techniques and concepts in lectures and more detailed explanation in the laboratory/practical sessions. Example problems discussed and demonstrator assistance available during laboratory/practical sessions, along with guidelines for lab reports. Multiple lab/practical reports give students opportunity to receive feedback and improve the quality of their work. End-of-semester examination and reports based on laboratory/practical classes.
02. Analyse the physical and hydraulic parameters and properties of groundwater flow in order to solve complex constructed and real-world problems involving groundwater resources.
- Activities:
- Introduction of techniques and concepts in lectures and more detailed explanation in the laboratory/practical sessions. Example problems discussed and demonstrator assistance available during laboratory/practical sessions, along with guidelines for lab reports. Multiple lab/practical reports give students opportunity to receive feedback and improve the quality of their work. End-of-semester examination and reports based on laboratory/practical classes.
03. Apply the principles and techniques of geochemistry to interpret the composition of groundwater, including solving solubility and precipitation problems for a range of dissolved species found in natural and contaminated waters, and assessing the appropriate remediation techniques for groundwater contamination
- Activities:
- Introduction of techniques and concepts in lectures and more detailed explanation in the laboratory/practical sessions. Example problems discussed and demonstrator assistance available during laboratory/practical sessions, along with guidelines for lab reports. Multiple lab/practical reports give students opportunity to receive feedback and improve the quality of their work. End-of-semester examination and reports based on laboratory/practical classes.
04. Analyse groundwater hydraulic and chemical data collected in the field using numerical calculations and graphical representations, in order to prepare a written report on the results using appropriate organisation and referencing.
- Activities:
- Reinforcement of techniques and concepts provided in lectures and practicals with onsite explanation during the excursion; demonstrator assistance also available. Guidelines for excursion report given to students.
05. Describe the major groundwater resources of Victoria and the relevant government controls on their usage and protection
- Activities:
- Concepts and details explained in lectures and reinforced in the laboratory/practical sessions
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJohn Webb
Class requirements
Field TripWeek: 20 - 20
One 1.0 days field trip per study period on sunday during the day from week 20 to week 20 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"timetable on same day as one of the prac sessions"
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"timetable on same day as one of the prac sessions"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-hour end-of-semester open book examination | 40 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| One individual excursion rpt (500-word equiv) 18%; data collection in gps of 4 students 2% teamwork. | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Laboratory/practical exercises (10 reports, 1,000-words equivalent) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 05 |