ENVS1001
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
The earth is facing unprecedented human-induced pressures that threaten the functioning of our ecosystems. Environmental Science attempts to explain how life on Earth is sustained, what contributes to our many environmental problems, and how these problems can be solved. Environmental Science & Management stands at the interface between humans and the Earth and explores the interactions and relations between them. This course introduces students to a number of the basic multidisciplinary concepts which are fundamental to understanding these interrelationships. Students will explore the methods which environmental scientists use in monitoring, measuring and assessing environmental variables. The course develops a firm understanding of scientific principles as applied to these variables and the necessary grounding for continuing studies in the Environmental Sciences.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Summarise core and fundamental knowledge of concepts and methods appropriate to environmental science;
2. Monitor, measure and assess a variety of environmental variables;
3. Apply methods to sample and specimen collection, field observation, recording, laboratory techniques and experimental design;
4. Manipulate data, interpret trends, analyse and communicate results associated with the measurement of environmental variables;
Content
This course introduces students to the key concepts and methods of environmental science. Topics will be selected from:
- Introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science and fundamental issues in environmental science, including climate change, pollution, sustainability;
- Introduction to spatial science and its role in the environmental sciences;
- Biodiversity and conservation of terrestrial systems;
- Introduction to marine, estuarine and freshwater systems, including contemporary issues and mitigation measures;
- Introduction to the Earth’s physical systems, such as weathering and soil formation;
- Earth’s atmosphere and climate, global warming and climate change;
- Social and indigenous environmental issues;
- Environmental variables, their monitoring, measurement and assessment;
- Sample and specimen collection, sampling strategies, field observation and skills and fundamental laboratory techniques;
- Basic data manipulation, interpretation, analysis and communication of results;
Requisite
This course replaces ENVS1060. If you have successfully completed ENVS1060 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Practical exercises in the lab and field written assignments based on practical activities
Formal Examination: Formal Examination
Quiz: On-line Quizzes
In Term Test: Practical examination based on practical activities
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Practical-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Practical-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Course outline
- ENVS1001 - Semester 1, 2024 (All) (PDF, 167.4 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.