ENVS1001

Environmental Science Concepts & Methods

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
Ourimbah Semester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011

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. The course also introduces students to 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 topics covered provide the necessary grounding for continuing studies in the Environmental Sciences.

This course has compulsory course components. As well as an overall passing grade (50%), students must meet the established minimum requirements relating to formal examination and laboratory/practical assignments.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, students will have:

1. Core and fundamental knowledge of environmental concepts and methods appropriate to all majors of the Bachelor of Environmental Science & Management program;
2. Experience in the monitoring, measurement and assessment of environmental variables;
3. Competency in the methods used for sample and specimen collection, field observation, recording, laboratory techniques and experimental design;
4. The ability to manipulate data, interpret trends, analyse and communicate results associated with the measurement of environmental variables;
5. An understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Science.
Content Topics will be selected from:
- Introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science;
- Fundamental issues associated with its study: sound science, sustainability and stewardship;
- Water & Biogeochemical cycles - why they are essential to long term life on earth;
- Environmental variables, their monitoring, measurement and assessment, SI units and the Scientific Method, hypothesis testing;
- Sample and specimen collection, sampling strategies, field observation and skills, fundamental laboratory techniques and the design of experiments;
- Basic data manipulation, interpretation, analysis and communication of results;
- Introduction to the Biophysical Environment - weathering and soil formation;
- Water Pollution and Water Quality Monitoring;
- Earth's Atmosphere & Climate, Air Quality and Pollution, Anthropogenic Global Warming and Climate Change;
- Fate of Contaminants, Environmental Health and Toxicology;
- Waste Management and the Environment;
- Interpretation of Environmental Standards and Use of Environmental Data in State of the Environment Reporting.
Replacing Course(s) ENVS1060 Environmental Chemical & Physical Processes
Transition Students who fail to complete ENVS1060 will be required to complete ENVS1001. Not to count with credit for ENVS1060.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge NA
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Email Discussion Group
Field Study
Lecture
Laboratory
Practical
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal Note: This formal examination has a compulsory course component. This is not addressed in other assessment items in the course.
A mark of at least 40% in the final formal examination is required to demonstrate that the student has fulfilled course objectives 1,2&5. On achieving the minimum required mark in the final exam, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student has satisfied the compulsory course component.

Those students who fail to satisfy the essential criterion will have the normal avenues of appeal open to them. In the event of a successful appeal the student will be given a supplementary assessment to determine whether the student has satisfied the compulsory course component.
Laboratory Exercises Students undertaking this course are required to demonstrate practical and theoretical competency by submitting reports for a minimum of 80% of the scheduled laboratory/practical sessions and obtaining an overall grade of at least 50% in the laboratory/practical component of the course.

These are required to demonstrate a student's understanding of Course Objectives 3 & 4 which refer to the application of professional knowledge and skills. This is not addressed in other assessment items in the course. On passing the laboratory/practical exercises, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student has satisfied the essential criterion.

Those who fail to satisfy the compulsory course component will have the normal avenues of appeal open to them. In the event of a successful appeal the student will be given a supplementary assessment to determine whether the student has satisfied the compulsory course component.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Practical: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Compulsory Course Component WHS-Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety induction.
Compulsory Course Component Students undertaking this course are required to demonstrate practical and theoretical competency by submitting reports for a minimum of 80% of the scheduled laboratory/practical sessions and obtaining an overall grade of at least 50% in the laboratory/practical component of the course.

The formal examination is a compulsory course component. This is not addressed in other assessment items in the course. A mark of at least 40% in the final formal examination is required to demonstrate that the student has fulfilled course objectives 1, 2 & 5.
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS1001