Problem Solving in Environmental Science (EVSC90009)

Students completing this subject should have an appreciation of environmental decision-making and the role of scientists in that process; have developed a critical understanding of methodologies used for the assessment of human impacts on the natural environment; understand the statistical principles underlying the design of environmental impact assessment and monitoring; and have experience in conducting and presenting the results of a multi-disciplinary research project in environmental impact assessment.

Topics include methodologies of hypothesis development, experimental design and testing in environmental impact assessment, design and analysis of sampling and monitoring programs and their subsequent analysis, evaluating proposed solutions for their technical feasibility and risk, and the role of scientists in environmental decision-making. Part of the tutorial component and the field day will involve students undertaking a modest original investigation of an environmental problem.