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Integrated River & Catchment Management (GEOG90003)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Rivers are amongst the hardest of natural resources to manage. They are long and thin, and so maximise the impact of catchment changes; they also focus environmental, social and production pressures. Rivers are the archetypal example of the conflict between private and public goods. In most western countries we have done an effective job of degrading these resources. The last 20 years has seen a transformation in the way rivers have been managed. We are now less concerned with protecting people from rivers (via flood mitigation), and more focused on environmental rehabilitation and protection. This subject equips students to manage rivers more effectively by integrating catchment management activities. In reality, there are not many things that we do to manage rivers: change landuse, change flow, change water quality, change riparian vegetation, or make structural changes to the river. In this course we concentrate on (a) how much do you have to alter each of these management levers in order to produce the most cost effective improvements in river condition and sustainability; (b) how do we integrate the management of many levers at different scales; and (c) how do we evaluate whether we have had any effect. The subject has a strong emphasis on how to develop strong and successful policy for managing natural systems. The principles for managing rivers apply to managing most natural resources, so students can be confident of learning general management and policy principles.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject students will have a sound understanding of:
A critical, and realistic, approach to natural resource management (incorporating both scientific and social dimensions)
- River processes and functions (both physical and ecological)
- The policy framework and principles for river management
- How to develop and implement river management strategies and plans
Generic skills
- design, conduct and report on original research based on field and/or laboratory investigation;
- work effectively in projects which require team-work;
- articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
General knowledge of environmental policy, natural systems, or strategic planning an advantage. Former students have either worked in, or had degrees in a wide range of areas including engineering, resource management, water chemistry, etc.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Prepare a 'Trajectory' model and report of 1,250 words. Value 25% (due in Week 4),
- Fieldtrip report of 2,500 words. Value 50% (due in week 9), and
- Develop a summary catchment management plan for the Great Barrier Reef. 1,250 words. Value 25% (due in week 12).
Attending the major field trip is a hurdle requirement for the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Ian Rutherfurd Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours One 2-hour lecture/seminar per week plus 3 days of field work during the semester. Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
N/A
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022