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Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology (GEOG30022)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject examines principles in the two disciplines of hydrology and ecology, emphasising the application of both to understand how to solve environmental management problems in river ecosystems. The subject examines water in terms of quantity and quality; and the physical channel and floodplain systems in which it is conveyed and stored, along with transported materials such as sediments and organic matter. The subject also examines population, community and ecosystem dynamics of riverine organisms and their geographical distributions and diversities. Through practicals and fieldwork, students should develop skills in acquiring, analysing and presenting hydrological and ecological data, and in the identification and proper field sampling of stream biota. Students should become aware of the multidisciplinary nature of environmental management and the need for critical examination of ideas in the literature.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will have achieved the following objectives:
- Understand the principles of hydrology and ecology as they relate to river ecosystems
- Acquire, analyse and present data relating to catchment characteristics, water quality and quantity, and the biota of river ecosystems
- Understand the processes that determine water quality and quantity and the ecological status of rivers
- Apply basic laboratory, computer and field methods for hydrology and ecology
Generic skills
- Thinking critically and analytically
- Testing theories with evidence
- Designing and implementing field projects that meaningfully test hypotheses
- Writing well constructed field reports and journal articles
- Interpreting data, informed by the relevant literature
- Collaborating in group field and research activities
Last updated: 8 August 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG20002 | Landscapes and Environmental Change | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ECOL20003 | Ecology | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GEOG20009 Landscapes and Diversity
OR
Equivalent as approved by the subject coordinator
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
37.5 points of second year subjects.
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: 8 August 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Field and practical exercises completed primarily within practical classes during weeks 2-11, with some assessment completed during non-contact time
| From Week 2 to Week 11 | 20% |
A field research report due at the end of the first week of the Examination Period
| During the examination period | 45% |
A group presentation on field research in groups of 6-8 students (equivalent to 250 words)
| End of semester | 5% |
Four quizzes of equal weight, with one quiz every 3 weeks
| Throughout the teaching period | 30% |
Last updated: 8 August 2023
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Additional delivery details
An enrolment quota of 40 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the Faculty of Science website: http://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/course-planning-and-advice
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities.
Last updated: 8 August 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Stream Hydrology: An Introduction for Ecologists, N.D. Gordon, T.A. McMahon, B.L. Finlayson, C.J. Gippel and R.J. Nathan, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd edition, 2004
- Subject notes
Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 degree and new degrees), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) may receive science credit on the completion of this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Geography Major Integrated Geography Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Physical Geography Major Geography Major Geography Major Environmental Science Major Environmental Geography Major Environmental Science Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Informal specialisation Integrated Geography Informal specialisation Integrated Geography Major Physical Geography Informal specialisation Physical Geography Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
Additional information for this subject
Quota limit applied - UoM students will be given preference over CAP applicants
- 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: 8 August 2023