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Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology (GEOG90052)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 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 focuses primarily on processes occurring within the channel, while the surrounding catchment type is considered as background context. 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 should be able to:
- 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
- Be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in stream ecology and hydrology as they relate to environmental management
- Be able to design, conduct and report on original research based on field and/or laboratory investigation
- Work effectively in projects which require team-work
- Conduct sample surveys and carry out basic quantification of water quantity and quality
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission to a postgraduate coursework program or honours in geography, ecology, environmental studies, environmental science, resource management, environmental engineering or by permission of the subject coordinator.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG30022 | Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
Recommended background knowledge
Undergraduate-level study in ecology, geography, environmental science or associated disciplines is strongly advised.
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.
This course requires all students to actively and safely participate in field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Field and practical exercises equivalent to 250 words completed primarily within practical classes in weeks 2-11
| Throughout the semester | 20% |
A field research report of 2500 words, due late May
| During the teaching period | 40% |
A 15-minute group presentation on field research in groups of 6-8 students (equivalent to 250 words)
| End of semester | 5% |
A literature review related to lecture material (2000 words)
| During the examination period | 35% |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Additional delivery details
An enrolment quota of 40 students (in undergraduate and postgraduate offering) 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: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
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
- 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: 10 November 2023