NSCI6106 – Environmental Assessment for Applied Science

Module code

NSCI6106

Module title

Environmental Assessment for Applied Science

Prescription

The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills that enable students to take a process-based approach to environmental quality and its assessment.

NZQA Level

Level 6

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Enhanced

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Content: - Freshwater macro-invertebrate indices
- Water chemistry sampling and analysis for nutrients and major components
- Water microbiology sampling and enumeration
- Interplay between nutrient status, micro-organisms and chemistry in aquatic systems
- Aquifer structure and water quality
- soil structure/composition and stratification
- Degraded ecosystems; carbon loss from soil
- The composition of the atmosphere
- Topical issues related to the atmosphere; including ozone depletion, greenhouse gases and acid rain
- The sources and impact of soil, water and air pollution; strategies to prevent or control degradation of soil, water and air quality
- Micro-organisms in rhizosphere processes (carbon storage; nutrient availability)
- Soil sampling and analysis for microbiological and chemistry quantities
- Use of technologies to restore biodegraded ecosystems
- Use of technologies in water and waste management
-The role of monitoring and reporting programmes in environmental management
- Interpret data from environmental monitoring programmes
- Bi-cultural perspectives on environmental quality and degradation
- The environment and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Relevant legislation such as the RMA
Learning Outcomes: LO1 Assess environmental quality by collecting and interpreting field samples.
LO2 Measure and interpret the biological, microbial and chemical properties of environmental samples.
LO3 Analyse environmental and waste management.
LO4 Discuss implications of relevant legislation and Te Tiriti o Waitangi regarding the sustainable use of resources and environmental management in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Learning and teaching activities will employ a range of elements drawn from approved methods to align with the context of the learning (delivery mode, regional specific requirement, etc.) and any particular needs of the group of aakonga.
Assessment Criteria: Assessment in this course is achievement-based. Aakonga must submit all specified assessment items and obtain at least 50% overall score in order to pass this course. Aakonga will be advised of all matters relating to summative assessment at the start of the course.
Learning and Teaching Resource: All required and recommended resources are advised to aakonga via course outlines.