SCIE602 – Environmental Assessment for Applied Science
Module code
SCIE602
Module title
Environmental Assessment for Applied Science
Prescription
To enable students to acquire knowledge of biological, microbial and chemical assessment of soil, water and the atmosphere as a means of understanding and managing the impact of human activities on the natural environment.
Programmes
- SX1707
- SX1709
NZQA Level
Level 6
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
- Web-Supported
Learning hours
- Total learning hours
- 150
Resources required
- Learning Outcomes
- Identify and select sampling protocols suitable for the analysis of water, soil and the atmosphere from a variety of sources, and conduct the necessary sampling.
Accurately measure and interpret selected biological, microbial and chemical parameters of environmental samples.
Evaluate the use of technologies to restore biodegraded ecosystems and in water and waste management.
Discuss the role of monitoring and reporting programmes in environmental management and interpret data from environmental monitoring programmes.
Discuss implications of the RMA and the Treaty of Waitangi in regards to the sustainable use of resources and environmental management in NZ - Content
- -The interplay between nutrient status, micro-organisms and chemistry in aquatic systems.
-Aquifer structure and water quality.
-Soil structure/composition and stratification.
-Micro-organisms in rhizosphere processes; carbon storage; nutrient availability.
-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.
-Waste management: landfills, leachates, catchments and wastewater.
-Current biological (e.g. freshwater macro-invertebrate indices), chemical and microbial methods used to monitor and maintain soil, water and air quality.
-Soil, water and air sampling for biological, microbial and chemical parameters.
-Environmental monitoring and reporting programmes as a tool for managing soil, water and air quality.
-Impact of the RMA and the Treaty of Waitangi on management of soil, water and air quality in NZ. - Teaching and Learning Strategy
- Learning will be facilitated using a range of teaching and learning methods, which may include:
Practical - laboratory; practical or workshop sessions and activities; demonstrations
Theory - includes web-supported tutor facilitated/directed presentations; lectures and tutorials; group activities; peer presentations and review; group/individual research; online learning activities; case studies; guest speakers - Assessment Criteria
- Portfolio of Evidence100
