Water quality decline and changes in environmental flow regimes are becoming increasingly important and prominent natural resource management issues in Australia and internationally. There is a need for improving understanding and knowledge of water quality and environmental flow modelling techniques and assessment methods.

This course examines the physical, biological and chemical processes influencing water quality and builds theoretical and practical knowledge of the potential role of models in water quality management.
Several water quality models are investigated in detail and are used to illustrate good practice in model application and development. The theory and techniques of environmental flow assessment are also described and practical examples are investigated.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with later year undergraduate students but are assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Assessment will be based on:

• 5-minute oral presentation of characteristics and impacts of a specific pollutant (10%; LO 1)
• 3000-word written report presenting design and rationale for a monitoring program (40%; LO 2)
• Two tutorial reports demonstrating practical knowledge of selected modelling and assessment (20%; LO 3, 4)
• 1.5 hour exam testing overall knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

60 hours of contact taught as a two-week block course, comprising lectures, practical modelling sessions, guest presentations and field excursions.

Bachelor degree; general science knowledge

Smith, D.I. (1998) Water in Australia: Resources and Management, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.