Unit details
SLE223 - Water Quality and Ecological Health
| Offered at: | (W) |
|---|---|
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Offerings: | Trimester 2 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | SLE306 |
| Unit chair: | B Collins |
| Prerequisite: | SLE150 or SLE252 |
| Corequisite: | SLE010 |
| Incompatible with: | SQP205, SQP305 |
| Contact hours: | 2 x 1 hour lectures per week, 4 x 3 hour practical sessions, 1 day excursion |
| Note: Online teaching methods require internet access. Please refer to the most current computer specifications. | |
Content
This unit will examine the basic physico-chemical parameters important in ecosystem functioning and the assessment of ecosystem health - dissolved ions (salinity), dissolved gases and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon), particulates, contaminants. Processes governing the loading and transformation of these materials will be studied for a wide range of water bodies - including rivers, lakes, estuaries, beaches, oceans, groundwater, sewage treatment and aquaculture systems. Background levels of these parameters in natural waters and levels in disturbed ecosystems will be discussed. The role of these substances as determinants of ecosystem health in water bodies will also be investigated. Sampling of natural waters will also be examined in detail - particularly strategies to avoid contamination and deterioration and improve representativeness of samples. The nature, role, interpretation and application of national water quality guidelines will be described. Common water quality analysis tools and techniques will be considered. An associated series of practical experiments will enhance laboratory skills and demonstrate applications of material introduced in lectures.
Assessment
Assignment 10%, practical exercise 30%, class test 20%, examination 40%
Unit Fee Information
| Student Contribution Rate* | Student Contribution Rate** | Fee rate - Domestic Students | Fee rate - International students |
| $1076 | $1076 | $3750 | $3503 |
* Rate for all CSP students, except for those who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010
** Rate for CSP students who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010
Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.
