University of Technology Sydney

91155 Stream and Lake Assessment

6cp
Requisite(s): 91121 Aquatic Ecosystems
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth and our limited surface water is critical for biodiversity as well as freshwater for direct human consumption for irrigation, potable water, industry and a range of other ecosystems services that derive from healthy freshwater systems. In order to ensure biodiversity protection and that the impacts of human disturbances are understood, it is necessary to be able to assess the health of streams and lakes. This subject covers the biological characteristics of Australian streams and lakes, methods of measuring their health via biomonitoring and water quality measurements, and the ecological management of streams and lakes. An appreciation of these factors allows students to contribute to the ongoing debates about direct human consumption of freshwater versus 'environmental flows', the regulation of water by dams and other engineering works, and the impact of environmental contaminants on freshwater systems. This subject is targeted at those seeking a career as professional freshwater ecologists in government, environmental consultancy, companies and universities. A two-day field excursion is a core component of this subject.

Typical availability

Spring session, City campus


Detailed subject description.

Fee information

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Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at access conditions and My Student Admin.