91155 Stream and Lake Assessment
6cpRequisite(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
Information to assist with determining the applicable fee type can be found at Understanding fees.
- Commonwealth-supported students: view subject fees at Fees Search: Commonwealth-supported
- Postgraduate domestic fee-paying students: fees are charged according to the course enrolled in; refer to Domestic Fees Search: Postgraduate and Research
- International students: fees are charged according to the course enrolled in; refer to International Fees Search
- Subject EFTSL: 0.125