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Course profile

Aquatic Environments (ENVM2003)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
The Environment School

Our society is highly dependent on ecosystem services supplied by freshwater, estuarine and marine aquatic ecosystems including the provision of food, water, energy, and recreation and cultural activities. Yet aquatic habitats include some of the most fragile and most threatened ecosystems on earth. Cumulative impacts from agriculture, urbanisation, industrial production, invasive species, and climate change have resulted in degradation, fragmentation, and destruction of aquatic environments. Sustainable management of these systems is dependent on understanding the physical, chemical, hydrological and ecological processes in freshwater and marine ecosystems, and their significance for ecosystem structure and function. ENVM2003 Aquatic Environments will provide students with the knowledge base necessary to prepare individuals for advanced course work in Environmental Science and employment in the management of aquatic ecosystems.
This second level course will develop the systems thinking basis critical to Environmental Science by taking an integrated approach to aquatic environments from glacial ecosystems to deep-sea ecosystems. We will start by understanding where the water that makes up these systems came from, and the broad-scale atmospheric and hydrologic cycles that govern its distribution and movement. This will be followed by four modules covering the physical, chemical, hydrological and ecological characteristics and processes of glacial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems. In addition to interactive lectures and expert guest lectures and tutorials, ENVM2003 will include field trips to regional ecosystems where students will engage in interdisciplinary exercises and practical skills training. Through a series of written, oral, laboratory and field exercises, this course will deliver a catchment perspective on the management of aquatic environments with a focus on Queensland and Australian ecosystems.

Water.ᅠ

Where does it even come from?ᅠ

Why is it so critical and how do its properties shapeᅠfreshwater and marine ecosystems?

ENVM2003ᅠ“Aquatic Environments”, is a two-unit course, intended to provide an overview of theᅠorigins of water on our planet, and the roleᅠand functioning of aquatic ecosystems.ᅠ Our understanding and management of aquatic environments is one of the great challenges of the 21st century.ᅠ Due to its introductory nature, ENVM2003 will look broadly across physical, chemical and biological processes and their interactions in aquatic systems ranging from glacial to the deep-sea.ᅠ Students will come to understand the key ecological components of aquatic systems, the ecosystems services they provide, and the threats to the functioning of these systems.ᅠ This approach ensures that students complete the course with an understanding of the underlying processes that occur in aquatic environments and can apply this knowledge to a wide-range of situations.ᅠOn completion, students will be able toᅠcommunicate the importance and functioning of aquatic systems and have a solid foundation of knowledge to underpin further studies in environmental science, and a career in the management and conservation of aquatic systems.

Course requirements

Assumed background

None

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Demonstrator

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Timetables are available on MyTimetable.

Students are required to attend or watch the 2 hour lecture each week and a 2ᅠhour practical in each module.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide you with an introduction to aquatic ecosystems that will help you to explain their importance in a global context. The primary goal is to examine similarities and differences between the physical, biological and chemical components of aquatic systems. Key themes will be the origin of water, and how it connects systems across the planet in both space and time.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand basic terms encountered in the vocabulary of aquatic ecosystem science

LO2.

Describe how water was formed on Earth and the cycles that govern its circulation

LO3.

Describe the main physical, chemical, hydrological, ecological characteristics of aquatic environments and their main ecosystem services

LO4.

Apply systems thinking in relation to likely human-environment interactions and impacts

LO5.

Understand and explain strategies to overcome/prevent environmental degradation of aquatic ecosystems

LO6.

Demonstrate skills in time management and working independently to complete written exercises on time

LO7.

Communicate knowledge in an accessible and professional manner in career-oriented oral presentations

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Five Online Quizzes 30%
Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set Four in-class practicals 30%
Essay/ Critique Written Essay 40%

4/11/2024 5:00 pm

Assessment details

Five Online Quizzes

Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
30%
Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L06

Task description

There will be five short multichoice/short answer or problem solving quizzes throughout the semester covering the content since the previous quiz. Quizzes will cover online lecture recordings (available on Blackboard), information provided during practicals, as well as readings and other learning resources made available to students throughout the semester. The online quiz will be short and timed, and students will only have one opportunity to take each quiz. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they have a reliable internet connection and functioning PC/laptop/device to ensure that they do not encounter any technical difficulties during the timed quiz.

Submission guidelines

Quizzes will be open through Blackboard for one week after the associated lecture (weeks 2,5,8,11,13). Once you start the quiz, you will have 20 minutes. The quiz will automatically submit after 20 minutes. There are no multiple attempts, nor can you interrupt the quiz.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension or deferrable availability notes relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the late submission guidelines relating to this assessment item.

Four in-class practicals

Mode
Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
30%
Learning outcomes
L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

There will be four assessed practicals throughout the semester, one in each module. These will be computer-based and held during your pracitcal time. A short quiz or report will be assigned for each practical.

Submission guidelines

Practical's and the associated assignment will occur in class in weeks 6, 7, 11 an 13.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension or deferrable availability notes relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the late submission guidelines relating to this assessment item.

Written Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
40%
Due date

4/11/2024 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

This is a written essay. You will be provided with a choice of essay topics related to the 5 main modules delivered in the course. You will have the whole of semester to work on this essay, which should be between 2000 and 2500 words.

Submission guidelines

Your essay will need to be submitted through a Turnitin link via Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension or deferrable availability notes relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the late submission guidelines relating to this assessment item.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0%

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30%

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45%

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% Assessment hurdle: Must have an average grade of >49.5% on the five quizzes, and an average grade of >49.5% on the five practicals.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% Assessment hurdle: Must have an average grade of >49.5% on the five quizzes, and an average grade of >49.5% on the five practicals.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% Assessment hurdle: Must have an average grade of >49.5% on the five quizzes, and an average grade of >49.5% on the five practicals.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% Assessment hurdle: Must have an average grade of >49.5% on the five quizzes, and an average grade of >49.5% on the five practicals.

Additional course grading information

Assessment hurdles: Assessment hurdle: Must have an average grade of >49.5% on the five quizzes, and an average grade of >49.5% on the five practicals.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Supplementary assessment is available

 

Courses graded 1-7

 

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

 

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

 

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

 

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Applications for Extensions


Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.

Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.

If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.

 

Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)

For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.


Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Turnitin

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment.”

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.

In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Course Blackboard site will contain both required and optional (recommended but not examinable) material.

Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Week 1 - Lecture

1. What makes water so special?
2. The hydrologic cycle

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Week 2 - Lecture

1. Catchments
2. Groundwater

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Not Timetabled

Online Quiz 1

Origins of water module quiz

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06

General contact hours

Practical

How to do well in your assessments

Learning outcomes: L04, L06

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Week 3 - Lecture

Springs

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Week 4 - Lecture

Freshwater systems

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Week 5 - Lecture

Wetlands

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Not Timetabled

Online Quiz 2

Freshwater systems module quiz

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Week 6 - Lecture

Physical features in mangroves, saltmarshes and tidal flats

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

General contact hours

Prac

Wetlands practical

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Week 7 - Lecture

Ecosystem function of coastal systems

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

General contact hours

Prac

Historical changes of coastal ecosystems

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Week 8 - Lecture

Marine primary productivity

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Not Timetabled

Online Quiz 3

Coastal systems quiz

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Week 9 - Lecture

Deep sea ecosystems

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid semester break

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Week 10 - Lecture

Structure and functional response in pelagic systems

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Week 11 - Lecture

Ecosystem stressors and management of the open ocean and deep sea

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Not Timetabled

Online Quiz 4

Marine systems module quiz

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06

General contact hours

Prac

Structure in the pelagic zone practical

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Week 12 - Lecture

Chemical/physical characteristics of the cryosphere

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Week 13 - Lecture

Polar and glacial biology

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

General contact hours

Prac

Exploring the oceans around the Antartica prac

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Not Timetabled

Online quiz 5

Polar module quiz

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.