Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Catchments form the natural landscape divides that partition water and nutrients, and therefore determining their availability for ecosystems, agriculture, and societies. This course focuses on the key physical, biological and chemical processes underpinning catchment functions, and how this is altered by human impact and climate change. Appropriate tools for biophysical and socioeconomic management and remediation of catchments are then discussed.
Catchments form the natural landscape divides that partition water and nutrients, and therefore determining their availability for ecosystems, agriculture, and societies. Globally, most of catchments are degraded due to human activities and climate change.
This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and interpret catchment hydrological, geomorphological and ecological processes and find solutions for emerging catchment management issues, especially those impacting economic productivity and ecosystem sustainability.ﾠ
The case studies include Brisbane catchment, Great Barrier Reef catchment, Murray-Darling Basin and international transboundary river basins.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Successful completion of 2 years full-time equivalentﾠtertiary study.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENVM3201 (co-taught)
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
This course shares Lectures and the one-day field trip with ENVM3201.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Dr Rupesh Patil
Dr Frederick Bouckaert
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
A single day field trip is planned during 21-24 April.
Confirmed date and costing details will be provided during the semester, prior to the field trip.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is for students to develop anﾠinterdisciplinary understanding of how freshwater catchments function, and how this knowledge can be used to improve policy making and management practice at catchments.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate comprehension of key principles of catchment hydrology, particularly streamflow, interactions between surface water and groundwater, and water balance.
LO2.
Demonstrate comprehension of the role of catchment hydrology as a driver of water quality and ecosystem dynamics.
LO3.
Identify links between hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological processes at catchment scale, and the key elements in describing these interactive processes.
LO4.
Synthesise knowledge of hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological processes for applications in environmental management and policy making scenarios.
LO5.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the likely effectiveness of catchment management policies, plans or approaches through literature review, field trip, and workshop.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Catchment water balance analysis | 50% |
17/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Role-play catchment management workshop
|
20% |
29/04/2025 - 1/05/2025 6/05/2025 - 8/05/2025
This assessment occurs during Prac 8 and Prac 9. |
| Essay/ Critique | Catchment management essay | 30% |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Catchment water balance analysis
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
17/04/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
From Prac 1 (Week 2) to Prac 5 (Week 6), you are asked to answer 5 groups of questions that correspond to Lecture 2 to Lecture 6 respectively. Each group includes five questions, weighing 10% of the final score of this Course.
Prac 1 (Week 2) Catchment water balance analysis (surface water): five questions (10%)
Prac 2 (Week 3) Catchment water balance analysis (groundwater): five questions (10%)
Prac 3 (Week 4) Catchment water balance analysis (impact of land use change): five questions (10%)
Prac 4 (Week 5) Catchment water balance analysis (impact of urbanization): five questions (10%)
Prac 5 (Week 6) Catchment water balance analysis (impact of climate change): five questions (10%)
The due date is for all 5 pracs. More details will be provided in the Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
This assignment must be submitted to Turnitin in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
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.
This is subject to the School's approval.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Role-play catchment management workshop
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
29/04/2025 - 1/05/2025
6/05/2025 - 8/05/2025
This assessment occurs during Prac 8 and Prac 9.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
This role-play workshop aims to develop integrated management solutions for a more sustainable Brisbane catchment. Students will be assigned into several groups on behalf of different stakeholders’ interests.
The tasks for student groups include:
1) Presenting the stakeholder group’s interests in Prac 8 and;
2) Participating in the discussion to negotiate with other stakeholder groups and to come to an agreement on the integrated management solution if it is possible in Prac 9.
This assessment occurs during Prac 8 and Prac 9. More details will be provided on the Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Role-play to be completed within the practicals
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Catchment management essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
This assignment aims to improve students’ capability to analyse catchment management issues and develop new solutions with comprehensive knowledge.
A majority of large river basins such as the Murray-Darling Basin and the Great Barrier Reef catchments in Australia are environmentally degraded. The degradation of these catchments is the accumulated consequence of impacts of human activities and climate change, which were impacted by the past catchment management practices for the socio-economic development goals of different regions at different phases.
In this assignment, students are asked to choose a catchment in Australia (not Brisbane catchment) or other countries, and
1) describe the change in hydrological, ecological, socio-economic and management conditions of the catchment in the past decades.
2) identify the key environmental, social, and economic issues in the catchment
3) analyse current gaps in practices and research on catchment management
4) present your suggestions on how to improve the catchment management
This is a piece of individual work. The required length is 3000 words ± 10%, with charts, captions, tables, and references excluded. Please support your discussion with sufficient literature (20 references minimum).
Submission guidelines
It should be submitted via turnitin link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
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: Work of a very poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a very low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of fair quality demonstrating a basic understanding of most aspects of subject matter and a modest appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, but with serious deficiencies in some areas, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a good quality demonstrating a good understanding of most subject matter and a competent level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, although possibly with some lapses and inadequacies, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a very good quality demonstrating a strong understanding of a wide, but not complete, range of subject matter and a good level of appreciation of issues, although not necessarily of the finer points, covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of exceptional quality showing a deep understanding of a wide range of subject matter and a clear appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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
Field Trip Attendance
If you are unable to attend the field trip, please contact your Course Coordinator.
Assessment Submissionﾠ
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.ﾠ
Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.ﾠ
Turnitinﾠ
All written assessment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission portal, which can be found within the Blackboard site. You are responsible for ensuring that your submission is complete. It is wise to re-enter the Turnitin portal and confirm that your submission is there and that it has not been altered during the submission process.ﾠ
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”.ﾠ
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.ﾠ
Artificial Intelligence use (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.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. 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 written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for timeframes. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
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
The additional learning resources will be provided on the course Blackboard week by week.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 1 Course Introduction (What is a catchment?) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 2 Catchment surface water hydrology |
|
Practical |
Prac #1 Analysing catchment water balance (surface water) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 3 Catchment groundwater hydrology |
|
Practical |
Prac #2 Analysing catchment water balance (Groundwater) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 4 Eco-hydrology (Change in LULC) |
|
Practical |
Prac #3 Analysing catchment water balance (Impact of land use change) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 5 Urban-hydrology (Impact of urbanization) |
|
Practical |
Prac #4 Analysing catchment water balance (Impact of urbanization) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 6 Climatic hydrology (Impact of climate change) |
|
Practical |
Prac #5 Analysing catchment water balance (Impact of climate change) |
|
Lecture |
Week 7 Catchment water quality |
|
Practical |
Prac#6 Assist in completion of Assignment 1. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 8 Catchment management |
|
Fieldwork |
One day field trip during the semster break (22-24 April) One-day field trip to Brisbane catchment in site or through Zoom Virtual Class |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 9 The Murray-Darling Basin Management |
|
Practical |
Prac #7 Prepare for the role-play stakeholder catchment management workshop |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 10 No lecture (Labour Day) |
|
Practical |
Prac #8 Role-play stakeholder catchment management workshop (I group oral presentation) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture Week 11 The Great Barrier Reef management (Sedimentation and nutrient transport) |
|
Practical |
Prac #9 Role-play stakeholder catchment management workshop (II Negotiation and discussion between groups) |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 12 Transboundary river basin management |
|
Practical |
Prac #10 Completion of catchment management essay |
|
Lecture |
Lecture - Week 13 Course review and further support for Assignment 3: catchment management essay |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Business School site
- Exams and assessment advice
- Program and course advice