CIV4268 - Water resources management

Overview

This unit considers the quality and quantity aspects of water resources management. Tools and techniques appropriate for design and analysis of water resource systems are introduced, starting from a development of quantitative hydrologic modelling and extending to quantitative prediction of water quality transformations. The fundamental principles of water quantity and … For more content click the Read More button below.

This unit considers the quality and quantity aspects of water resources management. Tools and techniques appropriate for design and analysis of water resource systems are introduced, starting from a development of quantitative hydrologic modelling and extending to quantitative prediction of water quality transformations. The fundamental principles of water quantity and quality modelling are also applied within a framework that allows the assessment of water quality in various watercourses.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

S2-01-MALAYSIA-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prerequisite

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Anna Lintern

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Anna Lintern

Dr Izni Zahidi

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the major elements of the catchment water balance/cycle and the relationship with land-use and climate

Appraise water quantity and quality by applying statistical methods and fundamental principles of water quantity and quality modelling

Assess the demand for water, water availability and reliability of supply

Design water quantity and quality management options according to environmental and society requirements

Reflect the potential impacts of climate change on water resources management

Generate technical reports at the standard required by the engineering profession

Teaching approach

Problem-based learning

The unit consists of lectures and practice classes with some computer laboratory classes. Learning in the unit is mainly through two group assignments. The main learning approach is “Problem-based learning” which requires students to be involved with the assignment and become proactive learners. There are no right or wrong answers to many of the assignment questions. This does not imply that any answer is adequate. Some answers will be better than others as they achieve the criteria in a better way.

Teaching Approach
The pre-lecture activities and lectures deal with technical skills and topics related to water resources management. These skills will be learned by doing the problems and assignments set in the practice classes, while the acquired knowledge will be consolidated by reading the course notes and other supporting resources (e.g. recommended reading).
Each week in the practice class you will work in groups on practical activities, exercises and aspects of the assignments related to the topics covered in the previous lectures. You will also have an opportunity in the practice classes to discuss any difficulties that you are having with the assignments. The practice class is your best time to seek help from the lecturers and demonstrators – please do not waste this opportunity.
Both assignments and the practical class exercises are aligned with problem-based learning as this facilitates learning through an interactive process, which encourages you to direct your own education and development. This approach makes use of inclusive teaching practices and thus enables you to apply your own preferred learning style(s). It also “brings to life” the principles and concepts that are delivered in the theoretical component of the unit and allows you to gain experience using the tools you may require in your subsequent employment.

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 40%

Final assessment: 60%

This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Assignments

2 - Worksheets

3 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Availability in areas of study

Minor: Civil engineering
Minor: Sustainable engineering