Availabilities:

2021 unit offering information will be available in November 2020

Unit description

  Identifies and interprets the biogeochemical processes that operate in coastal waters, including mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, seagrass beds, and embayments. Current procedures for planning and conducting environmental sampling and monitoring programs for quantifying coastal biogeochemical processes. Modern analytical techniques that are part of biogeochemical monitoring and research in coastal waters. To critically analyse, synthesise, and interpret a complex biogeochemical dataset. Produce a technical and/or scientific report with a plain English summary.

Unit content

Material loadings to coastal ecosystems
Estuarine hydrography, mixing, and residence times
Phytoplankton and primary productivity
Sediment biogeochemistry
Biogeochemical cycles in coastal waters
Greenhouse gas sources and sinks
Climate change and coastal acidification
Human impacts on biogeochemical cycles
Isotopes and biomarkers as tracers of biogeochemical processes
Measuring biogeochemical processes

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1critically analyse how physical, geological, chemical and biological processes (biogeochemistry) interact to control the fate and effect of material on the metabolism of coastal ecosystemsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
2evaluate the strengths and limitations of techniques used to measure biogeochemical processes in coastal watersKnowledge of a discipline
3critically assess appropriate methods for sample collection, handling, preservation and storage procedures for sediment, water and biogeochemical samplesKnowledge of a discipline
4identify a range of modern analytical instrumentation and be able to understand the advantages and limitations of various techniquesKnowledge of a discipline
5demonstrate the ability to critically analyse, synthesize and interpret a complex biogeochemical data set to produce a technical and scientific report.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. critically analyse how physical, geological, chemical and biological processes (biogeochemistry) interact to control the fate and effect of material on the metabolism of coastal ecosystems
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. evaluate the strengths and limitations of techniques used to measure biogeochemical processes in coastal waters
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. critically assess appropriate methods for sample collection, handling, preservation and storage procedures for sediment, water and biogeochemical samples
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. identify a range of modern analytical instrumentation and be able to understand the advantages and limitations of various techniques
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. demonstrate the ability to critically analyse, synthesize and interpret a complex biogeochemical data set to produce a technical and scientific report.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2021 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 2

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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