CIV4268 · Water security in a changing climate

Overview

Water is one of the most vital resources on this planet, yet it is under immense threat from climate change and pollution. Ensuring water security is one of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Here we explore the principles and practical approaches to water and river management, with a focus on securing sustainable and equitable water futures. We study how engineers and scientists calculate ‘how much’ water is available and ‘how clean’ that water is for our various water uses. This unit involves a mixture of computer-based modelling and laboratory work. We also discuss the human dimension of water management, including governance, equity, and the role of stakeholders in decision-making. By the end of the unit, students will be equipped to critically evaluate and design strategies for managing water resources in a changing climate, balancing technical, environmental, and societal considerations.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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 details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Apply fundamental knowledge of water balance/cycle and water resources management to identify their relationships with land-use and climate, assess the potential impacts of climate change, evaluate water demand and water resources, and quantify water quality and quantity.
2. Analyse and solve complex engineering problems in the field of water resources management, including water cycle, water demand, water resources, water quality and quantity.
3. Select and apply appropriate modelling techniques and engineering software to complex engineering problems in water quality modelling with an understanding of the limitations.
4. Communicate effectively through writing engineering reports on project assignments in the field of water resources management.

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.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.