Environmental Science courses

An understanding of research in Environmental Science. Students will be introduced to a range of methodologies and will be challenged to critically analyse information and data. Principles of scientific writing and communication will also be addressed. Students will apply these skills by developing and writing a research proposal or critical review.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: 3 hr class in weeks 1-4 and 9
Points: 15
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites: none
Programme: this course is compulsory for the Environmental Science PGDipSci programme
Course coordinator:  Kevin Simon

The following themes are emphasised: (i) building and using models to investigate environmental and social problems, (ii) understanding the utility of modelling in various disciplines, and (iii) appreciating how dynamic phenomena can be represented and analysed computationally. The course provides an understanding of modelling concepts, approaches and applications, and methods for determining the suitability of a particular modelling approach for a given task.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C)

Format: One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites: no formal requirement, but knowledge equivalent to that covered in courses such as STATS 101, MATH 108, GEOG 250, BIOSCI 209, ENVSCI 310 will be assumed
Programme: this is one of the core options for the Environmental Science and Geography programmes
Course coordinator:  Giovanni Coco

A focus on the interdisciplinary, scientific assessment of environmental activities within the New Zealand context. Methodologies used in the assessment, monitoring and regulation of environmental effects, trends and risks will be critically assessed. Aspects of the RMA, including consenting procedures and the role of public and professional participants in the process, will be discussed.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C)

Format: taught as six 3-hour sessions in weeks 1-6, plus one field-day
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination or test
Prerequsites: no formal prerequisites, but graduate level scientific knowledge is assumed
Programme: this is a required course for the Environmental Science programme and an approved course for the Environmental Management programme
Course coordinator:  tba

Monitoring, modelling and management will be considered with emphasis on air quality standards and guidelines and applications of science and technology to indoor and outdoor air pollution prevention, mitigation and remediation. Case studies and practical work will link the theoretical and practical aspects of air quality science.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C).

Format: taught as six 4-hour sessions in weeks 1-6
Points: 15
Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% final examination or test
Prerequisites: none
Programme: this is one of the core options for both the Environmental Science and Geography programmes
Course coordinator:  Jennifer Salmond

An overview of all potential water contaminants, their sources and behaviour. Includes demonstrations of monitoring techniques and modelling systems for water quality impact prediction and assessment of effects for both point and non-point sources. Identification of major national and global water quality issues. Application of science and technology to water pollution assessment, prevention, and treatment. Case studies and practical (field and laboratory) work.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C).

Format: taught as one 3-hour session per weeks, plus a fieldtrip on 18 March 2016
Points: 15
Assessment: 70% coursework, 30% final examination or test
Prerequisites: None
Programme: This is one of the core options for both the Environmental Science
Course coordinator:  Kevin Simon

Application of science to freshwater ecological assessment, management and restoration. Assessment techniques and interpretation of risks associated with natural and anthropogenic disturbance of aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring and reporting of condition and health of aquatic environments. Relevant policy, strategic and legislative frameworks, and national and regional perspectives on applied freshwater management. Course includes case studies and practical work (including field trip).

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: five 3-hour classes
Points: 15
Assessment: 70% coursework, 30% final examination
Prerequisites: none, but an understanding equivalent to BIOSCI 330 is assumed
Programme: this is one of the core options for the Environmental Science programme
Course coordinator:  Kevin Simon

Emphasis will be on current issues associated with the ecological aspects of biodiversity management and conservation in terrestrial habitats. Topics include: biodiversity and ecosystem services, management of species and ecosystems, issues in plant conservation, precaution and adaptation in conservation, pest control in mainland islands, carbon storage and biodiversity. The course will also address national and international mechanisms for the sustainable management of natural resources.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: Taught as a 4-day intensive course (26-28 April 9am-5pm)
Points: 15
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites: BIOSCI 394 or other Stage III course in Environmental Science, or equivalent
Programme: this is one of the core options for the Environmental Science programme and the Biosecurity and Conservation programme, and an approved course for the Environmental Management programme
Course coordinator:  Luitgard Schwendenmann

The integration of ecological principles and ecological services at the landscape level for both management and restoration. Topics include: the ecology of fragmented ecosystems such as demography, metapopulation issues, ecological genetics, biota-physical environment interactions, the consequences and techniques for restoration of damaged ecosystems and mitigation of the effects of development. Emphasis will be on sustainable solutions including biophysical, legal, social, cultural and economic considerations. Includes overnight field trip.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C)

Format: One 2-hour class per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites: ENVSCI 311 or other Stage III course in ecology or equivalent
Programme: this is one of the core options for the Environmental Science programme
Course coordinator:  Bruce Burns

The dynamics of change in terrestrial ecosystems with a focus on forest and wetland environments. The effects of factors such as climate change and fire in New Zealand’s terrestrial ecosystems will be considered. Students will be introduced to modern methods for vegetation assessment and monitoring, including multivariate statistical methods. Students are required to participate in a residential field course as this is a major component of ENVSCI 737.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: Taught as a 6-day field trip (9-14 April), plus two half-day session: 5 April pre-field trip, and 9 May post-field trip.
Points: 15
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites: no formal prerequisites but assumes knowledge of ecology equivalent to BIOSCI 394 or BIOSCI 396 and data analysis equivalent to GEOG 250 or BIOSCI 209
Programme: this is one of the core options for both the Environmental Science and Geography programmes, and an approved course for the Environmental Management programme
Course coordinator:  George Perry

The effects of modern lifestyles on water resources are explored to develop ideas for sustainable infrastructure in future settlements. The importance of human behaviour in water system function is examined, along with the mechanisms used to influence those behaviours.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: One 3-hour class per week, plus a half-day field trip on 11 March
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites: None
Programme: This is one of the core options for both the Environmental Science and Geography programmes, and an approved course for the Environmental Management programme
Course coordinator:   Sam Trowsdale