Urban Water Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Water is essential for plant growth. In a world where climate is changing this resource is becoming scarce and expensive, therefore it is important to value water and to use it wisely. This subject develops students’ understanding of the relationship between achieving optimal plant growth in an urban environment through the appropriate and responsible supply and application of water and design options to maximise the use of water. It does this by identifying plants’ water requirements and determining how and when to water and by implementing water sensitive design strategies such as rain gardens and bioswales.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• understand the relationship between plant growth and water availability;
• be able to calculate plants’ water requirements using climate data;
• be able todetermine when and how much water to apply in order to water efficiently and sustainably using measured and theoretical site properties;
• be able to select appropriate water sources to maintain urban landscapes;
• understand the principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) in the planning of urban landscapes;
• design basic irrigation and water management systems to achieve efficient use of water;
• operate basic irrigation and water control systems for urban landscapes; and
• appreciate the implications of climate change for water management of urban horticulture and landscape

1 hour examination (25%) mid semester, 1 hour examination (25%) end semester, Assignment /Report of 2000 words (50%) end semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should have:

• developed a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
• an ability to derive, interpret and analyse information from primary sources;
• be able to apply theoretical principles to achieve practical outcomes;
• an ability to integrate information to solve problems and effectively use technology in this discipline; and
• excellent written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups