Water for Sustainable Futures

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours.

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 fundamental to life on our planet, shaping landscapes, natural ecosystems and civilizations. Whether the subject of conflict or a source of creativity, there is nothing more important in the Australian landscape than water, and, arguably, we face no greater challenge than its sustainable management. Globally, water will become an increasingly valuable resource as populations grow and climate change alters natural distributions of rainfall.

On completion of this subjects students will be expected to:

• understand the role of water as a global resource, including any future implications of climate change;
• understand the impact of catchment management and the role of water in Australian ecosystems;
• understand the economic value of water, the role of water markets, and legal issues pertaining to water;
• understand the socio-political impact of water on communities past, present and future.

500 word media release (due approximately week 6 - 30%), one 1500-word assignment (due approximately week 11 - 30%), a two hour examination (end of semester - 40%).

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• think critically and organise knowledge across a range of disciplines;
• derive, interpret and analyse information from primary and secondary sources;
• participate in a discussion group and develop a logical argument to support a particular position;
• participate effectively as a member of a team;
• plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects;
• demonstrate awareness of and ability to use appropriate communication technology;
• demonstrate both written and oral communication skills;
• participate in a discussion group and develop a logical argument to support a particular position;
• participate effectively as a member of a team;
• plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects.

This subject is not part of a sequence but rather part of the Food, Water & Wine cluster.