300-level

GEOG311
Coastal Studies
Description
This course explores the processes that form and change coastal environments in New Zealand, the Pacific and worldwide. Topics examined include a selection of: sea level change today and into the future, waves and currents, the role of sediments in how beaches work to protect land and interact with oceans, plus sessions focussed on the wonders and practical realities of wetlands, tropical reefs, and human interactions with coastal environments. You will gain an understanding of models of the coastal zone, as well as an experience of field methods and laboratory techniques used in coastal investigations. The course was developed based on direct industry feedback and involvement. There is also an optional one-day field-trip, where there is an opportunity to put your learnings into practice and measure waves, currents and beach profiles, and to collect sediment and ecological data for analysis in labs, all using up-to-date professional techniques.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG201, or in special cases with approval of the Head of Department.

GEOG312
Snow, Ice and Climate
Description
This course examines the physical processes involved with the formation and evolution of mountain glaciers and seasonal snow, including processes such as surface mass balance, dynamics and hydrology. The course develops knowledge by drawing on key research, and encourages students to critically evaluate published work. The supporting lab programme will enable students to develop a range of transferable skills by working with real data and equipment, for example, ground penetrating radar (GPR), snowpit analysis, and simple glacier models.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points of 200-level Geography and a further 15 pts at 200-level from any of GEOG, ENVR, GEOL, ANTA, WATR, BIOL, or in special cases with approval of the Head of School.

CHEM340
Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
Description
Environmental chemistry and toxicology covers the study of chemistry in the biosphere and the impact of humankind on them. The course will cover: the properties of atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic systems; environmental pollutants, and the analytical methods used to monitor them; mechanisms of toxicity of environmental pollutants and their impact on the environment; assessment of environmental risks.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
15 points from CHEM281, BCHM281 or CHEM247, plus 15 points from ENVR201, CHEM211, CHEM212, BCHM212, CHEM255 or CHEM251
Restrictions
CHEM324

BIOL375
Freshwater Ecosystems
Description
Advanced theories and concepts of freshwater ecology and their practical application to current issues.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL209 and either (1) BIOL270 or (2) BIOL274 and BIOL275