Coasts and Rivers: from Natural Processes to Urban Environments

This course explores coastal and fluvial geomorphic processes and how they interact with urban environments. Understanding these processes is essential for effective resource and environmental management, as well as for building resilient settlements. Core topics will include river and coastal geomorphology; hydrology and hydrodynamics; flooding from coastal, fluvial and pluvial sources; catchment processes; river mouth environments; sea level rise; theoretical and numerical modelling; human use of coasts and rivers; and laboratory and research methods in coastal and river science. Examples will be drawn from New Zealand, the Pacific, and worldwide.

30 points

Entry subject to approval of the Head of Department.

GEOG437

Alpine Environments

Alpine environments are harsh and dynamic, yet they can also be foci of human activity. In order to make decisions about activity and infrastructure in these environments people first need to understand how physical processes in these environments interact. For example, avalanche hazard is a result of complex interactions between snow accumulation, weather conditions, topography, and human activity. Future water storage will be influenced by long-term climate trends, topography, infrastructure and demand for water. Therefore in addition to understanding physical processes, to manage resources and activities in alpine environments, people also need an understanding of cultural values, and various policies and legislation that help govern development and activities.

15 points

Entry subject to approval of the Head of School

GEOG408 and GEOG410

Applied Hydrogeology

The Applied Hydrogeology course provides postgraduate students in engineering geology and environmental science with a sound understanding of the nature and occurrence of groundwater, various techniques for resource evaluation, contaminant transport issues, and a brief introduction to groundwater modelling. The course is an integrated one, developing both geological aspects of groundwater occurrence and chemistry, as well as pragmatic methods for quantifying flow parameters and aquifer characteristics.

15 points

(1) MATH101 or MATH102 or MATH103 and (2) approval from the Head of Department of Geological Sciences

ENGE 478

Current Issues in Environmental Chemistry

This course comprises current issues in environmental chemistry. Examples include emerging contaminants, stable isotopes as tracers, air quality, global climate change, drinking water, contaminated land, radiochemistry, acid mine drainage and toxicology.

15 points

CHEM340 or ENCN281 or equivalent study

Freshwater Ecology

Aims to develop students as professional freshwater ecologists. Students will advance their knowledge of current issues and approaches in freshwater ecology, particularly the concepts that underpin understanding of freshwater ecosystems and the application of research to management and conservation issues in New Zealand. Has a focus on the skills needed by professionals working in freshwater-related areas of research, consultancy and management.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL472