FNE3201 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

This course explores the basis of, and tools for, environmental monitoring and assessment. It explores how data on the current state of the environment, and rates of environmental change, is used to inform policy development. Assesses the significance of environmental perturbations mainly, but not entirely associated with pollution of one form or another. Lectures covering the basic principles of monitoring and assessment will be complemented by seminars based on specific case studies, in which the application and interpretation of environmental monitoring data will be explored in greater depth.  This is to provide a clear focus and a consistent link to assessment of data in a policy context. Many of the basic principles and ideas which are developed in the course will be relevant to other forms of environmental monitoring. 

Course objectives
By the end of this course, the student will be able to;

• Explain global pollution issues arising from use and management of natural resources.
• Describe the role of good data and indicators in monitoring changes in the environment.
• Explain the importance of environmental quality control and assurance.
• Explain the role of policy in monitoring the quality of the environment.
• Explain the use of triads in monitoring the changes in the quality of the environment.

Learning outcomes 
On successful completion of this course, the student should demonstrate capacity to:

• Articulate the impact of global pollution issues arising from use and management of natural resources.
• Utilize skills acquired in conducting an assessment and monitoring of changes in a specific environment.
• Articulate the importance of environmental quality control and assurance. 
• Articulate the relevance of policy in monitoring the quality of the environment.
• Articulate the use of triads in monitoring the changes in the quality of the environment.