Water Science
Overview
The aim of this unit is to discover and apply the scientific knowledge required to identify likely water-based pollutants, their effects, how to detect and quantify them and how to treat them. Students will apply this skill set across a variety of water bodies including drinking water, wastewater and recreational water.
Requisites
CHE10001 Chemistry 1
OR
CHE10004 Introduction to Chemistry
OR
CEE20005 Engineering Chemistry
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the environmental impact of industrial and domestic pollution on water quality
- Formulate relevant treatments to remediate water contaminated with a variety of pollutants
- Use a Hach kit and lab techniques to analyse selected chemical contaminants in water
- Describe some of the issues involved in swimming pool water quality and create solutions for these problems
- Assess water management and the capacity for water as an alternative energy source
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Lab | 3.00 | 9 weeks | 27 |
| Online Learning activities | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.25 | 12 weeks | 75 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Individual/Group | 10 - 20% | 1,3,4 |
| Assignment | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,4,5 |
| Final-Semester Test | Individual | 40 - 50% | 1,2,4 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual/Group | 15 - 25% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Review | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,4,5 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) Â Â An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) Â At least 40% in the final test, and(iii) Completion of a specific fraction of non-reportable laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Study of the environmental impact of industrial and domestic pollution on natural water
- Sources of pollutants, including introduction of grey water usage.
- Use of portable test equipment for the evaluation of natural water purity: HACH, DO meters, conductivity, pH.
- Water sampling methods.
- Significance of various water testing parameters. Identifying problems.
- Chemistry and disinfection of swimming pool and spa water. Swimming pool portable testing equipment. Laboratory titrations to evaluate pool and spa water.
- Water treatment methods with emphasis on tertiary treatment.
- Physical treatment processes for drinking water and water supply systems.
- Water management
- Water for energy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.