Bachelor of Science in Water Science

The Australian National University

Water is a critical issue for the environment in Australia, the Australasian region and many other parts of the world. Effective use and management of water resources will continue to be one of the highest priorities for local, regional and federal authorities due to increased pressure from population growth, agricultural, commercial and industrial growth, and environmental and climate change.The major in Water Science provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of water resources, including surface water and groundwater in terrestrial and coastal environments. This is important in understanding interactions between, and impacts on, the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere, all part of Earth Systems. Students completing this major will have the expertise to interpret quantitatively surface and groundwater flow and water quality data, design monitoring programs for water resources and provide the technical results to underpin effective management strategies and policies for the use of water resources.Learning OutcomesUnderstand the distribution, quality and use of water resources in Australia, the Australasian region and the world.Make quantitative predictions relevant for surface water and groundwater budgets and flow.Understand the impacts of climate, land use, and agricultural, commercial and industrial activity on the quality of surface water and groundwater, including interactions with biology, atmosphere, regolith and rocks.Appreciate the difference between observation and interpretation, in order to analyse critically quantitative and qualitative data relevant to water quantity and quality.

000335K