Sessions are available using Ecolinc's state of the art laboratories, glasshouse, horticultural plots, native gardens, wetlands and the adjoining Werribee River. Ecolinc's labs have computers, microscopes (monocular, binocular, trinocular and video camera assisted), plant micro propagation facilities and a range of sampling and monitoring equipment and databases.

Fieldwork and SAC tasks can be conducted in Ecolinc's labs, horticultural plots, native gardens, wetlands or the nearby Werribee River.

VCE Environmental Science sessions available at Ecolinc include:

Unit 1: The Environment

AoS 3 - Ecosystems (half day program)
To complete Outcome 3, conduct practical investigations involving sampling and identifying macroinvertebrates in the wetland. Investigate the interactions between organisms by constructing food chains and food webs. Classify organisms into trophic levels and explore energy flow. Use a computer program to model environmental changes in the wetland ecosystem and describe their effects. This program may be extended by including an investigation of a grassy woodland ecosystem at Mt Rothwell*. An optional dusk walk reveals a range of endangered mammal species.

Unit 2: Monitoring the environment

AoS 1 - Environmental indicators (full day program)
To complete Outcome 1, conduct field work to investigate environmental indicators including turbidity, pH, nitrates, dissolved oxygen and the presence/absence of pollution intolerant macroinvertebrate species to determine the ecological health of the wetland and river ecosystem.

Contact Ecolinc for further details and bookings
ecolinc@edumail.vic.gov.au
T: 03 5367 0171
F: 03 5367 0174
17-23 Labilliere Street, Bacchus Marsh Vic 3340

Unit 3: Ecological issues: energy and biodiversity

AoS 1 - Energy and global warming (full day program)
To complete SAC Outcome 1, use Ecolinc’s award winning ESD facility and energy source equipment to investigate ways of increasing energy efficiency to reduce the enhanced greenhouse effect. Explore Ecolinc's efficiency and resulting environmental impacts.

AoS 2 - Diversity in the biosphere (full day program)
To complete SAC Outcome 2, investigate the eastern barred bandicoot's habitat requirements, significance, threats and captive breeding data. Travel to Mt Rothwell* to: complete a habitat assessment, explore methods for protecting remaining populations and participate in a dusk walk to see a range of endangered species including the eastern barred bandicoot, brush-tailed rock wallaby and eastern quoll.

Unit 4: Ecological sustainability

AoS 1 - Pollution and health (half day program)
To complete SAC Outcome 1, collect primary data on SO2 and NO2 emissions using colorimetry. Examine the effects posed by SO2 and NO2 to human health and the environment. Evaluate protocols for reducing the risks associated with NO2.