Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit provides background and details on global sustainable management issues and practices with a focus on Australia. It is therefore an important unit of study for any graduate wishing to pursue a career in environmental science who shares an abiding interest in the state and sustainable management of our planet. The unit compliments other advanced units dealing with environmental science and its practice.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to gain deeper understanding of a variety of current issues in environmental management; their multi-disciplinary nature, the science behind them, and the ways of achieving sustainable environmental management in scientific and practicable ways.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of sustainable resource management, incorporating scientific, social, economic and political factors.

2. Communicate effectively in the oral form, with an ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

3. Communicate effectively in the written form, with an ability to source and critically evaluate relevant literature and construct complex scientific arguments.

4. Work effectively in small teams and promote critical group discussion via interactive learning.

Content

The emphasis is on:
(i) the role of science in evaluating issues in sustainable environmental management, environmental decision-making and policy development, and;
(ii) discussion about linking scientific information and environmental policy.

Global environmental issues will be introduced, but those relevant within an Australian setting are emphasised. Included is an assessment of how best to achieve sustainable management of Australia's natural resources.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of lectures and interactive tutorials. Classes are based on framework lectures, issue-orientated case studies and active tutorial discussions. The structure of classes will vary, with some lecture material presented and discussions based on prior readings. A range of invited lecturers with differing areas of expertise will allow you direct contact with environmental management professionals, thereby providing you with a range of perspectives and issues surrounding natural resource management. The lectures, tutorials, and group-based assessment promote critical multidisciplinary-based thinking and the development of specific knowledge and skills relevant to the aims of the unit.

Assessment

The unit includes a range of assessment types: tutorial participation, oral, leading discussion and essay.Grades for tutorial participation, oral and leading discussion are formative, including written feedback on the latter two activities. The essay is summative, with written feedback.

Assessment name: Essay
Description: A written essay concerning the analysis of a contemporary natural resource management issue. The essay should synthesise, integrate and most importantly critically interpret facets pertaining to sustainable management. You will craft a carefully considered essay which provides your own critical perspective on sustainable management of your chosen issue.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 3
Weight: 55%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral)
Description: You will be assessed on attendance and contribution to group-based discussions in the tutorials. You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of each week's topic, raise and discuss pertinent issues surrounding each topic and constructively critique the ideas proposed by your peers.
Relates to objectives: 4
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Led by lecturer (Summative and Formative Assessment)
You will be assessed on attendance and contribution to group-based discussions in the tutorials. You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of each week's topic, raise and discuss pertinent issues surrounding each topic and constructively critique the ideas proposed by your peers.
Relates to objectives: 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Led by student (Summative and Formative Assessment)
Each of the assigned groups will lead a tutorial discussion relating directly to the group oral presentation presented in the previous week. Focus should be placed on class participation, involvement and interactive learning. The group leading the discussion are expected to direct questions to the rest of the class, mediate direction of the discussion and provide feedback to any questions class members may have.
Relates to objectives: 2 & 4
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended text:

1. Young A (2000) Environmental Change in Australia Since 1788, 2nd edition, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0 19 551292 8

Recommended Reading:

1. Aplin G et al (1999) Global Environmental Crises: An Australian Perspective, 2nd edition, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0 19 550827 0

2. Beder S (1996) The Nature of Sustainable Development, 2nd edition, Australia: Scribe

3. Beresford Q, Bekle H, Phillips H & Mulcock J (2004) The Salinity Crisis: Landscapes, Communities and Politics, 2nd edition, Crawley, Western Australia: University of Western Australia Press

4. Botterill LC & Fisher M (eds) (2003) Beyond Drought: People, Policy and Perspectives, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0 643 06954 2

5. Cary G, Lindenmayer D & Dovers S (eds) (2003) Australia Burning: Fire Ecology, Policy and Management Issues, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0 643 06926 7

6. Environment Protection Agency (2003) State of the Environment Queensland 2003 (Report), Brisbane, Australia: Environment Protection Agency

7. Goldie J, Douglas B & Furnass B (eds) (2005) In Search of Sustainability, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0 643 09062 2

8. Lindenmayer DB & Franklin JF (eds) (2003) Towards Forest Sustainability, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0 643 06832 5

9. Mercer D (2000) 'A Question of Balance': Natural Resources Conflict Issues in Australia, 3rd edition, Sydney, Australia: The Federation Press. ISBN 1 86287 342 9

10. Venning J & Higgins J (2001) Towards Sustainability: Emerging Systems for Informing Sustainable Development, Sydney, New South Wales: UNSW Press

11. Walker KJ & Crowley K (eds) (1999) Australian Environmental Policy 2: Studies in Decline and Devolution, Sydney, Australia: UNSW Press. ISBN 0 86840 673 2

Risk assessment statement

This unit consists of classroom-based lectures and discussions, which are extremely low risk activities. Risk assessments have identified several low-impact risks and you are required to understand and obey all safety guidelines.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Feb-2013