Course Title: Resource Management

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Resource Management

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ENVI1096

City Campus

Postgraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ENVI1096

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020

ENVI1098

City Campus

Undergraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ENVI1098

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020

Course Coordinator: Assoc Prof. Karin Reinke

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99250422

Course Coordinator Email: karin.reinke@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 012.12.026

Course Coordinator Availability: Mon, Wed and Thu (by appointment)


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

 

 

 

Resource Management introduces you to the basic principles, practices and tools used for natural resource management.  You will explore the conflicting demands that are placed on our natural resources and environment and learn how these may be effectively managed from a data collection and monitoring perspective through to an end-decision, policy approach.  You will also examine the increasingly important role that geospatial technologies and solutions play in addressing locally, nationally and globally significant environmental management problems.  This is supplemented by providing you with exposure to data, tools and analytical techniques commonly used for resource management.  Case studies taken primarily from the Australian context will help you to explore the key issues underpinning sustainable development and the management of public natural resources.  Subject matter considers the government and non-government institutions involved in developing environmental policy, governance and strategic direction.

 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for MR223 Master of Science (Geospatial Science):

  • The ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge related to specific disciplines.
  • High level communication skills.

This course is also offered as a University Student elective to other Programs from across RMIT University.


 

On completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate data and references to identify fit-for-purpose evidence.
  2. Report, evaluate and communicate findings from literature reviews and/or data analyses using appropriate technical and scientific conventions and language. 
  3. Discuss the theories, principles, and breadth of applications of resource management.
  4. Identify the key threatening processes facing ecosystems and possible solutions for improving sustainability across integrated landscapes and ecosystems.
  5. Select and utilise basic geospatial and remote sensing tools to solve resource management problems. 
  6. Identify the key requirements and techniques for measuring and evaluating the costs and benefits of ecosystem goods and services.

In addition, postgraduates are also expected to develop an integrated understanding of subject matter, be able to demonstrate advanced judgement in the selection of materials used to support discussions and be able to comprehensively review data analysis results in order to provide relevant, succinct interpretations of any findings.


Overview of Learning Activities

The primary mode of delivery for this course is face-to-face lectures.  You will learn about key concepts, issues and technologies relevant to resource management which will be further reinforced using audio and visual learning aids.  Your active involvement in class discussion is encouraged whereby topics being covered can be openly and freely considered and discussed with your peers.  You will participate in hands-on, practical activities where you will use various computer-based tools and specialist software to enhance your understanding of data and information collection, analysis and solutions as they relate to resource management.  All aspects of the course are supported by Canvas.    


Overview of Learning Resources

As a student enrolled in this course you have access to extensive learning resources.  The library offers comprehensive services and facilities, geared to assist you in completing your studies successfully.  Relevant Subject Guides may be found at: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial, http://rmit.libguides.com/Environmental-Science and http://rmit.libguides.com/conservation.  Prescribed supplementary readings and materials such as databases, videos and podcasts, relevant to the course will be made available online via Canvas. Computer Labs with specialist GIS software and online learning tools will further enhance your learning.  


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be based on both individual and collaborative performance of assigned class activities and their subsequent write up. Preparation of a paper will also form part of your assessment. An exam will assess your knowledge of key concepts learnt throughout semester and assess your ability to apply your conceptual learning to given problems. Feedback will be provided electronically via the Canvas.


☒This course has no hurdle requirements.


Early Assessment Task: Activity 1 Report (Group)
Weighting 10%
This assessment task supports CLO 1 & 2.

Assessment Task 2: GIS Lab 2-3 Report (Individual)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5.
Note: Postgraduates will be expected to complete additional extension questions.

Assessment Task 3: Major Paper (Individual/Group)
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 6.
Note: Postgraduates will be expected to demonstrate greater synthesis of complex ideas, and draw upon a greater body of literature as specified in assessment rubrics.

Assessment 4: Exam (Individual)
Weighting 40%
This assessment supports CLOs 3, 4 & 6.
Note: Postgraduates are expected to demonstrate advanced conceptual knowledge and application in written responses as specified in assessment rubrics