Course Title: The Changing Environment
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: The Changing Environment
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ENVI1146 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
135H Applied Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016 |
ENVI1146 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Lily Van Eeden and Prof. Rachel Caruso
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925
Course Coordinator Email: lily.van.eeden@rmit.edu.au and rachel.caruso@rmit.edu.au
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
In this course, students will learn how science informs efforts to achieve a sustainable society. Students learn about the diversity of environmental science disciplines and their application in the real world, including engaging with social debate that accompanies topical environmental issues. As we assess the challenges facing our society and our planet, we focus on providing realistic, forward-looking solutions for a sustainable future.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):
BP192P23 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
PLO 1 Apply an interdisciplinary knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts, and practices in the environmental sciences
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence through research with reflection on the role, relevance and significance of environmental science
PLO 3 Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools, and techniques relevant to environmental science to solve problems informed by evidence-based decision making.
PLO 4 Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practice relevant to the fields of environmental science to diverse audiences utilising a variety of modes employing integrity and culturally safe practices
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for your own learning and professional future.
PLO 6 Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental science and exhibit safe and ethical conduct
PLO 7 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input
BP192P6 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
BP161ESDD6 - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Business (Management)
PLO 1.1 You will be able to articulate the methods of science and explain why current environmental knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry.
PLO 1.2 You will be able to explain the role and relevance of environmental science in society.
PLO 2.1 You will demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere and; depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology.
PLO 2.2 You will understand that environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
PLO 3.1 You will be able to gather, synthesize and critically evaluate environmental information from a range of sources.
PLO 3.4 You will be able to collect, accurately record, interpret and draw conclusions from scientific data.
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate environmental science results, information, or arguments effectively using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) to different audiences.
PLO 5.1 You will be an independent and self-directed learner.
PLO 5.2 You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically in an individual or team context.
BH096ESDD - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)
PLO 1.1 You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of environmental science by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current environmental knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry
PLO 2.1 You will exhibit depth and breadth of environmental science knowledge by demonstrating a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere or lithosphere, or depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology
PLO 2.2 You will be able to exhibit depth and breadth of environmental science knowledge by demonstrating knowledge that environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
PLO 3.1 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science through gathering, synthesizing and critically evaluating information from a range of sources
PLO 3.4 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data
PLO 4.1 You will be an effective communicator of environmental sciences by effectively communicating environmental results, information, or arguments using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) for a variety of purposes and audiences
PLO 5.1 You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by being an independent and self-directed learner
PLO 5.2 You will be accountable for your individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context
BH116 - Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)
BH117 - Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
PLO 1.1 Describe the fundamental and applied scientific knowledge that underpins Surveying and Geospatial Science.
PLO 1.2 Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice.
PLO 3.2 Interpret and critically analyse results and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions.
PLO 4.1 Communicate effectively by means of oral, written and graphical presentations to peers and a wider audience.
PLO 5.1 Appreciate the environmental, social, legal and international aspects of actions and decisions in Surveying and Geospatial Science.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of environmental sciences to examine topical environmental issues
- Gather, describe, and synthesise information from a range of sources including books, journal articles, and online media
- Develop and communicate effective arguments to inform decision making pertaining to ecological environmental management topics
- Demonstrate an ability to work independently, responsibly and safely in an individual or team environment
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, workshops, seminars, project work, fieldwork, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1 - Case Study Essay and Presentation
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 2 - Online quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 3 - Climate science and policy report
Weighting 10%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4
Assessment Task 4 - Fieldwork activities and reports
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.