Course Title: Environmental Sustainability
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Environmental Sustainability
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ENVI1192 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2016 |
ENVI1192 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020 |
ENVI1193 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2016 |
ENVI1193 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020 |
Course Coordinator: Assoc Prof Karin Reinke
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0422
Course Coordinator Email: karin.reinke@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 12.12.26
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
Environmental sustainability is a broad and inter-disciplinary study that combines knowledge from philosophy, politics, economics and other social sciences, as well as the biophysical sciences. The practice of environmental sustainability seeks to inform responsible interaction with the environment so that the needs of current generations are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this course you will explore ways in which natural ecosystems are impacted by human decision making and development, and the different means by which we can estimate impacts and identify and develop solutions. This course emphasises opportunities to examine sustainability issues across a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through evidence-based approaches and practical, applied case-studies.
Please note that if you take this course for a bachelor honours program, your overall mark in this course will be one of the course marks that will be used to calculate the weighted average mark (WAM) that will determine your award level. (This applies to students who commence enrolment in a bachelor honours program from 1 January 2016 onwards. See the WAM information web page for more information.)
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BH117 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours):
- Describe the fundamental and applied scientific knowledge that underpins the geospatial sciences.
- Appreciate the environmental, social, legal and international aspects of actions and decisions in surveying and the geospatial sciences.
This course is also offered as University Student elective to other Programs from across RMIT University.
On completion of this course you should be able to:
- Critically evaluate information and references to identify fit-for-purpose evidence.
- Report, evaluate and communicate ideas relating to the sustainable management of the environment.
- Explain the core principles, and applications, of environmental sustainability.
- Identify the key requirements for observing and measuring our environment using techniques drawn from socio-economic and geospatial sciences to support sustainable management.
- Analyse and demonstrate the links between your own discipline of study and environmental sustainability.
In addition, postgraduates should be able to show greater synthesis of multiple inter-disciplinary concepts underpinning environmental sustainability, be able to demonstrate advanced judgement in the selection of materials used to support discussions, and be able to communicate ideas appropriate to the intended audience and across different modes of communication.
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 environmental sustainability which will be further reinforced using audio and visual learning aids. You will participate in hands-on, practical, group activities with your peers where you will use various computer-based tools to enhance your understanding of environmental sustainability issues and solutions. Individual directed learning plus individual an collaborative assessments will foster in-depth understanding to examine, reflect and comment on the role environmental sustainability has in a contemporary society. All aspects of the course are supported by the RMIT Learning Hub.
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 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 the RMIT Learning Hub. Computer Labs with specialist 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. For your major assessment, you will be required to critically examine how your discipline contributes to the sustainable management of our environment. A class test in week 12 will assess your knowledge of key concepts learnt throughout semester and assess your ability to apply concepts learnt to given problems. Feedback will be provided electronically via Canvas.
☒This course has no hurdle requirements.
Early Assessment Task: Activity 1 Report (Group)
Weighting 10%
This assessment task supports CLO 1.
Assessment Task 2: Activity 2-4 Report (Individual/Group)
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4.
Note: Postgraduate students will be expected to complete additional extension questions.
Assessment Task 3: Major Assessment (Individual)
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 5.
Note: Postgraduates will be expected to also deliver a presentation based on their major assessment as specified in assessment rubric.
Assessment 4: Class Test (Individual)
Weighting 30%
This assessment supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4.
Note: Postgraduates will need to demonstrate advanced conceptual knowledge and application in written responses as specified in assessment rubric.