sci3ecs environmental case stud.

ENVIRONMENTAL CASE STUDIES

SCI3ECS

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject students examine how environmental and scientific studies may be applied to determine the origin, nature and quality of land and water resources; assess the impacts of using resources on the quality and diversity of the biophysical environment; identify and monitor environmental change - past, present and future; and assist balanced decision-making in the sustainable use of resources. The subject is based around field studies of the physical and biological components and the dynamics of selected ecosystems.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites ENV1CSS or PHE2EHI

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsEnvironmental; change in Australia since 1788.PrescribedYoung, A.R.OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1996
ReadingsIndicators of catchment health - a technical perspective.PrescribedWalker, J. & Reuter, D.J.CSIRO, 1996.
ReadingsLooking back - the changing face of the Australian continent 1972-1992.PrescribedGraetz, D.CSIRO, 1992
ReadingsAustralia : a geography, Vol. 1 the natural environment.PreliminaryJeans, D.N.SYDNEY UNIVERSITY PRESS, SYDNEY, 1986.

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Explore the role of legislation in environmental protection in Victoria through identification of the relevant legislation and discussion of the application in the management of environmental issues

Activities:
Relevant legislations will be introduced on-line. General discussions of application will be undertaken on-line and in workshops.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

02. Identify and assess specific environmental issues within a case study and explain the underlying science in terms of the biological and chemical processes involved.

Activities:
Students will attend 4 half-day field trips to local sites. Workshops will be held prior to the visit to discuss each site.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Speaking(Speaking)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

03. Identify and critically evaluate strategies used by a range of organisations to manage their environmental issues

Activities:
Students will attend 4 half-day field trips to local sites. Workshops will be held prior to the visit to discuss each site.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Writing(Writing)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Speaking(Speaking)

04. Discuss the relationship between management strategies and environmental impacts.

Activities:
Students will attend 4 half-day field trips to local sites. Workshops will be held prior to the visit to discuss each site.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)
Speaking(Speaking)

05. Write a case study report identifying the relevant science, environmental and legislative issues and proposing options for management performance.

Activities:
Students will attend 4 half-day field trips to local sites. Formative assessment will occur through field reports on each trip. Students will undertake a major assessment task which includes a project report written according to established standards and guidelines.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Writing(Writing)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Bendigo, 2015, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens

Class requirements

Field TripWeek: 31 - 43
Four 4.0 days field trip per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Four half day field trips"

WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
Five 5.0 days workshop per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Five half day workshops"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Four x field reports2002, 03, 04
Major assignment5001, 02, 03, 04, 05
On-line test1001
Poster presentation2002, 03, 04