EART3304 Environmental Planning, Management and Sustainability [UG]

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information click on the Timetable link below.

Credit: 6 points Availability: Semester 2 (See Timetable) Old unit code: 060.304

Outcomes: Students are able to explain the basic theories and practical issues underlying the concept of sustainable development and its role in environmental planning and management; are familiar with some of the factors that influence environmental resource depletion and damage, including land and water degradation and loss of biodiversity; develop a good understanding of the socioeconomic issues relating to the environment as well as wider human–environment interactions, connections and impacts. In this context, students are able to demonstrate understanding of the relationship between the sciences and social sciences; develop a working knowledge of a number of biophysical and social issues; understand the role of spatial relationships in sustainable development, especially those that affect less-developed nations; and research and analyse particular aspects of environmental sustainability, planning and management in a topic of special interest to the student in a critically rigorous and independent manner.

Content: This interdisciplinary unit presents an overview of the conceptual and practical elements of sustainable development as a tool for environmental planning and management. In this unit significant global environmental and social problems are examined and explored, with reference to global processes and institutional arrangements, such as the United Nations programmes. The gaps between the theory and application of sustainable development and its various definitions and interpretations are also explored, as are issues relating to social and natural resource management. Topics include forest use and management; sustainable water supply and quality in Australia and overseas; biodiversity conservation and loss; land degradation; and social and environmental justice.

Assessment: This comprises a two-hour end-of–semester examination (50 per cent), an essay (20 per cent) and a seminar presentation (30 per cent).

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.

Location: UWA (Crawley)

Mode: on-campus

Unit Rules:

Prerequisites: completion of 48 points

Incompatibility: 060.222 Geographic Aspects of Sustainability 222

Contact hours—lectures: 2 hrs per week; workshops/tutorials: 2 hrs per week

Unit Web Page: http://webct.uwa.edu.au/ (only for enrolled students)

Note: Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2008.

Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studysmarter.uwa.edu.au/). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.

Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.