| Semester 2, 2020 Online | |
| Short Description: | Sustainability Science |
| Units : | 1 |
| Faculty or Section : | Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences |
| School or Department : | School of Sciences |
| Student contribution band : | Band 2 |
| ASCED code : | 050999 - Environmental Studies not else |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
Staffing
Examiner:
Requisites
Pre-requisite: REN8101
Rationale
The concept of sustainability and its application through the approaches of ecologically sustainable development are growing in prominence in government policies and in business planning, both domestically and internationally. Modern environment and natural resource management requires the credible integration of social, environmental and economic issues within an interdisciplinary framework. This capstone course in the environment and sustainability specialisation will require students to synthesise and apply their knowledge and skills to a range of case studies. The course will focus on different methods of analysis and different approaches to governance and community engagement, considering sustainability issues at different scales from local to global.
Synopsis
This course explores the discipline of sustainability science from important concepts and theory to practical examples and conflicts that can occur in sustainable development. The first half of the course will introduce theory, concepts and ideas while the second half will focus on case studies. Students will draw on knowledge of the history and concepts within sustainability science to critically assess examples and case studies, both current and historical.
Objectives
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Explain and evaluate the key concepts and theories within sustainability science, including historical influences;
- Critically assess where potential conflicts regarding sustainability issues could occur and provide a range of possible solutions;
- Compare and contrast different approaches to sustainable development;
- Assess and justify decisions associated with the implementation of sustainability practices, including methods of measuring and governing sustainability;
- Analyse and justify decisions associated with a range of different situations, using the lens of sustainability.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | History of sustainability | 10.00 |
| 2. | Theories and concepts in sustainability science | 25.00 |
| 3. | Enacting and governing sustainability | 15.00 |
| 4. | Case study analysis | 50.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2020&sem=02&subject1=REN8203)
Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)
(available as eBook.)
Reference materials
(Available as a eBook.)
(Available online (ebrary).)
Student workload expectations
| Activity | Hours |
|---|---|
| Directed Study | 66.00 |
| Online Lectures | 13.00 |
| Online Tutorials | 10.00 |
| Private Study | 76.00 |
Assessment details
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg (%) | Due Date | Objectives Assessed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Proposal (Assignment 1) | 50 | 10 | 14 Aug 2020 | 2,3,4 | |
| Fact Sheet (Assignment 2) | 50 | 15 | 04 Sep 2020 | 2,3,4 | |
| Essay (Assignment 3) | 50 | 40 | 24 Sep 2020 | 1,2,3,4,5 | |
| Engagement in online forum | 5 | 5 | 20 Oct 2020 | 1,2,5 | |
| Multimedia Presentation (4) | 50 | 30 | 20 Oct 2020 | 2,3,4 |
Important assessment information
-
Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. -
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment. -
Penalties for late submission of required work:
Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4) -
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course. -
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course. -
Examination information:
There is no examination for this course. -
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
There are no Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course. -
University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at .