Environmental Science
Master of Science in Environmental Science
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course and stream title |
|---|---|
|
LG028 |
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science |
|
LF044 |
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science |
|
LC056 |
Master of Science in Environmental Science |
2 Attendance pattern
0.
The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.
3 Master's type
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any course in this sequence. Only the highest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
With approval from the Dean available places will be offered to qualified applicants, according to the following admissions criteria.
(2)
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, applicants without the following qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.
(3)
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science requires a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
(b)
completion of the embedded graduate certificate in this discipline, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
(a)
a Bachelor of Science, with a credit average, from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(b)
a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or
(c)
completion of the embedded graduate diploma in this discipline, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in the table for Environmental Science postgraduate courses. With the approval of the Dean and the program coordinator, candidates for the graduate diploma or master's degree, who have special aims or interests, may be allowed to substitute up to 12 credit points with relevant postgraduate units from outside the table.
(2)
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:
(3)
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science a candidate must complete 36 credit points, including:
(4)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Environmental Science coursework pathway a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(5)
Subject to the availability of supervision and suitable projects, candidates with a credit average in 24 credit points of study from the degree may be admitted to the research pathway.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science, Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science and Master of Science in Environmental Science are articulated coursework programs that allow a large degree of flexibility in the depth at which studies are undertaken and the choice of subjects studied. Some of the major themes addressed include environmental sciences, environmental politics and law, project evaluation and assessment, decision making and conflict resolution.
Course outcomes
The articulated award program in Environmental Science is designed for both recent graduates wishing to obtain employment in the environmental field and for graduates already working in an environmental sphere who are interested in gaining either a formal qualification in environmental science or additional information about related areas of environmental science.
Environmental managers and scientists are increasingly finding that they need to have a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base and the ability to be flexible and innovative in their application of such knowledge. Thus the aim of this award program is to provide students with the ability to solve environmental problems that require the integration of knowledge from diverse disciplines. Emphasis is placed on studies which span several disciplines, adaptive problem solving, and the development of new skills and expertise.
Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates will possess a practical and theoretical background in some of the basic aspects of environmental science. This can be supplemented and extended upon completion of the graduate diploma, and extended further to include research and practical skills upon completion of the master's program. Students completing the full postgraduate program will have a solid grounding in all basic areas of environmental science, enabling them to understand the environmental problems that can arise and the disparate solutions that can be applied to solve such problems, and to comprehend all aspects of environmental assessment.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Environmental Science who have completed the 12cp Research Project ENVI5501 are eligible to apply for admission to a research degree (MSc, MSc (Environmental Science) or PhD).
Units of study table
Not all units of study may be available every semester. The faculty may allow substitution of any unit of study by an approved unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the faculty or elsewhere in the University.
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science |
|||
Core |
|||
| Students in the graduate certificate must complete ENVI5705 or ENVI5708 or ENVI5904. | |||
| ENVI5705 Ecological Principles |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5904 Methods in Applied Ecology |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective |
|||
| Students in the graduate certificate must complete 3 elective units of study. Electives may be chosen from the list of core units. | |||
| CIVL5665 Advanced Water Resources Management |
6 | A Basic calculation skills and a knowledge of the application of spreadsheets to perform data manipulation and presentation. |
Semester 2 |
| ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment |
6 | Semester 1a |
|
| ENVI5803 Law and the Environment |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5903 Sustainable Development |
6 | Semester 2a |
|
| ENVI5905 Management of Parks |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B |
6 | A GEOG5001 |
Semester 2b |
| GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing |
6 | A Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) |
Semester 1 |
| GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOS5501 Human Rights and the Environment |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MARS5001 Coastal Processes and Systems |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5006 Coral Reefs, Science and Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5007 Coral Reefs and Climate Change |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1a |
| PLAN9065 Resource and Environmental Management |
6 | Semester 1b |
|
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science |
|||
Core |
|||
| Students in the graduate diploma must complete ENVI5705 and ENVI5708. Students in the graduate diploma must also complete either ENVI5707 or ENVI5904. | |||
| ENVI5705 Ecological Principles |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5904 Methods in Applied Ecology |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective |
|||
| Students in the graduate diploma must complete 3 elective units of study. Electives may be chosen from the list of core units. | |||
| CIVL5665 Advanced Water Resources Management |
6 | A Basic calculation skills and a knowledge of the application of spreadsheets to perform data manipulation and presentation. |
Semester 2 |
| ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment |
6 | Semester 1a |
|
| ENVI5803 Law and the Environment |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5903 Sustainable Development |
6 | Semester 2a |
|
| ENVI5905 Management of Parks |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B |
6 | A GEOG5001 |
Semester 2b |
| GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing |
6 | A Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) |
Semester 1 |
| GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOS5501 Human Rights and the Environment |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MARS5001 Coastal Processes and Systems |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5006 Coral Reefs, Science and Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5007 Coral Reefs and Climate Change |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1a |
| PLAN9065 Resource and Environmental Management |
6 | Semester 1b |
|
Master of Environmental Science |
|||
Coursework Pathway |
|||
Core |
|||
| Students in the master's degree (coursework pathway) must complete ENVI5705, AFNR5801 and RESP5001. Students in the master's degree (coursework pathway) must also complete either ENVI5708 or ENVI5904. | |||
| AFNR5801 Climate Change: Process, History, Issues |
6 | A A basic understanding of climate change processes and issues. |
Semester 2 |
| ENVI5705 Ecological Principles |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5904 Methods in Applied Ecology |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| RESP5001 Integrated Research Practice |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
Elective |
|||
| Students in the master's degree (coursework pathway) must complete 4 elective units of study. Electives may be chosen from the list of core units. | |||
| CIVL5665 Advanced Water Resources Management |
6 | A Basic calculation skills and a knowledge of the application of spreadsheets to perform data manipulation and presentation. |
Semester 2 |
| ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment |
6 | Semester 1a |
|
| ENVI5803 Law and the Environment |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5903 Sustainable Development |
6 | Semester 2a |
|
| ENVI5905 Management of Parks |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B |
6 | A GEOG5001 |
Semester 2b |
| GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing |
6 | A Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) |
Semester 1 |
| GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOS5501 Human Rights and the Environment |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MARS5001 Coastal Processes and Systems |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5006 Coral Reefs, Science and Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5007 Coral Reefs and Climate Change |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1a |
| PLAN9065 Resource and Environmental Management |
6 | Semester 1b |
|
Research Pathway |
|||
Core |
|||
| Students in the master's degree (research pathway) must complete ENVI5705, AFNR5801 and ENVI5501. Students in the master's degree (research pathway) must also complete either ENVI5708 or ENVI5904. | |||
| AFNR5801 Climate Change: Process, History, Issues |
6 | A A basic understanding of climate change processes and issues. |
Semester 2 |
| ENVI5501 Environmental Research Project |
12 | P 24 credit points of study with a distinction average or better |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| ENVI5705 Ecological Principles |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5904 Methods in Applied Ecology |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective |
|||
| Students in the master's degree (research pathway) must complete 3 elective units of study. Electives may be chosen from the list of core units. | |||
| CIVL5665 Advanced Water Resources Management |
6 | A Basic calculation skills and a knowledge of the application of spreadsheets to perform data manipulation and presentation. |
Semester 2 |
| ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment |
6 | Semester 1a |
|
| ENVI5803 Law and the Environment |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| ENVI5903 Sustainable Development |
6 | Semester 2a |
|
| ENVI5905 Management of Parks |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B |
6 | A GEOG5001 |
Semester 2b |
| GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing |
6 | A Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) |
Semester 1 |
| GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GEOS5501 Human Rights and the Environment |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MARS5001 Coastal Processes and Systems |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5006 Coral Reefs, Science and Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MARS5007 Coral Reefs and Climate Change |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1a |
| PLAN9065 Resource and Environmental Management |
6 | Semester 1b |
|
Unit of study descriptions 2012
AFNR5801 Climate Change: Process, History, Issues
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Franks, Dr Dan Penny Session: Semester 2 Classes: 18 hrs lecture/tutorial, 12 hrs practical/field classes, 9 hrs field trip preparation Assumed knowledge: A basic understanding of climate change processes and issues. Assessment: 2hr exam (40%), tutorials (20%), practical report from field exercise (manuscript format) (40%), Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides students with an overview of current debates and approaches to understanding and quantifying interactions between the biosphere, oceans and atmosphere, as used around the world, and the consequences of those interactions for climate. The unit considers climate change on a variety of timescales.
This unit will include a weekend field trip to Snowy Mountains field sites managed by the University of Sydney where students will be introduced to cutting edge, ongoing climate change research.
This unit will include a weekend field trip to Snowy Mountains field sites managed by the University of Sydney where students will be introduced to cutting edge, ongoing climate change research.
Textbooks
A reading list will be provided consisting of selected book chapters, journal articles and other publications
CIVL5665 Advanced Water Resources Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Federico Maggi Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorials per week Assumed knowledge: Basic calculation skills and a knowledge of the application of spreadsheets to perform data manipulation and presentation. Assessment: Quizzes (50%) and final exam (50%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The objective of this unit of study is to introduce students and professionals to water resources engineering. The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of: hydrologic cycle from the broadest perspective, physical, chemical and biological characterization of water, how to change the water quality parameters, water quality control and management, water quality in the environment, nutrient and contaminant cycling and removal, water treatment methods for drinking, wastewater and groundwater, conservation/reuse/treatment techniques, desalination, stormwater, bioremediation and phytoremediation techniques. The topics mentioned above will be covered in both a qualitative and quantitative aspects.
ENVI5501 Environmental Research Project
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Meetings arranged with supervisor. Prerequisites: 24 credit points of study with a distinction average or better Assessment: Written report and continuous assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
A valuable opportunity to apply some of the knowledge gained from earlier coursework, ENVI5501 consists of a research project as arranged between you (the student) and an appropriate supervisor. The project topic may contain a field or laboratory component, or may be entirely literature-based. The only requirement is that the topic be of environmental emphasis, meaning that potential topics range from ecotourism to pollution detection and monitoring, erosion to solar power, environmental law to conservation biology. The topic must also be able to be completed within the timeframe of 16 weeks (one semester) of investigation, including the literature survey, sample and data collection, analysis of data and results, and write up of the report. This unit is not conducted by way of a number of contact hours per week for a semester. Instead, the student will work on the project full-time (aside from other study commitments) in a continuous manner for the entire duration (1 semester). This unit of study is only available to students in the Master programs who have completed 24 credit points of study with a distinction average or better, and any student interested in taking ENVI5501 should contact the postgraduate advisor for Environmental Science to discuss their project and for help in selecting an appropriate supervisor.
ENVI5705 Ecological Principles
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Dieter Hochuli Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 3 hour lecture per week. Assessment: Assignment, presentation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of modern ecology for environmental scientists so as to provide non-biologically trained persons an understanding of the nomenclature of ecology and the physical parameters represented.
ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chris Dey Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week and field trips per semester. Assessment: Major essay, assignments, tutorial paper and presentation and short test. (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Environmental impacts of energy generation and use are addressed in this unit of study. Major topics include discussion of the various energy sources, global energy resources, the economics associated with energy production, the politics and culture that surrounds energy use, and the alternative sources of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy and atmospheric systems. This unit of study includes several field trips to energy utilities and associated energy sites.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Gavin Birch Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures and one practical per week; one field trip per semester. Assessment: Assignment, presentation and report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the major physical and chemical processes that control the concentration and dispersion of chemical pollutants in natural and impacted coastal environments. The course will demonstrate how to use contaminant data effectively and how to judge the quality of chemical data. This knowledge will be used to design and to assess environmental projects, and to judge the magnitude of impact by human activity on marine environments and the risk posed by sedimentary contaminants to benthic animals. The course aims to provide present and future managers employed in environmental professions with the skills to use data with confidence and to make management decisions knowing the risks inherent in variable data quality.
ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Josephine Gillespie Session: Semester 1a Classes: 2hrs lectures and 2 hrs tutorials per week plus directed reading. The unit runs for weeks 1-7 Assessment: essay and seminar presentation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides both a conceptual and an empirical foundation for the analysis of relationships between society, the environment and natural resources. Contexts for application of social science concepts to the environment include climate change, water resources management, forest issues and urban environmental quality. Students will deal with both broad theoretical approaches to the societal analysis of relationships between people and the environment, for example political ecology, and with specific themes including the sociological basis of collective action, property relations, resource tenure, decentralisation, participatory approaches to environmental and natural resource management, and systems of knowledge. The unit pays particular attention to the implications of heterogeneous and competing interests for environmental and natural resource management and explores ways of dealing with diverse stakeholder interests. Empirical material is drawn from various countries, with special emphasis on Southeast Asia and Australia. The aim of the unit is to provide conceptual tools that will be used in other units of study within the program and for application in analysis of resource and environmental management issues faced in real world decision-making contexts. The unit will draw on the professional experience and agency roles of participants. The unit is taught through a combination of lectures and reading-based seminars.
ENVI5803 Law and the Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Leta Webb Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week. Assessment: Essays (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study provides an overview of Australian and international law as it pertains to the environment. It looks at a number of environmental issues at the various levels of analysis, policy making, implementation of policy and dispute resolution. It also provides a broad background to political and economic issues as they related to the legal issues. This unit of study involves lecture material and an essay on policy issues.
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The concept and use of computer modelling in natural resource management is introduced in this unit of study, which is aimed particularly at non-programmers. The unit involves a combination of lecture and applied modelling skills, with students learning practical techniques that can be applied to different environmental issues.
ENVI5903 Sustainable Development
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Fiona McKenzie Session: Semester 2a Classes: Two 2 hour lectures per week for seven weeks. Assessment: Essay and presentation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study demonstrates the history and contested understandings of the concept of sustainable development. It applies these concepts to explore important environmental science issues such as population, water management sustainable cities, rural development, industrial ecology, and energy issues. The unit concludes by presenting a range of future scenarios and encouraging students to develop their own vision of sustainability at the global and other scales, and to communicate their means of achieving this sustainability vision.
ENVI5904 Methods in Applied Ecology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Ross Coleman Session: Semester 2 Classes: One three hour lecture per week for 8 weeks. Assessment: Tutorials, oral presentations and written reports (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
No assessment of potential environmental impacts is possible without relevant information about the ecological consequences. This unit is for those without a quantitative ecology background, to explain the need to quantify and what are relevant measures. Describing and understanding uncertainty will be explained in the context of precautionary principles. Issues about measuring biodiversity and the spatial and temporal problems of ecological systems will be introduced. Field experience will also be available (up to two of six hour sessions) subject to weather, tides and available staffing; please note that these sessions are voluntary.
ENVI5905 Management of Parks
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Deirdre Dragovich Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lectures 3 hrs for 6 weeks, Practical work 3 hrs for 3 wks, Seminar 2 hrs for 1 wk, Fieldwork 12 hrs (1.5 days), Total / week 7 hrs average Assessment: One practical report, one assignment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study evaluates the reasons for the existence of parks, including National Parks, recreational spaces and reserves, and examines the applied aspects of their management. Topics covered include conservation, ecotourism, plans of management and their implementation (with particular emphasis on the remediation of the impacts of visitor numbers and erosion), fire control practices and resource management. Students will visit various parks within the Sydney region (local parks and the Royal National Park) hat highlight the different issues introduced in lectures and which illustrate the practical measures undertaken to manage the parks in a sustainable fashion.
Textbooks
A Course Handbook will be provided.
GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Six lectures plus six workshops. Assessment: Report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study gives an overview of basic spatial data models, and enables students to understand the use of data from a variety of sources within a geographical information system (GIS). The analysis of spatial data, and its manipulation to address questions appropriate to planning or locational applications, will be addressed, as will the development of thematic maps from diverse data layers.
GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2b Classes: One 2 hour lectures, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks. Assumed knowledge: GEOG5001 Assessment: 2500 word report, assignment, WebCT quiz (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This course will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental issues. The course is designed to provide an understanding of spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social and physical environmental applications and address emerging issues in GIS research. A range of topics will be introduced including field based capture of spatial information, spatial data structures, surface modelling, visibility analysis, hydrological modeling, network analysis, spatial data uncertainty and social GIS. Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.
GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Richard Murphy Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 one hour lectures and a 4 hour practical per week Assumed knowledge: Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) Assessment: Assignments, practicals (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The unit of study explores how remote sensing has enabled the science of Earth Observation to become the most valuable and widely-used tool for characterising and quantifying Earths vegetation, geology and marine ecosystems. The study introduces the physical processes that influence how light interacts with materials of the Earth's surface, which is the basis for Earth Observation. The course uses state-of-the-art, industry-standard software to introduce many different techniques in the analysis and interpretation of remotely sensed data. We will explore different kinds of remotely sensed data, starting from a simple colour photograph to multispectral and hyperspectral data gathered from satellites and aircraft. Earth Observation is becoming an essential skill for anyone interested in the natural environment - skills which are applicable across a wide range of science and environmental disciplines. Starting off simply, you will acquire the skills and knowledge to enable you to map and quantify vegetation and geology using image data acquired in different parts of the world. The objective of this course is to 'demystify' the use of satellite data and to provide the essential theoretical and practical skills to enable students to process data acquired by Earth Observation satellites and aircraft.
GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Peter Cowell Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and one three hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The unit introduces methods associated with acquiring data in the field and examines issues associated with application of spatial data to environmental monitoring, terrain mapping and geocomputing. Students will learn both theoretically and practically how environmental data is collected using different remote sensing techniques, (pre)processing methods of integrating data in a GIS environment and the role of spatial data in understanding landscape processes and quantifying environmental change.
GEOS5501 Human Rights and the Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jo Gillespie Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 1 hour lecture and one 1 hour seminar per week Assessment: 3000 word essay (70%), Seminar paper (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The global community is faced with the collision between environmental degradation and human rights, from oil spill disasters to the disproportionate impact of anthropogenic climate change in the developing world. At the same time we are witnessing an ever increasing demand to meet human rights obligations. Both these phenomena necessitate a re-think of the way environmental conditions are perceived. This unit of study addresses the diverse and complex interaction between human rights and the environment, and examines whether human rights can be secured in degraded or polluted environments. Initially this course explores the role of human rights instruments in addressing environmental issues while also looking at the incorporation of human rights concerns within multi-lateral environmental agreements. The role of a rights based approach in addressing human rights and environmental issues is explored while the tensions inherent in development, conservation and human rights dialogues are considered. Through a series of themed lectures the course explore links between human rights and the environment in terms of development projects including large infrastructure programmes such as dams or resource use such as mining. The implications of a right to water are examined while the complicated issues associated with human rights and climate changes are investigated. The concept of an environmental refugee is studied with reference to vulnerable populations in the Asia-Pacific region. Consideration is also given to the urban environment; especially relevant to participatory or procedural human rights. Links between indigenous groups, the environment and human rights are explored. This course also probes connections between human rights dialogues and forestry; and potential implications of the REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) scheme. The course deals with the human rights - environment nexus through a series of lectures and seminars.
MARS5001 Coastal Processes and Systems
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ana Vila-Concejo Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks Assessment: Assignment, presentation and quiz (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study explains the major coastal processes and systems of relevance to coastal zone management. These include rocky coasts and bluffs; beaches, barriers and dunes; and estuaries and inlets. The interactions between these processes and systems that are of most relevance to coastal management are highlighted, including coastal hazards such as beach erosion, dune migration, bluff retreat, coastal flooding and inlet closure/opening. Anthropogenic impacts are also analysed. The unit is presented in lectures and field excursions, the latter enabling each system to be examined first hand.
MARS5006 Coral Reefs, Science and Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Maria Byrne Session: Semester 1 Classes: University base delivery: Prefield trip Tutorial (1 hr), On-line exercises (2 hr)
Field based delivery: Lectures (11 x 1 hr), Seminars (4 x 1 hr), Tutorials - individual consultations to develop concepts in research (2 x 1 hr), Independent Research and Oral Presentation (40 hrs) Assessment: Written assignments: essay and project report; oral presentations; seminar and lecture participation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Field Experience
This unit provides an in - depth overview of the key biological and non-biological processes that make up coral reef ecosystems. There is a focus on the biogeographic, oceanographic and physiological processes underlying the integrity of global tropical reef systems. The Great Barrier Reef is used as a case study to explore emerging concepts on the influence of natural and anthropogenic processes on the integrity of global reef and lagoon systems. Learning activities will include a series of background lectures and research seminars and tutorials in the development of a major research project. A major aspect of this unit is an independent research project conducted under the supervision of the course instructors. The unit concludes with a series of oral presentations based on student research. Assessment tasks will consist of two essays and a research project report and presentation. The curriculum in this unit is based on current research and a course book will be provided. This is a field intensive course held at One Tree Island Research Station or Heron Island Research Station. The course is ex-Gladstone Queensland and students are expected to make their own way there. This unit will be run over 8 days and there will be an additional course fee for food and accommodation, expected to be $600.
MARS5007 Coral Reefs and Climate Change
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jody Webster Session: Semester 1a Classes: 80 hours block mode includes lectures, tutorials and fieldwork Assessment: Written assignments: essay and project report; oral presentations; seminar and lecture participation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit provides an in - depth understanding of the key geological, oceanographic,. biological and economic factors effecting climate change, energy generation and needs with specific reference to the Great Barrier Reef. Computer prediction of worst and best case scenarios are used to develop management strategies and policy implications. Learning activities will include a series of background lectures and research seminars, and tutorials on the development of a major research project. A major aspect of this unit is an independent research project conducted under the supervision of the course instructors. The unit concludes with a series of oral presentations based on student research. Assessment tasks will consist of two essays and a research project report and presentation. The curriculum in this unit is based on current research and a course book will be provided. This is a field intensive course held at One Tree Island Research Station. The course is ex-Gladstone Queensland and students are expected to make their own way there. The unit will be run over 8 days and there will be an additional course fee for food and accommodation, expected to be $600.
PLAN9065 Resource and Environmental Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Krishna Shrestha Session: Semester 1b Classes: Lectures plus discussion 2hrs/wk + consultation Assessment: essay of 2,500 words (40%); case study report of 3,000 words (45%); in-class group presentation at the end of the semester (10%); participation in group discussion (in class and WebCT) (5%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The aims of this unit are (1) to understand basic principles and decision making tools of sustainable environmental and resource planning and management through social science perspective; (2) to apply principles of resource and environmental management to assess the impacts of development activities through case study discussion, and (3) to help students formulating strategies to address environmental and resource management issues and enhance environmental equity and sustainability, particularly with respect to conducting, managing and evaluating environmental impact assessments and addressing the issues of stakeholders participation in collaborative planning and management of environmental and natural resources in Australia. This unit is especially relevant to government agencies, community groups and also non-government organisations involved in environmental and resource planning and management at local, regional, state and national levels; to international conservation and environmental management organisations; and to consulting firms, including those that specialise in environmental assessment and management. Through lectures, case study analyses and discussions, this unit aims to enable students to explore and understand how political and economic processes at various scales can influence environmental and resource management decisions and outcomes at local and regional levels, affecting the nature and extent of social and ecological outcomes in relation to moving towards achieving sustainable environmental and resource management.
RESP5001 Integrated Research Practice
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof D Dragovich Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Three 1000 word reports, oral presentation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit will provide research training for students to synthesize and draw conclusions from their coursework experience and learning, and to enable them to revise and/or develop the necessary skills for undertaking research as part of their intellectual and/or professional growth. These skills include critical reading, developing the research proposal, developing a research plan with timelines and benchmarks, critical writing, library search techniques, use of referencing systems like EndNote, matters relating to intellectual property and authorship, how to follow instructions to authors and report presentation.