Sustainability
Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
Sustainability
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability
Students must complete 24 credit points, including:
(a) 12 credit points of core units of study including;
(i) 6 credit points from core units, and
(ii) 6 credit points from additional core units
(b) 12 credit points of units of study selected from the remaining core units of study or elective units of study.
Graduate Diploma in Sustainability
Students must complete 48 credit points, including:
(a) 36 credit points of core units of study, including;
(i) 6 credit points from core units, and
(ii) 30 credit points from additional core units
(b) 12 credit points of units of study selected from the remaining core units of study or elective units of study.
Master of Sustainability
Students must complete 72 credit points, including:
(a) 36 credit points of core units of study, including;
(i) 6 credit points from core units
(ii) 30 credit points from additional core units
(b) 12 credit points of elective units of study from the remaining core units of study or elective units of study; and
(c) 24 credit points of Capstone experience units of study.
Core Unit
SUST5001 Introduction to Sustainability
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Science
Note: Note: Students in the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, Graduate Diploma in Sustainability or Master of Sustainability must take this unit in their first semester of study. This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit of study will introduce students to the concepts and multidisciplinary nature of sustainability, starting with the physical basis of climate change and its impact on the environment and human development. This will be followed by several case studies covering Energy, Health, Development and Environment. The case studies will be presented by industry professionals and will illustrate sustainability issues currently before Australia- their origins, impacts and industry responses. The unit of study will provide students with a holistic systems lens through which to view their learning throughout the Masters program. This will underpin understanding of the integrated nature of sustainability and facilitate the challenging of silo-based assumptions- their own and those of others. The intention is to ground understanding of complex systems in the real world through the use of case studies that will demonstrate organisational change and problem solving in a world with competing values and conflicting views of what it means to live sustainably. Students completing the unit of study will have a "sustainability tool kit" to apply to sustainability issues in their professional and community activities.
Additional Core Units
SUST5002 Food and Water Security
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Science
Note: This unit of study involves essay and blog writing and group work. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
Potentially the greatest challenge facing humanity is how to feed 10 billion people in a hot world. How do we reverse trends which suggest that essential resources are becoming scarce, consumers sicker and traditional systems of food production are breaking down? This is the situation that faces us in the 21 Century. This unit explores the imperatives and challenges of ensuring an adequate supply of safe water and nutritious food in the face of changes in the environment, human population and global markets. Factors influencing trends in supply and demand include environmental degradation, climate change, energy scarcity, technology, changes in population and the patterns of global prosperity, growing urbanisation, and increased consumption. The unit will consider the underlying policy, economic and market-driven forces that play an important role in affecting both supply and demand. The needs of low-, middle- and high-income nations will be compared and the role of international, national and regional mechanisms will be discussed. Placing emphasis on the relevance to Australia, the unit will explore available interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral actions across a range of organisational levels such as communities, governments, NGOs and international agencies.
SUST5003 Energy and Resources
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Science
Note: This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit will examine the critical roles that energy and resource usage play in global, national and local sustainability. The need for developed economies to decarbonise their energy supply and for developing countries to have access to clean energy and sustainable resources will require major changes in technology, policy and business systems. This unit of study will cover the fundamentals of energy and resource supply; sustainable supply and use of energy for industry, business and consumers; life cycle analysis; energy security and alternative energy systems. Students will gain an understanding of: different sources of energy and their uses; the economic, environmental and societal contexts of energy and resource use; the need and scope for a transition from conventional energy sources; sound principles for analysing different resource and energy supply options; the role of international agreements and federal policy in influencing resource and energy use.
SUST5004 Sustainable Development and Population Health
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit introduces students to the extremely close nexus between human health, demographic change and environmental sustainability issues. This relationship is examined within the context of the three pillars of sustainable development with a focus on achieving equitable outcomes. This unit explores the extent to which environmental changes influence population demographics and health, and the extent to which demographic and secular changes impact on the physical environment. The influence of migration, conflict, food insecurity, droughts, flooding, heat stress, emerging and re-emerging infections and chronic health problems on poverty, ageing and dependency, physical, mental and social health and economic sustainability will be analysed alongside the elements needed to preserve the diversity and functioning of the ecosystem for future human survival. International models and policies for mitigating and/or adapting to the negative consequences of globalisation, urbanisation, overconsumption, and resource depletion will be analysed for their potential benefits and harms to sustainable population growth, optimal health and equitable distribution of essential resources.
SUST5005 Law, Policy and Sustainability
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive October Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Science
Note: This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit examines how policy-makers engage with and implement policies and legal requirements for regulating ecologically sustainable development. Meeting the needs of a growing global population while at the same time maintaining the health of the environment, which provides the life support system for humanity, is the central policy challenge of the 21st century. Key sustainability challenges include: avoiding dangerous climate change, safeguarding biological diversity, providing food security, coping with resource scarcity, and promoting green technology including low-carbon energy generation. These issues provide acute challenges for governments given that they cut across a range of policy areas, and require long-term planning rather than short-term decision-making. The unit examines how policy-makers at international, national and sub-national scales consider and respond to sustainability issues. Students will be introduced to: the role of analysis (economic, legal, political, scientific and social etc) in providing an evidence base for decisions; the variety of instruments and institutions available for policy delivery; how the lobbying process influences policy determination; and effectiveness of policy design and implementation. The unit also examines how decision-making is influenced by stakeholders, including industry, nongovernmental organisations and citizens. It will be seen that sustainability policy design and implementation in the real world involves reconciling competing agendas and interests, and that trade-offs are often made that may strengthen or weaken the effectiveness of sustainability policies. Offered through the Sydney Law School, this unit introduces students to the legal imperatives (both international and national) which inform and mandate policy choices.
SUST5006 Sustainability: Business and Leadership
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Experiential learning with sustainable enterprise Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Science
Note: This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit of study will help build your understanding of the knowledge, skills and activities required to lead sustainability and change in, and with, businesses and organisations. The unit presents the relevance and importance of business mission and strategy, and will introduce the roles of corporate social responsibility, sustainability and change management. It will also explore stakeholders associated with business (including shareholders, consumers and government) and how they can both motivate and impede change in the context of sustainability. Learning will be facilitated through seminars, readings, as well as individual group projects.
PHYS5031 Ecological Econ and Sustainable Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
This unit of study introduces contemporary topics from Ecological Economics and Sustainability Analysis, such as metrics for measuring sustainability; planetary boundaries and other natural limits; comparisons between ecological and environmental economics; valuing the environment; intergenerational discounting; global inequality with a focus on the climate change debate; and links between theories of well-being, human behaviour, consumerism and environmental impact. This unit includes guest lecturers from industry and research and an excursion. The lectures for this unit include interactive activities and group-exercises on a range of concepts related to Ecological Economics. The unit sets the scene for the more detailed and specific units PHYS5032, PHYS5033, and PHYS5034.
Capstone Experience Units
SUST5007 Research Project A
Credit points: 24 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prerequisites: Any 36 credit points of the following: SUST5001 or SUST5002 or SUST5003 or SUST5004 or SUST5005 or SUST5006 or PHYS5031 Prohibitions: SUST5008 or SUST5009 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Students either alone or in teams of 2-4 members propose a research enquiry (possibly based on their employment). If students are working as a team then each student must present and report on a discrete aspect of the project, while also showing how each part builds towards the whole. The project is multidisciplinary and should cover at least 2 sustainability theme areas (energy and resources, food and water, health and populations, policy, society and change, business, and sustainability analysis) and be approved by the Unit Coordinator. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of sustainable systems by considering the social, environmental, and economic consequences of their project. The Unit Coordinator will appoint an academic advisor for each student or group. Students will keep a diary/log of their activities, to be submitted for assessment at the end of semester.
SUST5008 Research Project B
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prerequisites: Any 36 credit points of the following: SUST5001 or SUST5002 or SUST5003 or SUST5004 or SUST5005 or SUST5006 or PHYS5031 Prohibitions: SUST5007 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Students either alone or in teams of 2-4 members propose a research enquiry (possibly based on their employment). If students are working as a team then each student must present and report on a discrete aspect of the project, while also showing how each part builds towards the whole. The project is multidisciplinary and should cover at least 2 sustainability theme areas (energy and resources, food and water, health and populations, policy, society and change, business, and sustainability analysis) and be approved by the Unit Coordinator. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of sustainable systems by considering the social, environmental, and economic consequences of their project. The Unit Coordinator will appoint an academic advisor for each student or group. Students will keep a diary/log of their activities, to be submitted for assessment at the end of semester.
SUST5009 Research Project C
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prerequisites: Any 36 credit points of the following: SUST5001, SUST5002, SUST5003, SUST5004, SUST5005, SUST5006, PHYS5031 Prohibitions: SUST5007 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Students either alone or in teams of 2-4 members propose a research enquiry (possibly based on their employment). If students are working as a team then each student must present and report on a discrete aspect of the project, while also showing how each part builds towards the whole. The project is multidisciplinary and should cover at least 2 sustainability theme areas (energy and resources, food and water, health and populations, policy, society and change, business, and sustainability analysis) and be approved by the Unit Coordinator. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of sustainable systems by considering the social, environmental, and economic consequences of their project. The Unit Coordinator will appoint an academic advisor for each student or group. Students will keep a diary/log of their activities, to be submitted for assessment at the end of semester.
Elective Units
AFNR5502 Remote Sensing, GIS and Land Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: ENVX3001 and SOIL3004. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
This unit of study is aimed at advanced techniques in Remote Sensing (RS), linked with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as applied to land management problems. We will review the basic principles of GIS and then focus on advanced RS principles and techniques used for land resource assessment and management. This will be followed by practical training in RS techniques, augmented by land management project development and implementation based on integration of GIS and RS tools. The unit thus consists of three separate but overlapping parts: 1) a short theoretical part which focuses on the concepts of RS; 2) a practical part which aims at developing hands-on skills in using RS tools, and 3) an application-focused module in which students will learn the skills of how to design a land management project and actualise it using integrated GIS and RS techniques.
Syllabus summary: Lectures will cover: Overview of the basic principles of Geographical Information Science (GISc), Advanced principles of remote sensing, Land resource information and data capture using RS, Digital elevation modelling and terrain analysis using remote sensing; Image enhancement and visualization; Image classification and interpretation; RS data interpretation for land resource inventory; RS and GIS for land use and land cover change analysis; Coupling of models of land resource assessment with GIS and RS. Fifty percent of learning time will be devoted to the design and implementation of projects, which can be selected from GIS and RS applications in: agricultural land management, vegetation studies, water and catchment (hydrological) studies; land-cover and land-use change modelling, pesticide and herbicide environmental risk assessment, environmental impact analysis, land degradation modelling including soil salinity, soil erosion, etc.
Textbooks
Textbook: Jesen J. R. 2006. Remote sensing of the environment: an earth resource perspective. 2nd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall Upper Saddle, New Jersey
AFNR5511 Soil Processes, Assessment and Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Soils support agricultural and natural ecosystems and regulate environmental interactions between the hydrosphere and atmosphere. It is the quality of our soils that affect productivity, the environment, health and ultimately sustainability. However, challenges such as those presented by lack of plant nutrient supply, soil acidification, physical degradation, soil contamination, and loss of soil biodiversity are problems at a global scale that threaten the sustainability of the environment and society. As well as the threats the importance of maintaining a quality soil that regulates environmental interactions will be explored, such as soil as a sink for carbon affecting climate interactions or understanding how a rich soil biodiversity can contribute to food production affecting food security. To do this, this unit of study is concerned with exploring the key pedology, soil chemistry, soil physical and soil biological processes that drive these challenges to soil quality. Time will be spent investigating how the quality of the soil can be assessed, using the indicators of the mentioned soil processes, and how the resulting data can be aggregated and communicated in a meaningful way. Working with case studies, the students will identify problems that are assessed using soil quality or function analysis with the aim of identifying management options. The management options will be evaluated to determine their adoptability and implement ability. By investigating the case studies using soil quality or function analysis students will develop their research and enquiry skills. Assessing and developing adoptable management strategies the students will develop their skills in synthesising material from multiple sources and enhance their intellectual autonomy. By producing reports and presenting seminars the students will develop their communication skills.
Textbooks
Textbooks: D. Hillel, 2004. Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics, Elsevier Science, San Diego, CA USA
AFNR5801 Climate Change: Process, History, Issues
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: A basic understanding of climate change processes and issues. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
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 where students will be introduced to climate change research.
Textbooks
A reading list will be provided consisting of selected book chapters, journal articles and other publications
ARCH9080 Urban Ecology, Design and Planning
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Adrienne Keane Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: PLAN9048 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
This unit will introduce the conceptual bases for sustainable development and explore how principles of sustainability can be introduced into land use planning and urban design, including environmental management and multi-criteria evaluation methodologies in three modules. The unit will examine the evolution of urban areas in relation to their biophysical setting. This will lead to an understanding and appreciation of the urban ecology of a city in terms of the flows of materials, resources and energy, and the challenges presented by climate change and peak oil. The principles of sustainability and the history and development of concepts of urban sustainability will be demonstrated through case studies. Assessments will explore a student's learning of the methods and frameworks for evaluating and measuring sustainability that are introduced in this unit.
BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kate MacKay Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: BETH5206 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online Faculty: Medicine and Health
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit provides students with an overview of the ethical and political issues that underlie public health and public health research. The unit begins with some fundamentals: the nature of ethics, of public health (and how it might be different to clinical medicine) and of public health ethics. It introduces key concepts in public health ethics including liberty, utility, justice, solidarity and reciprocity, and introduces students to different ways of reasoning about the ethics of public health. A range of practical public health problems and issues will be considered, including ethical dimensions of communicable and non-communicable diseases in populations, and the ethical challenges of public health research. Throughout, the emphasis is on learning to make sound arguments about the ethical aspects of public health policy, practice and research. Most learning occurs in the context of five teaching intensives, which are highly interactive and focus on the development and application of reasoning skills.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
CSYS5020 Interdependent Civil Systems
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Engineering
Our modern day civil infrastructure includes transport networks, telecommunications, power systems, financial infrastructure and emergency services, all of which are growing more and more interconnected. Moreover, the behaviour of the modern infrastructure is not dependent only upon the behaviour of its parts: complex civil systems (such as modern power grids), communication and transport systems, megaprojects, social and eco-systems, generate rich interactions among the individual components with interdependencies across systems. This interdependent behaviour brings about significant new challenges associated with the design and management of complex systems. Cascading power failures, traffic disruptions, epidemic outbreaks, chronic diseases, financial market crashes, and ecosystem collapses are typical manifestations of these challenges, affecting the stability of modern society and civil infrastructure. This unit will develop an understanding of how interdependent systems perform under stress, how to improve resilience and how best to mitigate the effects of various kinds of component failure or human error, by more accurate analysis of interdependent cascades of failures across system boundaries. The studied topics will include dynamical analysis of complex interdependent networks, local and global measures of network structure and evolution, cascading failures, as well as predictive measures of catastrophic failure in complex adaptive systems, and the tools that enable planning for resilient infrastructure. This unit will equip future professionals with sufficient expertise and technical know-how for the design of efficient prevention and intervention policies, and robust crisis forecasting and management. This unit will equip future professionals with sufficient expertise and technical know-how for the design of efficient prevention and intervention policies, and robust crisis forecasting and management.
CSYS5030 Information Theory and Self-Organisation
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Competency in 1st year mathematics, and basic computer programming skills are assumed. Competency in 1st year undergraduate level statistics (for example, covering probabilities, conditional probabilities, Gaussian distribution, correlations, statistical significance/hypothesis testing and p-values). An exposure to linear algebra would be useful but not mandatory. Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Engineering
The dynamics of complex systems are often described in terms of how they process information and self-organise; for example regarding how genes store and utilise information, how information is transferred between neurons in undertaking cognitive tasks, and how swarms process information in order to collectively change direction in response to predators. The language of information also underpins many of the central concepts of complex adaptive systems, including order and randomness, self-organisation and emergence. Shannon information theory, which was originally founded to solve problems of data compression and communication, has found contemporary application in how to formalise such notions of information in the world around us and how these notions can be used to understand and guide the dynamics of complex systems.
This unit of study introduces information theory in this context of analysis of complex systems, foregrounding empirical analysis using modern software toolkits, and applications in time-series analysis, nonlinear dynamical systems and data science. Students will be introduced to the fundamental measures of entropy and mutual information, as well as dynamical measures for time series analysis and information flow such as transfer entropy, building to higher-level applications such as feature selection in machine learning and network inference. They will gain experience in empirical analysis of complex systems using comprehensive software toolkits, and learn to construct their own analyses to dissect and design the dynamics of self-organisation in applications such as neural imaging analysis, natural and robotic swarm behaviour, characterisation of risk factors for and diagnosis of diseases, and financial market dynamics.
CSYS5040 Criticality in Dynamical Systems
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Mathematics at first-year undergraduate level. Some familiarity with mathematical and computational principles at an undergraduate university level (for example, differential calculus or linear algebra). Familiarity with a programming language at a beginners level for data analysis. Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Engineering
Criticality is one of the most important properties of Complex Systems. Criticality occurs in two related but distinct ways: 1. when a system unexpectedly collapses from one state to another, very different, state and 2. when a system is in a state with wild fluctuations and it is highly sensitive to small changes in behaviours. In the first case we call it a 'Tipping Point' and in the second case a 'Continuous Critical Transition'. There are many practical examples of these types of behaviour: Financial markets are often in a continuous critical transition and they can also quickly collapse, diseases that are transferred through a social network can suddenly explode into a pandemic, and a local power outage in an electricity network can cause entire cities to blackout. We will also look at selforganised criticality, where a system evolves to be near one of these 'dangerous' critical points, this is one of the most exciting emergent phenomena in modern applied sciences, engineering and business and we will cover present several real-world applications in this area. This unit will study a range of important examples in which criticality plays a key role and we will show what the underlying causes are for these uncontrolled collapses and wild dynamics. We will use a combination of software examples (Matlab) and mathematical techniques in order to illustrate when and how such interactions might occur and how to simulate their dynamics. It will cover crossdisciplinary concepts and methods based on nonlinear dynamics, including elements of chaos theory and statistical physics, such as fractals and percolation.
DESC9147 Sustainable Building Design Principles
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Daniel Ryan Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Fundamental knowledge of building design Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Many buildings claim to be sustainable, but what are the design principles that allow them to achieve this? This unit aims to develop a critical understanding in students of building design principles that reduce the impact of the built environment on energy and other resource flows. Students will gain an overview of technical strategies that reduce the environmental impact of buildings and develop an awareness of the benchmarks and metrics used to judge the implementation of environmental design principles. The unit pays particular attention to design principles that relate to the environmental performance of the building fabric and the thermal systems of buildings.
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Richard De Dear Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Humans' thermal, visual, auditory and olfactory senses determine the perceived quality of a built environment. This unit analyses built environments in context of these human factors. This unit relates human experience of buildings to the main dimensions of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): thermal, acoustic, lighting and indoor pollution. This understanding of human comfort perceptions is contextualised by an understanding of the various approaches to the evaluation of built environmental performance. You will study post-occupancy evaluation tools and workplace productivity metrics. Regulations from Australia and abroad will be explored to understand their impact on acoustics, thermal comfort, lighting, indoor air quality and ventilation. The unit also pays particular attention to sustainability rating tools from around the world, including GreenStar, NABERS, LEED and BREEAM. This unit gives students extensive hands-on experience in laboratory- and field-based methods of IEQ research and building diagnostics. A recurring theme will be instrumental measurements of indoor environments, and how they can be analysed in relation to perceptual and behavioural data collected from occupants of those environments.
DVST6904 Rethinking Poverty
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x2000wd Take-home exercise (35%), 1x1hr Exam (15%), 1x1000wd Reading notes (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Poverty reduction has always been a central development goal. Major international programs such as the UN's Millennium Goals place poverty at their centre. New explanatory concepts such as social exclusion, capability, social capital and sustainability have considerably expanded our thinking about its nature. Students will examine cases from many parts of the world of the way discourses, policies and development practices operate together, enabling an evaluation of contemporary approaches to poverty and their effects on those most vulnerable.
ECOP6108 Economic Management for Sustainability
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x10min seminar presentation (10%), 1x1000wd seminar paper 1 (20%), 1x1000wd seminar paper 2 (20%), 1x3000wd research essay (40%), participation (10%), Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit introduces students to environmental economic theory, ecological economics, and other critical perspectives in order to develop an understanding of the parameters that define management of economy-environment interactions. Students will develop a critical appreciation of the systemic nature of the pressures imposed on environmental/ecological systems and the intractable problems this presents. The unit examines the different tendencies that inform environmental management and sustainable development; and the relative merits/weaknesses of the strategies and policies advanced.
EDPC5024 Systems, Change and Learning
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: 2x1500wd short assignments (2x25%) and 1x3000wd group project and presentation (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
In this core unit we will use 'systems inquiry' as a conceptual framework to explore change and learning processes, on the individual, group and organisational level. We focus on a theory-based approach to change management and organisational learning, so that students can come to appreciate the complexity and non-linearity of bringing about change in schools, corporations and other organisations. Drawing on contemporary research in the learning sciences, we will explore group and individual learning and conceptual change processes. Students will apply modern conceptual change approaches to investigate their own learning process, and will gain hands-on experience as they apply systems inquiry concepts and methods to analyse change problems in their own professional environment.
ENVI5705 Ecological Principles
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level Mathematics and understanding of basic statistics. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: One 2-day field trip. Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of modern ecology for environmental scientists through a series of modules focussing on applied questions. Using case studies from Australia and internationally, students are exposed to the challenges of doing ecology and how cutting edge research is being applied to environmental management using evidence-based approaches. Field and lab practicals will give students an insight into the ways that ecologists address ecological problems and how way they generate an understanding of natural systems. Students have the opportunity to consider different ways of doing science and ways of dealing with different kinds of data, including qualitative, quantitative, anecdotal and experimental approaches.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
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 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 environments and the risk posed by contaminants to ecosystem functioning. 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. A field trip will be undertaken early in the semester.
ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
This unit provides both a conceptual and an empirical foundation for the analysis of relationships between society, the environment and natural resources. In our recent past the rapid rate of global environmental change has necessitated a breakdown of traditional disciplinary boundaries in research and social scientists are increasingly called upon to work alongside natural scientists in unraveling the complexities of the human-environmental nexus. Students will examine a number of environmental issues and consider a variety of social science academic perspectives about environmental management.
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2a Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level Mathematics and understanding of basic statistics. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
This unit of study introduces participants to the power of simulation modelling in understanding and predicting behaviour of natural systems. It covers fundamental concepts, logic, and techniques (including sensitivity analysis), and develops skills in application to environmental problems such as catchment management and population dynamics.
ENVI5903 Sustainable Development
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jeff Neilson Session: Intensive July Classes: Two pre-departure lectures, 14-day field intensive. Assessment: Essay and presentation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Science
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: This unit of study involves additional costs.
This unit of study constitutes an international field-based experience held in Southeast Asia during the July semester break. It explores the contested notions of sustainable development and sustainability through exposure to real world development dilemmas in Southeast Asia. We explore fundamental issues such as urbanization, sustainable livelihood, resource scarcity and economic globalization. The unit of study involves lectures, in-situ readings and discussion groups, introduction to field methods, stakeholder meetings and experiential learning. Students interested in this unit should confirm their interest to the Unit Coordinators by the end of March of the year the field school will be held. There will be additional costs associated with this unit to cover food, accommodation, local transport and field assistance of about $1,200. Students will also be required to arrange their own international travel to the starting point (either Vientiane or Jakarta depending on the specific location of the course).
GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1a Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level mathematics and understanding of basic statistics. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
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.
GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2b Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level mathematics and understanding of basic statistics. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
This unit introduces methods for mapping environmental signatures in coastal and marine systems, using both biogeochemical analysis and GIS technologies. Students will learn, theoretically and practically, how environmental data is collected using a range of different methodologies (field and computer based), and application of this data to understanding landscape processes and quantifying environmental change. Students will acquire skills in applying environmental mapping techniques to interpreting key Earth surface processes and understanding the substantial impacts that humans can have on these, in terms of both contamination and remediation.
GOVT6223 Topics in Environmental Politics
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x 1000wd Seminar paper (30%), 1x3400wd Essay (50%), 1x600wd equivalent Oral Presentation (10%), 1x Seminar participation (10%), Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit will offer a broad overview of a key contemporary issue in environmental politics. Topics could include climate change policy, environmental justice, food security and politics, sustainable cities, or timely issues in the Australian or global context. The goal will be to ground these issues in the relevant literatures of politics and environmental studies. Check with the unit coordinator or Department for the particular topic to be addressed in any given semester.
GOVT6135 Global Environmental Politics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (30%), 1x4000wd Essay (50%), Seminar participation (20%) Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines the environment as a political and policy issue. Although relatively recent, the environment has become a full-fledged public policy issue exerting influence in local, national and international arenas. The unit will first focus on the specific features of the policy that influences the capability of contemporary societies to enhance the management of environmental resources and of public goods in general. Second, it discusses the development of environmental policy in Western countries, with a particular emphasis on the European Union. Third, a grid for the analysis of environmental policy will be presented, with a discussion of the main actors (political, institutional and socio-economic) involved in it and of the factors (interests and ideas) influencing their positions. Fourth, the unit briefly discusses environmental conflicts and consensual approaches used for tackling them.
GOVT6316 The Politics of Policy Making
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Short Essay (30%), 1x4000wd Long Essay (50%), 1x Seminar participation (20%), Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit focuses on the nature of public policy and the processes by which it is produced. Relevant issues are common to all nation states, although they take specific forms in each individual country. First, the unit takes an overview of public policy - dealing with basic themes such as 'What is policy?' through to different approaches to understanding the policy process. These include policy cycles, rationality, interest groups, institutions, and socio-economic interests. Second, it maps out and examines the main components of public policy making: actors, institutions and policy instruments. Third, it focuses on aspects of policy-making processes which often attract a high level of attention from analysts. These include problem definition, agenda setting, decision-taking, policy implementation, policy evaluation and crisis policy-making. Fourth, it examines wider issues in terms of the state and who ultimately holds power over the making and shaping of public policy. Finally, it examines the 'bigger pictures' of long term policy trends, and the extent to which national policy making capacities and processes have been affected by globalisation. Assessments offer a large element of flexibility, allowing students to concentrate on areas of particular interest.
GOVT6331 Public Management and Governance
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr in-class group work/week Assessment: 1x3000wd case study (50%), 1x1000wd case study outline (10%), 1x2hr Examination (30%), seminar participation (10%) Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit outlines some of the most important developments in contemporary public management and governance and how these relate to the everyday practices of those working in the public sector. It uses examples drawn from a number of OECD countries to: critically analyse the forces that have driven the move towards 'public management'; examine the theory and practice of 'public governance'; evaluate the merits of these developments; and apply this knowledge to better understand specific developments across different contexts.
HPOL5000 Health Policy and Health Economics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Anne Marie Thow, A/Prof Alison Pearce Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: PUBH5032 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online Faculty: Medicine and Health
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit aims to develop a critical and comparative understanding of the history, theory and practice of health policy as well as provide students with an understanding of the main concepts and analytical methods of health economics and political economy. It gives an overview of the political choices and frameworks that shape decision making in health. By the end of this unit students will be able to: Define the boundaries and key features of health policy; Identify policy instruments and how they function; Understand the main frameworks used for analysing health policy, and different approaches and perspectives regarding setting priorities in health policy; Apply methods and principles of health economics e.g. resource scarcity, opportunity cost, efficiency and equity to practical real-life examples; Critically analyse the role of economic evidence in informing policy decisions in health decision-making in Australia.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
HPOL5007 Global Health Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Carmen Huckel Schneider, Dr Anne Marie Thow Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online Faculty: Medicine and Health
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The aim of this unit is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and articulate political and policy processes at the global level, become familiar with institutions and actors involved in global health policy, and utilize strategies for influencing policy making at the global level. We analyse the influence and power of institutions and actors in the development and implementation of global health policy, and investigate the governance of global health policy responses. Teaching makes extensive use of current case studies from recognised experts in the field. By the end of this unit students will be able to: Explain the effects of globalization on health of populations; Demonstrate how events and trends in health and non-health areas affect global health policy; Identify and classify the different types of actors/institutions that influence health policy; Undertake a policy stakeholder analysis with reference to power, influence and interests; Develop strategies to influence global health policy development and implementation; Define global health governance and its role in structuring and regulating global health policy.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
IBUS5002 Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr seminar per week Prohibitions: IBUS5001 Assessment: individual assignment (30%), group assignment (30%), participation and contribution (10%), final exam (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Business (Business School)
This foundation unit provides an introduction to the essential concepts and frameworks in the domains of strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship. Each domain is presented in a block of three lectures supplemented with case-based tutorials. Topics covered include user and disruptive innovation, entrepreneurial opportunities and business models, value chain and ecosystem analysis. Theories and frameworks are further tested in the real-life business projects offered by the participating companies. The emphasis of the unit is made on understanding the complexity of the innovation process and learning how to navigate the business environment to maximise the value from innovation.
IBUS6011 New Business Opportunities and Startups
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3 hr lecture/seminar per week for classes Prohibitions: IBUS5011 or WORK6112 Assumed knowledge: IBUS5002, or completion of at least 24 credit points Assessment: startup financials (15%); evidence-based decision-making (35%); business progress assignment and presentation (50%); ideation (0%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Business (Business School)
Being able to identify and exploit new business opportunities is critical to all sizes of businesses. Identifying new markets, developing new products and implementing new business models are highly-regarded and valuable skills for entrepreneurs and business managers alike. This unit is structured around learning from engaged practice in order to explore the special problems and opportunities associated with entrepreneurial startups. Students engage with startup and early stage businesses to deliver a plan to help them become profitable. Topics include opportunity recognition, strategy development, business model design, customer acquisition and retention, financial model development, as well as entrepreneurial and creative leadership.
IBUS6016 Social Entrepreneurship
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Semester 1: 1x 3h lecture/workshop per week; Intensive sessions: 2 x 3hr lecture/workshops pre-departure (Sydney), 30hrs lecture/workshops in country, 1 x 3hr seminar post-trip (Sydney) Assumed knowledge: IBUS5002, or completion of at least 24 credit points Assessment: individual report (25%), practice and final pitch (25%), final report (25%), reflective piece (15%), workshop engagement and participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Business (Business School)
Social entrepreneurs are committed to furthering a social mission through enterprises that rank social, environmental or cultural impact on a par with, or even above, profit. Intersecting the business and not-for-profit worlds, social entrepreneurship addresses many complex local and global problems. This unit critically introduces the concept and develops frameworks for understanding social entrepreneurship (also referred to as social enterprise and social innovation). Teaching and learning utilises case studies and includes the opportunity to apply theory to real-world experiences. Topics include creating innovative social enterprises, sustainable business models, philanthropy and funding, impact assessment, and leadership. The unit is structured around learning from engaged practice and provides the opportunity to work with social enterprises.
INFS5001 Project Management
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Semester 1 and Semester 2: 1 x 3hr seminar per week; Summer School: 3 x 3hr seminar per week Prohibitions: INFS6014 Assessment: group assignment (30%); individual assignment (20%); exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Business (Business School)
Based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) this unit introduces the end-to-end project management lifecycle. Students learn how to select appropriate projects based on their alignment with an organisation's strategy and then how to manage those projects successfully from initiation through execution to completion. The unit covers the essential components of effective project management and how to apply them in an integrated manner. The unit also explores both the technical and behavioural aspects of project management - including Microsoft Project - and students gain experience in critically analysing the application of concepts in specific project contexts. As organisations increasingly structure their activities on a project basis, the unit is of value to a range of discipline specialisations. The unit can also contribute to the achievement of internationally recognised accreditation from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
ITLS5100 Transport and Infrastructure Foundations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: TPTM6241 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Business (Business School)
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Transport and infrastructure plays an important role both in terms of personal mobility as well as accessibility of businesses and their transportation needs. This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of transportation and infrastructure within the economy. The key concepts and theories needed for management of transport and infrastructure are introduced along with the analysis and problem-solving skills needed for confident decision making. In providing the foundational knowledge for students in transport and infrastructure, the unit also introduces students to the professional communication skills needed. Examples and case studies are drawn from all modes of transport and infrastructure.
ITLS6103 Sustainable Transport Strategies
This unit of study is not available in 2021
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12 x 3 hr lectures/tutorials Assessment: individual report 1 (20%), individual report 2 (25%), group presentation (20%), final exam (35%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Business (Business School)
This unit provides an introduction to the context for policy making, how decisions are made, relationships with short- and long-term strategic planning, and how policy has become intertwined with broader sustainability concerns. The unit develops students' ability to assess contemporary issues in sustainable transport policy such as liveable environments, climate change, the role of the built environment in sustainable cities, social inclusion, parking policy, human health and safety, active travel, the challenges of low density transport, the regulation of public transport, fare policies for public transport and other contemporary issues. Each issue considers the problem and assesses the success of existing policy and/or the need for new policy and what this might look like. The unit is particularly suited to students with broad interest in transport, urban planning, and environmental/sustainability issues.
ITLS6202 Sustainable Logistics and Procurement
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Corequisites: ITLS5020 or ITLS5000 or ITLS5250 or TPTM5001 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening Faculty: Business (Business School)
Procurement of goods and services is an essential business task that has traditionally targeted short-term supply cost reduction. Globalisation and outsourcing creates opportunities for enterprises to better align procurement with longer term corporate strategies. However, this requires collaboration and negotiation within and between organisations, rethinking the role of procurement teams and reconsidering the impacts of sourcing decisions. Stakeholder demands for greater corporate social responsibility require procurement teams to take a strategic approach to spend, category management and sourcing decisions, moving beyond regulatory compliance to facilitate environmentally and socially sustainable outcomes. Ethical and sustainable procurement and logistics creates value for organisations by protecting brand integrity and improving communication, productivity, performance measurement, innovation and supplier diversity. This unit takes a strategic view of procurement, looking beyond the up-front costs and showing how purchasing decisions that consider resilience, entire life cycle costs, environmental and social risks and benefits provide better value. This requires rethinking the involvement of the procurement teams in the design, manufacture, selling and recycling of products and transformation of logistics management practice. Students practice negotiation in realistic industry workshops and gain new insights into effective and persuasive communication for global logistics and supply chain management.
LAWS6061 International Environmental Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Ed Couzens Session: Intensive April Classes: Mar 19, 20 and 26, 27 (9-5) Assessment: compulsory in-class practical assessment (40%) and assignment (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Sydney Law School
Note: Academic Profile https://sydney.edu.au/law/about/people/list.php. The unit is also available on a Continuing Professional Development basis https://sydney.edu.au/law/study-law/continuing-professional-development.html
This unit aims to provide an introduction to the framework, concepts, sources and techniques of international environmental law, and to provide an overview of international law responses to current and emerging environmental challenges. The history and framework of international environmental law will be examined before exploring a range of topical international environmental law issues, including atmospheric protection and climate change, hazardous substances and wastes, biodiversity and GMOs, the protection of marine living resources, the protection of freshwater resources and issues concerning trade. The unit will also survey the influence of international environmental law on domestic environmental law through case studies. Overarching themes will include the interdependence of environmental issues, the effects of scientific uncertainty on international environmental regulation, implementation of international environmental obligations between states at difference levels of economic development and the need for effectiveness in implementation and enforcement.
LAWS6252 Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Jennifer Clarke Session: Intensive April,Intensive September,Session 1 Early Census,Session 2 Early Census Classes: Session 1 Early S1CG (Group A): Feb 22, 23 and 25, 26 (9-5) then Mar 10 (5-7), Intensive April (Group B): Mar 15, 16 and 22, 23 (9-5) then Apr 6 (5-7), Session 2 Early S2CG (Group C): Aug 2, 3 and 5, 6 (9-5) then Aug 18 (5-7) and Intensive September (Group D): Aug 23, 24 and 30, 31 (9-5) then Sep 14 (5-7) Prohibitions: LAWS6881 Assessment: quiz (20%) and assignment (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode Faculty: Sydney Law School
Note: This unit must be completed prior to commencing other law units of study. Law graduates from a non-common law jurisdiction are recommended to undertake this unit. The unit is not available to students who have acquired an undergraduate law degree from Australia or another common law jurisdiction.
It is important to enrol well in advance of classes in order to complete pre-class readings (normally available to enrolled students 3 weeks prior to the first class). If you are unable to enrol in the unit in Sydney Student https://sydneystudent.sydney.edu.au/sitsvision/wrd/SIW_LGN, please contact law.postgraduate@sydney.edu.au.
Academic Profile https://sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-visitors.html. The unit is also available on a Continuing Professional Development basis https://sydney.edu.au/law/study-law/continuing-professional-development.html
This is a compulsory unit for all postgraduate students who do not hold a law degree or equivalent from a common law jurisdiction entering the: Master of Administrative Law and Policy; Master of Business Law; Master of Environmental Law; Master of Environmental Science and Law; Master of Health Law; Master of Labour Law and Relations as well as Graduate Diplomas offered in these programs. The unit has been designed to equip students with the necessary legal skills and legal knowledge to competently apply themselves in their chosen area of law. Instruction will cover the legislative process; the judiciary and specialist tribunals; precedent; court hierarchies; legal reasoning; constitutional law; administrative law; contracts; and torts. Some elements of the unit will be tailored in accordance with the requirements of the particular specialist programs.
MKTG5001 Foundation in Marketing
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Business (Business School)
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit introduces students to basic principles and language of marketing theory and practice. Marketing principles are examined in relation to a wide variety of products and services, in both commercial and non-commercial domains. An emphasis is placed on strategy planning and the marketing decision process. It is an introduction to the issues and terminology of marketing that can serve as a standalone understanding of the basics of marketing or as a foundation unit for further study in marketing. The unit focuses on the practical analysis marketing and the marketing management process and the development of the marketing mix the components that make up a marketing plan.
PACS6914 Conflict-Resolving Media
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive August Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week, 1x4hr workshop/semester or equivalent (total 30 hrs) Prohibitions: SCWK6935 Assessment: 1x2000wd assignment (40%),1x2500wd assignment (50%), class participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Online, Block mode Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines media representations of conflict and their influence on the behaviour of those involved. It introduces creative ways for journalists, media development workers and media activists to apply principles of conflict resolution. Students diagnose 'war journalism' and 'peace journalism', and analyse conflict in a journalism context. Theories of news and concepts of objectivity and responsibility are critically explored. Students gain practical skills in peace journalism and media activism as well as devising peace journalism interventions in conflict-affected areas.
PHYS4801 Industrial Ecology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Industrial Ecology is a cross-disciplinary research field. This unit will provide an introduction to the principles and applications of Industrial Ecology, with a focus on understanding the complexity and interconnectedness between economic and environmental systems. The unit will explore goals and methods of Industrial Ecology, with an emphasis on concrete applications, such as renewable energy systems, waste generation, recycling and industrial symbiosis, urban sustainability, and many more. Through these examples students will gain a thorough understanding of the usefulness of Industrial Ecology principles and approaches, for example in quantitative assessments of environmental impact and social risk, design of environmentaleconomic policy and energy systems, and urban sustainability planning. Students will be introduced to the Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory technology newly developed at the School of Physics. Students will walk away from this unit equipped with all skills needed to undertake their own environmental, social and economic Industrial Ecology projects in the virtual laboratory.
Textbooks
Taking stock of industrial ecology by Roland Clift and Angela Druckman. E-book available via the library website.
PHYS4802 Quantitative Disaster Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
In recent decades, anthropogenic disasters such as climate change are increasingly adding to natural disasters, both impacting on people and assets of built infrastructure, resulting in loss of lives and damage cost. It is therefore important to understand the impacts of disasters before they strike and the vulnerability of certain sectors of the economy, enabling us to take precautionary measures to protect people and minimise damage. Disaster analysis has become a powerful tool for assessing potential economic losses, and in particular for preparing recovery plans and developing scenarios for building resilience into the economy. This unit will provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of disaster analysis, with particular emphasis on simulating and quantifying the effects of a disaster on an economy, both directly and indirectly as a result of cascading disruptions of supply chains. The aim of the unit is to equip students with an understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches underlying the field of disaster analysis, and their importance for planning resilient economies. In particular, students will undertake hands-on exercises, modeling disasters and shocks at various scales. Furthermore, students will be able to explore the many applications of disaster modelling in assessing the impacts of floods, droughts, space weather, diseases, and a collapse of animal and plant populations. This unit of study includes detailed case studies of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and the impact of climate change on food supply. Guest lecturers from academia and industry provide perspectives from real-world practice. Students will benefit from enrolling in PHYS5033 for a sound understanding of input-output analysis as the basis of disaster input-output assessments.
Textbooks
Comprehensive reference lists will be distributed to students each week.
PHYS5032 Techniques for Sustainability Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study offers a practical introduction to quantitative analysis techniques including multiple regression, uncertainty analysis, integration, structural decomposition, and dynamic systems modelling, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating their usefulness for environmental problem-solving. This unit will show students how mathematics can be brought to life when utilised in powerful applications to deal with environmental and sustainability issues. Throughout the unit of study, example applications will be explained, including climate modelling, ecosystem trophic chain analysis, linking household consumption and environmental impact, identifying socio-demographic drivers of environmental change, and the uncovering the effect of land use patterns on threats to species.
PHYS5033 Environmental Footprints and IO Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study will provide students with practical skills for carrying out environmental footprinting calculations: for individuals, companies, organisations or nations. In particular, this unit will provide a comprehensive introduction to input-output analysis for identifying impacts embodied in regional, national and global supply chains. This unit focuses on contemporary environmental applications such as emissions, energy-use, water, land, loss of animal and plant species; and also social applications such as employment, poverty and child labour. The unit first explores national and global economic and environmental accounting systems and their relationships to organisational accounting. Second, it presents cutting-edge techniques enabling the global analysis of environmental and social impacts of international trade. Third, it offers hands-on practical activities for mastering the input-output techniques conceived by Nobel Prize Laureate Wassily Leontief, and provides a step-by-step recipe for undertaking boundary-free environmental and social footprinting for sectors and organisations. Students will walk away from this unit equipped with useful skills needed to calculate footprints, and prepare sustainability reports for any organisation, city, region, or nation, using organisational data, economic input-output tables and environmental accounts. Students will also benefit from enrolling in PHYS5034 for a sound understanding of the role of input-output analysis within the field of Life-Cycle Assessment.
PHYS5034 Life Cycle Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study covers philosophy, techniques, applications and standards of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). It introduces methods from engineering (Process Analysis) and economics (Input-Output Analysis), and discusses current popular LCA tools. The unit places importance on practical relevance by including real-world case studies and business applications as well as global standards such as the GHG Protocol for accounting for scopes -1, -2 and -3 emissions and ISO standards. The unit of study will culminate with practical exercises using software tools to provide students with hands-on experience of preparing a comprehensive Life-Cycle Assessment of an application of their choice. Students will also benefit from enrolling in PHYS5033 for a sound understanding of input-output analysis as the basis of hybrid LCA methods.