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Course Outline

ENS120 Introduction to Environmental Management

Course Coordinator:Lucy Goodridge Gaines (lgoodrid@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Environmental managers are at the centre of global efforts to minimise human impacts on the environment and use resources sustainably. In this course you will investigate the complex relationships between economic, social and environmental systems and learn how local actions can have global effects. You will recognise the importance of preserving biodiversity and that healthy ecosystems are the foundation of economic and societal well-being. You will also become familiar with environmental and natural resource management objectives at different scales and in different sectors and the management practices relevant to achieving them.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – There will be a minimum of 13 hours of quality online learning materials available to support student learning. 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus workshop 2hrs Week 1 9 times
Fieldwork – Fieldwork. Dates to be determined. Field work will occur in place of workshops in the scheduled weeks. 5hrs Not applicable 4 times

Course Topics

  • Global environmental trends and issues
  • Complexity and wicked problems
  • Environmental and sustainable development objectives
  • Overview of environmental management assessment
  • Production, consumption, urbanisation and extractive industries
  • Managing biodiversity; pest and weed management
  • Soil, sediment, air and water –  environmental degradation
  • Systems based approaches
  • Desktop analysis to delineate site characteristics 

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Analyse problems in the context of both local and global influences using systems-based logic and interdisciplinary approaches. Sustainability-focussed
2 Recognise the importance of natural and cultural assets, biodiversity and ecosystem services as the foundation of economic and societal well-being. Sustainability-focussed
3 Articulate key environmental and natural resource management objectives at different scales and in different sectors and explain the policies, practices, management systems and legislation relevant to achieving them. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

In week 3, a draft of your Task 1 poster will be reviewed in the Workshop

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Creative Group 20% 
Equivalent to 1000 words
 Week 4 In Class
All 2 Written Piece Individual 40% 
1500 words
 Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Written Piece Individual 40% 
2250 words
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Systems analysis
Goal: 
This task is designed to give you a big picture understanding of the relationship between human and environmental systems.
Product: Artefact - Creative
Format: 
The systems diagram can be produced in Prezi or a similar application or designed as an A0 sized poster. See Canvas for more information and examples. Equivalent to 1000 words.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Depth of analysis including local and global impacts across environmental, social and economic domains
 1
2 
Scope of linkages identified between human and natural systems
 2 3
3 
Articulation of feedback effects
 3
4 
Articulate the relevant sectors and analyse their systems influence
 1 3
5 
Format and presentation
 3
6 
Quality of data and references used
 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Environmental management report
Goal: 
You will investigate the impacts of an environmental management issue of your choice, describe the issues and influences and set out the elements of an environmental management framework.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Technical report with images, figures and tables. 1500 words
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification and analysis of issues and influences across environmental, social and economic domains
 1 2
2 
Description of environmental management objectives at different scales
 3
3 
Scope and depth of policies and practices identified relevant to achieving them
 3
4 
Format and presentation
 3
5 
Quality of references used
 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Portfolio of site investigations
Goal: 
Through visits to local sites you will explore environmental and natural resource management objectives at different scales and in different sectors and explain the policies, practices, management systems and legislation relevant to achieving them.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Report template provided – 3A: Site investigation 1 report (Linked to Field Trip 1); 3B:  Portfolio of two site investigations (Linked to two of Field Trips 2, 3 & 4) 
Submit: 3A week 7 (10%), 3B week 13 (30%)
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification of site attributes
 2
2 
Description of environmental management objectives
 3
3 
Description of environmental management systems and processes and appraisal of their efficacy
 3
4 
Quality of images, data and figures
 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities 
n/a
 
n/a

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

None

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks will be penalised at the following maximum rate:
• 2% (of the assessment task’s identified value) per day from the date identified as the due date for the
assessment task.
• A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after 10 days from the date identified as
the due date for the assessment task.
Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late.
To request an extension, you must contact your Course Coordinator and supply the required
documentation to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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