Course Outline

SUS201 Advancing Sustainability: Planet, People and Prosperity

Course Coordinator:Louisa-Anne Buwalda (lbuwalda@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

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.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

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

Are we there yet? There is an urgent need for the global community to work collectively to achieve positive sustainability outcomes for people and the planet.  Measuring the impact of sustainability action across various scales is a critical part of this process. In this course, you'll build you understanding of the core elements of creating positive change and be exposed to global best practice case studies and experts.  You'll explore some of the emerging measures for assessing sustainability, across economic, social, environmental and governance aspects.  

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On Campus tutorial 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Learning materials – Weekly online learning materials 1hr Week 1 11 times
Online
Learning materials – Weekly online learning materials 1hr Week 1 11 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly online tutorials 2hrs Week 1 11 times

Course Topics

  1. Course Introduction 
  2. SDGs and Sustainability Change Principles
  3. Planet : Climate Targets and Measurements
  4. Planet: Meausuring the Sustainability of Cities
  5. People:  Sustianability and Health
  6. People: Sustainabilty and Sport
  7. Prosperity: Economic Sustainability
  8. Prosperity: Economic impacts of a changing climate 
  9. SDG 17: Partnerships for achieving the 2030 Agenda 
  10. Sustainability Synergies and Trade-offs

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

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 Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Learning & Teaching Council
1 Develop criteria, indicators, measures and targets for assessing sustainability. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
1, 3, 4, 5
2 To appropriately scope a program evaluation and understand how to undertake it. Empowered
Sustainability-focussed
3, 4, 5
3 Reflect on issues influencing the practice of evaluation. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
1, 4, 5, 7
4 Effectively undertake and communicate program evaluation. Empowered
Sustainability-focussed
4, 5, 6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Learning & Teaching Council
1 Knowing: Demonstrate a coherent geographical understanding of trends, processes and impacts that shape Australian and other environments and/or societies at different spatial and temporal scales.
3 Thinking: Apply geographical thought creatively, critically and appropriately to specific spaces, places and/or environments.
4 Thinking: Recognise, evaluate and synthesise various views, arguments and sources of knowledge pertinent to solving environmental and social problems.
5 Investigating and problem solving: Resolve geographical questions by ethical means, applying evidence-based knowledge and appropriate research techniques, including those associated with field work.
6 Communicating: Communicate geographical perspectives and knowledge effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means.
7 Self-directing and collaborating: Contribute effectively as a member or leader of diverse teams working in geographical or multidisciplinary contexts

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)

Foundation knowledge in sustainability principles, theory and application

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

Feedback on draft items will be provided during workshops.

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 Essay Individual 30%
1250 words
The word count does not include the reference list.
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Report Individual 30%
1250 words
Week 8 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Case Study Individual 40%
1500 words maximum
Week 13 Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Analytical Essay - Assessing Sustainability Change
Goal:
Demonstrate understanding of sustainability measurement approaches, indicator selection and assessment rationale.
Product: Essay
Format:
Individual 1250 word report that maps a case study against the SDGs, by identifying criteria, indicators, measures, and targets to develop an assessment framework for a focus area of your choice. 

Additional information will be provided in class and on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 2:Critical Written Piece - Measurement and Reporting Analysis of a Sustainability Report
Goal:
To demonstrate your skills in reviewing evaluation documents against criteria
Product: Report
Format:
Individual 1250-word report based on a sustainability assessment. Examples will be available on Canvas, or you can discuss an alternative with your Course Coordinator/Tutor. Additional information will be provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Respond to review questions (40 percent)
1 3 4
2
Demonstrate ability to critically review documents based on sound logic (30 percent)
1 3
3
Use relevant literature to support your critique (10 percent)
1 3
4
Communicate using appropriate language and structure (10 percent)
4
5
Ensure quality of syntax and grammar in your report (10 percent)
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Case Study Analysis
Goal:
To analyse a sustainable development project and propose suggestions for improvement based on best practice development theories and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Product: Case Study
Format:
Individual case study analysis. Students will be provided with three case study options of past sustainable development projects. Each case study will be related to one of the major themes of the course; people, planet or prosperity. 

Students will analyse their chosen case study based on how it aligns to 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and one development theory covered in class. 

Students will write a short proposal on how they would approach the case study based on their chosen SDGs and development theory.

Additional information and specific case studies will be provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Present a clear, coherent analysis and presentation of project findings using an appropriate structure (25 percent)
1 2 4
2
Critically apply techniques and report against them (35 percent)
1 4
3
Suggest actions and ways forward to issues you have identified (20 percent)
1 3
4
Reference appropriate literature (10 percent)
2 4
5
Ensure an academically rigorous and professional report presentation (10 percent)
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy

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.

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

Nil

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. 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

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 may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven 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 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