This interdisciplinary course draws on contemporary perspectives on current issues in the environmental sciences to explore evidence-based decision-making in the environmental sector. Researchers across the biophysical and ecological sciences provide exposure to contemporary theory, field methods and cutting-edge research and analytical techniques relevant to environmental decision-making. Frameworks for assessing environmental priorities, such as managing within planetary boundaries and the UNEP Global Environment Outlook, are used to explore key issues including
- freshwater systems
- biodiversity
- sustainable land use (e.g. agriculture, forestry, soils, fire)
- climate variability and change
The course is structured as a series of intensive, small-group discussions based on preparatory reading. These intensive discussions are led by experts in the field and focus on exploring the most up-to-date research and thinking on each theme from a variety of perspectives, with particular emphasis on relevance to your experience and professional interests. Students are also expected to draw on the extensive and varied opportunities to learn from world-leading experts available at the Australian National University and across Canberra, by attending and reporting on relevant seminars, workshops and other forms of research communication external to the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand key current environmental issues and their implications across Australia and globally.
- Explain and apply contemporary theory and research methods employed in the environmental sciences.
- Source reliable contemporary scientific research findings across the environmental sector.
- Analyse and critique the scientific evidence base used for decision-making.
- Interpret and communicate research findings and their implications across the environmental sector for decision-makers.
Other Information
If you do not meet the requisites for this course, it may be possible to receive a permission code. If you are prompted for a permission code on ISIS, please request one online via the following form.
Indicative Assessment
- Learning journal (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- World café pre-facilitation notes (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral "Conference" presentation (10) [LO 1,3,5]
- Literature review of and policy recommendations on an agreed environmental science topic. (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Workshops. Students are required to attend a minimum of five workshops in order to pass the course. (0) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour Seminar plus 1 x 2 hour tutorial per week and 5 hours of skills development workshops throughout the semester. Students are required to attend a minimum of five workshops in order to pass the course.
- 12 hours of attendance of relevant seminars, conference presentations, workshops or similar events external to the course (e.g. at other areas of the ANU, CSIRO or government departments.
- Approximately 65 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined.
Prescribed Texts
n/a
Preliminary Reading
Recommended Reading:
- Australia State of Environment Report 2016. https://soe.environment.gov.au
- IPBES Summary for policymakers – Global Assessment. https://ipbes.net/global-assessment
- IPCC Global Warming of 1.5°C. 2018. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
- OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Australia 2019. http://www.oecd.org/australia/oecd-environmental-performance-reviews-australia-2019-9789264310452-en.htm
- UNEP Global Environmental Outlook GEO6. 2019. https://www.unenvironment.org/resources/global-environment-outlook-6
Assumed Knowledge
Recommended courses: ENVS6025 Addressing Complex Environmental Problems, ENVS6306 Human Futures, ENVS8003 Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation, ENVS8016 Contemporary Perspectives in Environment-Society Interaction.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.