Available in 2024
Course code

ENVS6545

Units

10 units

Level

6000 level

Course handbook

Description

Climate change is a leading environmental and public policy issue in Australia and globally. This course will explain the use of environmental impact assessment methodology in assisting policymakers, business and the community to better understand the likely consequences of climate change at various spatial and temporal levels. This course will provide an overview of the physical science of climate change, the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, strategies for adapting to climate change, and climate change mitigation. Project-based and strategic assessment approaches will be used and students will analyse key policy debates on climate change within Australia and internationally.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Online

  • Trimester 3 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Analyse the consequences of climate change within an environmental impact assessment methodology

2. Evaluate methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere

3. Analyse future climate adaptation and mitigation option pathways based on the physical science of climate change and impact assessment techniques

4. Critique policy positions using the vulnerabilities, capacities and limits of natural and human systems to adapt to climate change

5. Formulate the principles of best practice climate change policy by evaluating policy responses in Australia and around the world


Content

Topics will generally include:

  • Introduction to climate change
  • History of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and contemporary challenges
  • Impact assessment methodologies and theory
  • Impact assessment and climate change
  • International climate change policy
  • Climate change policy in Australia

Assumed knowledge

Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree.


Assessment items

Written Assignment: Unit Exercises/Critiques

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Group Tutorial Facilitation

Written Assignment: Research Assignment

Quiz: Weekly Quiz


Contact hours

Trimester 3 - 2024 - Online

Lecture-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Online Activity-1
  • Online 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Tutorial Participation
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Online 8 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Online 4 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)

Course outline