Course handbook
Description
Integrated impact assessment can be broadly defined as the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the effects of development proposals prior to a decision being taken. It is a formal process for guiding human activity towards sustainable development. This decision-making tool is widely used in developed and developing countries. This course explores the practice and theory of impact assessment and public participation using a practice-based approach to learning through workshops, exercises and case studies to develop the skills needed for professional employment. In addition, the critical issues facing practitioners, decision makers and communities in relation to sustainability equitable forms of development and democratic environmental decision-making are addressed through Australian and international perspectives. This capstone course will equip students with skills, techniques and methods of impact assessment and public participation necessary for entry into environmental management professions.
Availability2021 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2021
Ourimbah
- Semester 1 - 2021
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain the history behind and approaches to integrated impact assessment and sustainability;
2. Conduct, plan and review environmental and social impact assessments;
3. Work in a group to produce a professional report;
4. Identify and analyse the role of public participation and local knowledge in impact assessment;
5. Analyse and interpret literature and communicate findings in written and verbal formats.
Content
- Historical background and contemporary approaches to integrated impact assessment and sustainability;
- Environmental and social impact assessment methodologies and practices;
- Professional practice, including team work, impact assessment report writing and evaluating quality of impact assessment reports;
- Role of public participation; local and Indigenous knowledge system in integrated impact assessment;
- Issues and critiques relating to the theory and practice of impact assessment, environmental impact statements and public participation;
- Examples and case studies of impact assessment and public participation in different contexts.
Requisite
This course replaces EMGTT3110. If you have successfully completed EMGT3110 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
ENVS2002 Environmental Legislation and Planning
Assessment items
Quiz: Online Quizzes
In Term Test: Examination: Take Home
Presentation: Oral Presentation
Written Assignment: Research Report
Contact hours
Callaghan and Ourimbah
Field Study
Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per Term Full Term starting in week 6
2 hour fieldwork on a site on campus.
Lecture
Online 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term starting in week 1
Online Activity
Online 2 hour(s) per Week for 4 Weeks starting in week 1
Online workshop will run in weeks 1, 8, 11 and 12.
Self-Directed Learning
Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per Week for 4 Weeks starting in week 2
4 x 2 hours allowing students to complete specific tasks related to the assignments. Weeks 2, 3, 4 and 9
Workshop
Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per Week for 3 Weeks starting in week 5
Workshops will run in weeks 5, 7 and 10.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.