Available in 2024
Course code

ENVS3001

Units

10 units

Level

3000 level

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 sustainably 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.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Ourimbah

  • Semester 1 - 2024

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.


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 the quality of impact assessment reports;
  •   Role of public participation; local and Indigenous knowledge systems 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

Written Assignment: Research Report


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Field Study-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per term
  • 2 hour fieldwork on a site on campus.
Lecture-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Online Activity-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s) starting in week 11
Online Activity-2
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 fortnight(s) starting in week 6
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 9
Self-Directed Learning-2
  • Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 12
Workshop-2
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 3
Workshop-3
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 fortnight(s) starting in week 7
Workshop-4
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah

Field Study-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per term
  • 2 hour fieldwork on a site on campus.
Lecture-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Online Activity-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 fortnight(s) starting in week 6
Online Activity-2
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s) starting in week 11
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 9
Self-Directed Learning-2
  • Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 3
Workshop-2
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-3
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 12
Workshop-4
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 fortnight(s) starting in week 7

Course outline