REN 8203 Sustainability Science

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

The concept of sustainability and its application through the approaches of ecologically sustainable development are growing in prominence in government policies and in business planning, both domestically and internationally. A conceptual understanding of what sustainability means and an appreciation of the range of methods and practices developed by the emerging discipline of sustainability science is required by scientists, government managers and industry. This course aims to provide an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability science and its contribution to resource management.

SYNOPSIS:

Modern environment and natural resource management requires the credible integration of social, environmental and economic issues within an interdisciplinary framework. It also requires different methods of analysis and different approaches to governance and community engagement. In recent years sustainability science has emerged as a new multi-disciplinary approach to science that recognizes the limitations of traditional scientific inquiry in dealing with the complex reality of social institutions interacting with natural phenomena. It provides a foundation for placing sustainability issues into a rigorous conceptual and analytical framework. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of sustainability and the emergence of new approaches for addressing complex environment and natural resource management issues. Examples are drawn from how Australia and other nations have addressed regional and global issues.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the core questions of sustainability science;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the implications of governmental and political dimensions of sustainability;
3. evaluate the differences, linkages and conflicts in economic development, sustainable development and sustainability;
4. critically analyse scientific, social and economic information to provide informed decision-making in relation to sustainability issues;
5. demonstrate a capacity to assess potential options, strategies and outcomes for achieving sustainability

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The due date for Assignment 1 will be advised by the examiner.

2.

The due date for Assignment 2 to be advised by the examiner.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of up to 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items, and achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There are no Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES