• Semester 1 (Day)
• Semester 1 (External)

Synopsis

The  course  provides  a  general introduction  and  overview  of  the
emergence  of  environmental issues at the global  scale.   An  inter-
disciplinary approach to the study of the environment is provided at a
general  level  for students across all faculties.   The  material  is
presented  in  a  number  of  inter-related  modules  that  cover  the
biophysical  environment, politics, economy  and  society,  and  human
impact  on  the natural environment.  The course focuses on ecological
principles  for  thinking  about the environment,  the  links  between
society   and  environmental  exploitation  and  the  development   of
ecologically  sustainable  development.   Consideration  is  given  to
population   growth,   the  influence  of  technology,   environmental
economics  and  the role of community value systems.  Issues  examined
from  a  global  perspective  include  land  utilisation,  mining  and
fishing,  energy  production  and use,  water  pollution,  atmospheric
pollution and waste management.  Special attention is given to ways in
which  environmental  problems are dealt with under  the  ecologically
sustainable development framework.