Global Environment and Sustainability

Subject 207-505 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: : Thirty-six hours of seminars and tutorials (average of three hours per week) and up to 36 hours of self-directed learning. This subject begins in early February with a day-long orientation session and thereafter weekly contact. The subject finishes one month prior to the end of Semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Eligibility for honours or postgraduate degree
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Tony Weatherley
Subject Overview: Modernization has led to development pressures that have increasingly disrupted natural systems leading to widespread concerns about the long-term viability of important environmental services, including those critical to food security worldwide. Case studies in topical areas of environment and food production systems are used to explore interrelationships among social, economic, and environmental factors basic to sustainable development. The case studies include: Population demographics; Genetically modified foods and food security; Biodiversity and global trade; Global warming and climate change; Water quality and quantity; and Global responsibility. The student will participate in global classroom discussions and debates with students from Sweden, Costa Rica, Honduras, South Africa and the USA. This interaction is facilitated by local classroom discussions, postings to discussion forums and live interactive videoconferences. The subject challenges the student to develop a clear understanding of sustainability from both a regional and a global context.

Assessment: The assessment tasks are a project report of 3,000 words (25%), a seminar on the project report (15%), a 1,000 word reflection paper on each case study (40%), and postings to discussion forums (20%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Master of Food Science
Master of Forest Ecosystem Science
Postgraduate Certificate in Food Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: R05 RA Master of Science - Geography (not offered until 2010)

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