Planning Urban Sustainability

Subject 705-644 (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: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to a Masters program in the Melbourne School of Design or the Master of Environment (Graduate Environmental Program)
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 Anna Catherine Hurlimann
Subject Overview:

The urban dimension of sustainability is the focus of this subject. A holistic view of sustainability is explored (environmental, social, cultural and economic). The contribution of cities to the crises of the environment is analysed. Solutions based on existing experience and practice are explored in the fields of built form, biodiversity, transport and water resource management. International and local examples are analysed. Methods of planning, target setting and monitoring are discussed, with emphasis on the policy barriers likely to be encountered and ways of overcoming them.
Objectives:
  • To provide an overview of initiatives worldwide designed to improve urban sustainability
  • To explore means of governance and planning for urban sustainability
  • To equip students to carry out analysis and to make recommendations for the improvement of sustainability within systems of government at local and metropolitan scale
  • To provide students opportunity for open discussion and debate on topics relevant to urban sustainability
  • To enable students to conduct high level research and analysis leading to practical and feasible recommendations for improving the ecological sustainability of urban areas
Assessment:
  • Series of class papers 350 words x 5 weeks (30%)
  • Field trip report of 1500 words (30%)
  • Group Project and report with an individual contribution of no more than 2000 words (40%)
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Low, N.P., B. Gleeson, R. Green and D. Radovic (2005) The Green City , Sydney , University of New South Wales Press.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Correct use of technical terminology
  • Information gathering and critical synthesis
  • Evaluation of existing knowledge
  • Application of generic theories to specific examples
Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
Related Course(s): Master of Urban Planning

Download PDF version.