Environmental Studies Coursework

Subject 121-431 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 50.00
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
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

Semester 2, - 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

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular contact with the supervisor plus a total of 96 contact hours comprising: 12 hours of contact in each of two research methods modules (24 hours), twelve 1-hour formal contact sessions with the supervisor of the literature review (12 hours), 28 hours of formal seminars on research design and philosophy and scope of the discipline and 24 hours of lectures and seminars
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in environmental studies.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Peter Alexander Christoff
Subject Overview:

This subject comprises three components: a course of lectures and seminars on the principles and practice of environmental or social impact assessment; preparation of an extended review of the literature related to the subject matter of the student's individual thesis, covering both specific research in this area, and also the broader context within which the survey is situated; research methodology lectures and practical exercises covering two methodology areas chosen from the following list: Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Geographical Information Systems, Geocomputing, Library Information Retrieval, Electronic Focus Groups, Qualitative Research Methods, Field Methods and Research Ethics. Choice of research methods must be approved by the Environmental Studies Honours Coordinator.

Assessment: Written work totalling 20 000 words comprising a research proposal of 2000 words, a literature review of 6000 words, practical exercises on research methods for two elective modules totalling 5000 words, an essay and short seminar papers totalling 5000 words, two oral presentations (totalling 40 minutes) on research proposal and research results. Attendance at the School seminar series and other prescribed seminars is compulsory, as is completion of two methodology modules. Literature review 35% (due the last week of the first semester of enrolment), research modules 20% (due during the semester), essay and seminar papers totalling 7000 words 35% (due at the end of the second semester of enrolment) and oral presentation equivalent to 2000 words 10% (in week six of the second semester of enrolment).
Prescribed Texts: To be advised by the supervisor
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • understand critical theories of environmental impact assessment;

  • critique Environmental Impact Statements effectively;

  • apply knowledge to new situations.
Notes:

Research modules are offered in intensive mode over during February, March and April. Students should consult Dr Fraser mcDonald, the modules coordinator, for timetable details by November in the year prior to their enrolment.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies

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