Global Environment and Sustainability

Subject EVSC90001 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points:	12.50
Level:	9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:	This subject is not offered in 2011.
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Land & Food Resources (building 142)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives:	On completion of this subject, students should be able to: Recognise that regional and global issues influence a stakeholder’s response to sustainable production systems; Appreciate the perspectives of different stakeholders and their role in the solution to problems associated with sustainable production systems; Understand and appreciate cultural diversity; Participate effectively in an international student group to identify solutions to dilemmas associated with the environment and production systems; Communicate effectively via videoconference, chat and discussion software and; Critically analyse discourse associated with sustainable production systems.
Assessment:	The assessment tasks are a group presentation (10%), a 1,000 word reflection paper on each case study (60%) An analysis of discussion boards (20%) Videoconference presentation (10%)
Prescribed Texts:	None
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	On completion of this subject, students should be able to: Utilise appropriate communication technology; Exercise creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge; Integrate information across a broad range of disciplines to solve problems in applied situations; Appreciate social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context; Participate effectively as a member of a team and; Plan and manage small projects effectively.
Related Course(s):	Bachelor of Natural Resource Management with Honours Master of Agricultural Science Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development) Master of Development Studies(CWT) Master of Food Science Master of Forest Ecosystem Science Master of Science (Geography) Postgraduate Certificate in Food Science Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	Climate Change Environmental Science Environmental Science Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions

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