Global Environmental Change

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Environmental change scenarios may elicit alarmism or a false sense of security depending on one's perspective. Science and scientists are frequently called upon to act as arbiters of contested perspectives. This subject equips participants with an understanding of the role and limitations of science in environmental debates and decision-making.

You will explore contemporary global environmental issues such as chemical processes in the environment, biodiversity loss, desertification, climate change and the spread of infectious disease. You will gain an appreciation of strengths and limitations in the diversity of scientific approaches used to understand and manage environmental problems. You will develop skills in applying tools that evaluate, synthesise and resolve the perspectives of multiple disciplines and stakeholders. You will examine and critique the lines of evidence used to support arguments regarding environmental trends and change, including empirical observation, simulation modelling and expert opinion. Collectively, these elements provide a sound foundation for science-based advocacy that recognises the social context of environmental debates.

At the completion of the subject, participants should be able to:

• Describe major current global environmental challenges facing scientists and policy-makers.
• Discuss the relevance of a range of scientific disciplines to environmental management including chemistry, meteorology, ecology, toxicology, hydrology, geology and epidemiology.
• Analyse the role of various evidentiary approaches to supporting science-based arguments including empirical observation and analysis, modelling and use of expert opinion.
• Judge the merit of scientific arguments made in documents related to environmental policy.

• An assignment report of up to 3000 words due during the semester (40%)
• Oral presentation of up to 30 minutes towards the end of the semester (30%)
• An exam of up to 3 hours at the end of semester (30%)

Students will be provided with information about text books at the commencement of the subject.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (available free online, or as a hardcopy for purchase)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the subject, participants should be able to:

• Work constructively with colleagues to recognise, synthesise and resolve inter-disciplinary perspectives.
• Prepare technical reports that are accessible to policy-makers.
• Advocate and advance environmental sustainability consistent with scientific evidence.
• Recognise the social context of the contribution of science to decision-making, including human rights, equity and ethics

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.