Global Environment and Sustainability

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total Time Commitment: 120 hours

Eligibility for honours or postgraduate degree

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/

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 vary between years but have included:

• Population demographics.
• Genetically modified foods and food security.
• Biodiversity and global trade.
• Global warming and climate change.
• Water quality and quantity.
• Global responsibility.

The student will participate in global classroom discussions and debates with students from Sweden, Costa Rica, Honduras, South Africa, China and the USA. This interaction is facilitated by local classroom discussions, postings to discussion forums and live interactive videoconferences (interactive seminars). The subject challenges the student to develop a clear understanding of sustainability from both a regional and a global context.

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.

The assessment tasks are:

• A group project and presentation of about 20 minutes (30%).
• A 1,000 word reflection paper on each case study – four in total at 15% each.
• A videoconference presentation of around 5 minutes duration (10%).

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.