Global Environment and Sustainability

Subject EVSC90001 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-six hours of tutorials and twelve hours of seminars
Total Time Commitment:

Total Time Commitment: 120 hours

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, Melbourne School of Land & Environment (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 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.

Learning Outcomes:

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 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%).
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): Master of Agricultural Science
Master of Animal Science
Master of Food Science
Master of Science (Geography)
Postgraduate Certificate in Food Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Development Studies (CWT)
100 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
100 Point Master of Journalism
150 Point Master of Development Studies (CWT)
150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
150 Point Master of Journalism
200 Point Master of Development Studies (CWT)
200 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
200 Point Master of Journalism
Climate Change
Climate Change
Development
Development
Education
Education
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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