Global Environment and Sustainability

Subject EVSC90001 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.

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

170 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission to honours or graduate 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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Email: anthony@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 Costa Rica, Honduras, 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
  • Critically analyse discourse associated with sustainable production systems
Assessment:
  • A 1000 word reflection paper on each case study (four in total - 15% each) due during semester worth 60%
  • A 20-minute group project and presentation equivalent to 500 words each worth 30%
  • A five-minute videoconference presentation equivalent to 500 words worth 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
  • Plan and manage small projects effectively
Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Sciences
Graduate Certificate in Food Science
Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences
Graduate Diploma in Food Science
Master of Agricultural Science
Master of Animal Science
Master of Food Science
Master of Science (Geography)
Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point (A) Master of Agricultural Sciences
100 Point (B) Master of Agricultural Sciences
100 Point Master of Development Studies
100 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
100 Point Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation
100 Point Master of Journalism
150 Point Master of Agricultural Sciences
150 Point Master of Development Studies
150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
150 Point Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation
150 Point Master of Journalism
200 Point Master of Agricultural Sciences
200 Point Master of Development Studies
200 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
200 Point Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation
200 Point Master of Journalism
Climate Change
Climate Change
Development
Development
Education
Education and Social Change
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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