Core Units (First Semester)
HVBN762 - Principles of Sustainability (Click here for information on the lecturers for this unit)
This unit covers the fundamentals of sustainability thinking and therefore assists students to form a basic understanding in preparation for studying other units in this course. A background in the principles of sustainability, systems thinking, social construction, economic systems and global and local sustainability issues are covered. This unit also provides an introduction to a range of tools that can be applied to living and working sustainably.
The unit Principles of Sustainability provides
an opportunity for students to develop general insight relating to
the fundamentals of sustainability thinking and action, both in preparation
for studying other units in the course and as the basis for effective
sustainability practice. The approach taken in the unit is founded
on the view that responses to the sustainability challenges that we
humans perceive, are most effective when our appreciation of these
challenges takes into account the ways through which we make sense
of the world and understand ourselves in relation to it. In light
of this, the unit starts by considering human mind and culture from
perspectives consistent with this view, as the foundation for engaging
with what might be more readily recognisable as the realm of sustainability
principles and concepts (ample attention is given in the unit to this
realm also!). It is in this context that Lakoff and Johnson‘s Metaphors
We Live By, an exploration of human cognition and the philosophy of
mind, has for several years now been one of two principal texts for
the unit (the second principal text being Fisher‘s Response Ability:
Environment, Health and Everyday Transcendence)
Read more here.
Click here to download a detailed introduction to this unit (pdf, 233kb)
HVBN763 - Implementing Sustainability (Click here for information on the lecturer for this unit)
During this unit, students will explore
concepts of change (including human dynamics, incremental versus
transformational change, corporate behavioural change) and relate
these to the implementation of sustainability. Students will analyse
and evaluate different pathways to sustainability, and explore strategies
and operational issues relevant to the implementation of sustainability
in a wide variety of contexts.
Background reading:
Dunphy, D., Griffiths, A. & Benn, S. (2003). Organizational Change for Corporate Sustainability. Routledge.
Senge, P.M, , Scharmer, O , Jaworski, J & Flowers, B. S. (2005). Presence: Exploring Profound Change in
People, Organizations and Society. London: Nicholas Breally Publishing.
Elective Units (Second Semester)
HVBN764 - Integrated Land and Water Management
Handout for further Information
This unit introduces students to the principles, benefits and challenges of managing Australia’s land and water in a sustainable manner. Students are introduced to the concept of the triple bottom line: the need to balance social, environmental and economic aspects when managing a variety of landscapes (including regional and urban, aquatic and terrestrial). We explore the consequences of historical and current perceptions of the environment, and learn how we can use education, science and policy to improve or adapt current management practices. Students gain practical skills in developing, writing and presenting comprehensive, integrated landscape/catchment management projects.
Potential employers:
Student will acquire the skills sought after by numerous potential employers including; government agencies, community groups and NGOs, and in the private sector. For example:
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Federal NRM agencies (e.g., Department of Climate Change, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts) |
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State NRM agencies (e.g., Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Environmental Protection Authority) |
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Catchment Management Authorities |
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NGOs – (e.g., Environment Victoria, Greening Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society) |
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Commercial/private sector (NB: many companies now have an environment officer) |
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Water Corporations (e.g., Melbourne Water) |
Recommended reading:
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Yencken, D & Wilkinson, D 2001, ‘Land and waters’ Chapter 9 in Resetting the compass; Australia’s progress towards sustainability, CSIRO Publishing, Canberra, pp. 224-270. |
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Yencken, D & Wilkinson, D 2001, ‘Present policies and future targets’ Chapter 11 in Resetting the compass; Australia’s progress towards sustainability, CSIRO Publishing, Canberra, pp. 307-323. |
Handout for further Information
Students will gain an understanding of the broader role of design and design related professions in society, culture and the economy. Students will explore the nature of design and consider how it relates to consumerism and other social, economic and ecological processes. Eco-design concepts (such as dematerialization, material selection, energy/water and material efficiency, end of use or second life issues) and the design process will be examined through case studies and research.
HVBN766 - Energy for the Future
Handout for further Information
This unit will explore energy concepts, forms and use from a number of perspectives, covering energy use in an everyday sense and how it is measured and controlled. The social and economic consequences of how we currently use energy will be investigated, along with energy trends and forecasting. This unit also explores the importance of energy efficiency and alternative energy options.
HVBN767 – Global Citizenship: Corporate and Community Sustainability
Handout
for further Information
This unit explores sustainability within the global context: “think
global, act local”. The initial focus will be on the various
economic, environmental and social factors and institutions which
influence global sustainability. We will explore the business case
for sustainability, the relevance of corporate governance and accountability
frameworks such as triple bottom line. The role of stakeholders and
other interested parties will also be explored. There will be an opportunity
to examine case-studies of community and corporate sustainability
which may include: community development and capacity building, sustainable
purchasing and transport, waste minimisation, water and energy saving
as will as social impacts.
HSF601 - Future Studies and Foresight
The purpose of the introductory unit is to outline core components of the knowledge base of Futures Studies and to provide students with a number of concepts, overviews of methods, tools, and ‘maps’ or ‘guides’ to the territory. This foundational knowledge will allow students to locate themselves (and/or their organisations) within a disciplinary matrix and to begin the process of acquiring ‘fluency’ in futures/foresight enquiry.
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