Overview

This unit aims to provide an understanding of ecology, environmental systems and environmental management. The various topics give a critical insight into the diversity and complexity of environmental issues, and the major causes and effects of environmental pollutions resulting from anthropogenic activities. The unit also aims to develop high levels of awareness for the ubiquity of hazardous substances and specific skill sets for their management. Students will also acquire new skills and knowledge in preparing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and generic risk assessments. Finally, the unit will provide an overview of mitigation strategies to minimise ecological footprint.

Requisites

Prerequisites
ENV30003 Environmental Management

Rule

100 credit points

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Apply relevant regulations to hazardous substances
  • Identify, discuss and debate environmental issues
  • Produce accurate environmental impact assessments
  • Outline the water management strategies for Melbourne
  • Discuss and select appropriate waste management strategies
  • Argue that competition is a greater ecological force than predation
  • Facilitate generic risk assessments

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Lecture
1.00  12 weeks  12
On Campus
Class
2.00 12 weeks 24
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning
9.50  12 weeks  114
TOTAL     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Assignment Individual  10 - 20%  2,7 
Case Studies Individual  10 - 15%  4,5,7 
Examination Individual  30 - 40%  1,2,4,5,6,7 
Mid-Semester Test Individual  20 - 25%  1,2,4 
Online Tests Individual  10 - 15%  1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Hurdle

As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:

(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.

Content

  • Provides an holistic view of environmental management, first through an understanding of ecology and ecosystems, evidencing the interconnectedness of everything in nature.
  • Offers an advanced understanding of the interconnected relationships bewteen environmental research, management strategies and policy frameworks that are fundamental
  • Explores significant issues and challenges associated with managing dynamic human-nature systems.
  • Introduces the concept of environmental consciousness, and the need to develop and embrace sustainable practices.
  • Critically examines contemporary issues like climate change, man-made environmental disasters, renewables and community-based approaches.
  • Showcases solid examples of best legislations in both an Australian context and internationally.
  • Highlights the importance of socio-cultural influences in managing the environment.

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.