Global Environmental Change (EVSC90017)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject equips participants with an understanding of the role and limitations of science in environmental debates and decision-making. Global changes to the atmosphere, hydrological cycle, land-uses, urbanisation, climate, pollution, biodiversity, pests, and diseases are having profound impacts on the planet, its people and other species. You will gain an appreciation of strengths and limitations in the diversity of scientific approaches used to understand and manage environmental changes. These approaches include empirical observation, mathematical and statistical modelling, and expert opinion. The subject highlights the breadth of environmental changes, and the range of scientific methods that can be used to address these issues. Collectively, these elements provide a sound foundation for science-based advocacy and management that recognises the scientific and social contexts of environmental debates.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will be ableto:
- Describe major current global environmental challenges facing scientists and policy-makers
- Discuss the relevance of a range of scientific disciplines to environmental management including chemistry, meteorology, ecology, toxicology, hydrology, geology and epidemiology.
- Analyse the role of various evidentiary approaches to supporting science-based arguments including empirical observation and analysis, modelling and use of expert opinion
- Judge the merit of scientific arguments made in documents related to environmental policy
Generic skills
At the completion of the subject, participants should be able to:
- Work constructively with colleagues to recognise, synthesise and resolve inter-disciplinary perspectives.
- Prepare technical reports that are accessible to policy-makers.
- Advocate and advance environmental sustainability consistent with scientific evidence.
- Recognise the social context of the contribution of science to decision-making, including human rights, equity and ethics
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An individual manuscript on a 'hot topic' in environmental change (up to 1500 words) written in a short scientific format
| From Week 3 to Week 6 | 20% |
One peer-review of up to 600 words of another student's manuscript (randomly allocated)
| From Week 5 to Week 10 | 10% |
Finalisation of manuscript in light of review and feedback; cover letter to editor | From Week 10 to Week 12 | 10% |
An individually-assessed group presentation during the student symposium. Each student within a group will develop and deliver a 5-10 minute presentation contributing to the given topic
| From Week 5 to Week 10 | 20% |
Symposium participation | From Week 5 to Week 10 | 5% |
Participation in class discussions (3), scattered throughout semester | Throughout the teaching period | 5% |
A take-home exam (up to 2500 words) at the end of semester due during exam period
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jane Elith Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 39 hours comprising 3 x one-hour lectures per week and 3 one-hour discussion sessions spread throughout semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Environmental Science Informal specialisation BioSciences Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Informal specialisation BioSciences Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Botany Major Climate Change Major Tailored Specialisation Major Climate Change Major Education and Social Change Major Environmental Science Major Environmental Science Major Education - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022