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LocationDomesticInternational
LismoreSession 1Session 1
OnlineSession 1N/A

Unit description

Develops an understanding of the need for environmental and natural resource policy, the process by which such policy is developed, and the constraints facing policy makers. In such a short unit, it is only possible to investigate a selection of natural resource policies, full coverage of all policies will not be possible in the time allowed. In particular, this unit will assist students to develop the following skills and values: conceptual understanding of the importance of environmental policy using language appropriate to the profession written communication sustainability reasoned debate, exchange of views and presentation skills.

Unit content

  • Policy foundations – environmental and natural resource policy
  • How is policy developed? Policy at different scales – key attributes and challenges
  • Forest policy in Australia and internationally
  • Land use policy
  • Policy to support biodiversity
  • Marine policy and the oceans
  • Energy policy
  • Property rights
  • Global climate policy: why is it needed?
  • Policy integration and wrap up

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1understand the objectives of environmental and natural resource policy in the context of ecological, economic and socially sustainable developmentIntellectual rigourCreativityEthical practiceKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learningCommunication and social skillsCultural competence
2appreciate the differences between policies at different spatial scales (local, state, federal, and global)Intellectual rigourCreativityEthical practiceKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skillsCultural competence
3develop an overview of current environmental and natural resource policies in AustraliaIntellectual rigourCreativityEthical practiceKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skillsCultural competence
4critically evaluate current policies in a variety of natural resource sectorsIntellectual rigourCreativityEthical practiceKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skillsCultural competence
5understand the role of Australia in international environmental policies.Intellectual rigourCreativityEthical practiceKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skillsCultural competence

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. understand the objectives of environmental and natural resource policy in the context of ecological, economic and socially sustainable development
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  2. appreciate the differences between policies at different spatial scales (local, state, federal, and global)
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  3. develop an overview of current environmental and natural resource policies in Australia
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  4. critically evaluate current policies in a variety of natural resource sectors
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  5. understand the role of Australia in international environmental policies.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
    • GA7: Cultural competence

Prescribed texts

  • No prescribed texts.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Lecture on-site 2 hours (11 weeks)
Tutorial on-site 2 hours (11 weeks)
Assessment
Participation20%
Presentation30%
Critical review50%

Teaching method
Lecture online 2 hours (11 weeks)
Tutorial online 2 hours (11 weeks)
Assessment
Participation20%
Presentation30%
Critical review50%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2020 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 2

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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