Environmental Management
Overview
This unit aims to provide a holistic 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, focusing on anthropogenic activities. The unit also aims to develop high levels of awareness of the ubiquitous use 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 assessment. Finally, the unit will provide an overview of mitigation strategies to minimise anthropogenic ecological footprint.
Requisites
01-June-2025
02-November-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,2,4,5,6,7 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 10 - 15% | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Case Study | Individual | 10 - 15% | 4,5,7 |
| Mid-Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 25% | 1,2,4 |
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.