Course Title: Ecosystems and Human Impact
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Ecosystems and Human Impact
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ENVI1162 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
330H Social Science & Planning |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006 |
ENVI1162 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
365H Global, Urban and Social Studies |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2014, Sem 1 2016, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2020 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Georgia Garrard
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9986
Course Coordinator Email: georgia.garrard@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 8, Level 11
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
Evidence of rapidly changing climates, diminishing surface and groundwater resources, and a catastrophic loss of global biodiversity illustrates the critical need to better manage human impacts on Earth’s ecosystems. This course explores the impact of humans on the environment, linking patterns and trends in natural ecosystems to human systems, their functions, inter-relationships, problems and potential solutions.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will have developed:
- An awareness of the interactions between humans and the Earth’s ecosystems;
- Basic knowledge of the principles of ecology, environmental problems arising from the working of modern urban-industrial societies, environmental research methods, environmental risk assessment and the broad social, economic and regulatory frameworks in which environmental problems are resolved;
- A range of skills related to the application of ecosystem management tools; translating general scientific principles into management recommendations for ecological systems;
- An opportunity to apply knowledge in problem-based learning exercises;
- Research and critical analysis skills, including the ability to perform database searches, critically read and revise writing, develop lines of argument supported by appropriate references; and
- Skills required to participate in and contribute to academic discussions in small groups.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities including lectures, workshops, guest presentations, field visits, group discussion, and group and individual research.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
Assessment Tasks:
1. Urban ecological investigation (30%) (Individual Task Linked to CLO 1, 2 and 5)
2. Engagement with key concepts (20%) (Individual and/or group tasks. Linked to CLO 3,4 and 6).
3. Applied field-based task (50%) (Individual Task Linked to CLO 3, 4 and 5)
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.