This course develops multi-disciplinary skills by integrating scientific knowledge and environmental management using examples of major environmental issues related to land and marine environments, including the coastal zone. Through lectures, research projects and field study site visits, students learn about:

• mine site rehabilitation
• national parks and their management
• management of indigenous lands
• wildlife management for conservation and production
• sustainable management of land and water resources in rangelands and croplands
• management of river systems and catchments
• coastal zone management

This course is of interest to soil scientists, foresters, geographers, geologists, and others involved in land and catchment management.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Conduct a detailed literature search and prepare a major research paper on a major environmental issue related to land and marine environments, including the coastal zone
2. Conduct a detailed literature search and prepare a research seminar on a major environmental issue related to land and marine environments, including the coastal zone.
3. Discuss a range of environmental issues with various land managers, government extension officers and private consultants, and prepare a report on these issues.
4. Work in teams to record data, write joint reports, and present joint papers at conferences.
5. Explain both the scientific underpinning and environmental implications of critical issues in land, marine and coastal environments, including mine site rehabilitation, national parks and their management, management of indigenous lands, wildlife management for conservation and production, sustainable management of land and water resources in rangelands and croplands, management of river systems and catchments, and coastal zone management.

Assessment will be based on a student-negotiated combination of:

• 2500-word major research essay, involving a comprehensive literature review and detailed and critical essay on a selected topic (25%; LO 1)
• Research seminar that requires a detailed literature search and presentation of research topic (20%; LO 2)
• Field trip reports that require gathering data firsthand from guest speakers and researching the literature (25%; LO 3, 4)
• Final exam that will require summarising information presented throughout the course in various modules (30%; LO 5)
  

Incompatible with FSTY3055, SREM3004 or SRES3004