ENVS6025 Solving Complex Environmental Problems
| Offered By | Fenner School of Environment and Society |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Environmental Science |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2013 and Second Semester, 2014 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course uses three case studies to develop a multi-faceted, research-based understanding of complex environmental problems that graduating students can apply in future research or work environments. The course emphasises integrative, engaged, and research-based approaches to complexity. The first two cases present complex local and national issues in collaboration with key stakeholders. Students engage with these issues by drawing on a range of theoretical concepts and practical tools. The learning from these cases is then applied to a 'do-it-yourself' case study selected by students and conducted as a group project, again in collaboration with local stakeholders. The focus throughout is on case studies as vehicles for learning and reflection, as well as a testing ground for tools, techniques and approaches discussed in the course.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately. During the second part of the course graduate students attend specialist case-based tutorials with peers.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
On completion of the course students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Undergraduate Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the methodological and practical challenges posed by complex environmental problems. (LO1) 2. Characterise and effectively describe the complex nature of environmental problems. (LO2) 3. Apply problem solving skills in environmental studies and environmental science, including social learning and critical reflection. (LO3) 4. Create innovative, collaborative research-based responses to complex environmental problems. (LO4) 5. Understand and apply effective stakeholder engagement practices. (LO5) 6. Understand and apply the case study approach to participate effectively in integrative, team-based research projects. (LO6)
|
| Indicative Assessment |
• Presentation of research-based policy analysis and advice (20%) [LO 1,2]
• Research essay (35%) [LO 2,3,4,5]
• Develop and present a complex environmental problem case for peer review (10%) [LO 2,4,5, 6]
• Learning portfolio, including a critical review of the case study approach as a means of addressing complex environmental problems (35%) [LO 1,3,4,5, 6) |
| Workload |
65 contact hours including lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals. |
| Areas of Interest | Economics, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Geography, Human Ecology, Human Sciences, Information Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies - Sustainability, Policy Studies, Population Studies, and Resource Management and Environmental Science |
| Eligibility |
Completion of Bachelor degree. |
| Requisite Statement |
Incompatibility ENVS3040 |
| Incompatibility |
Incompatible with ENVS6309, ENVS6036 |
| Recommended Courses |
None. |
| Prescribed Texts |
van Kerkhoff L. 2013 Developing integrative research for sustainability science through a complexity principles-based approach. Sustainability Science. 8 (online first, 19 Feb 2013). Freeman Herreid C. 1997 What is a case? Bringing to Science education the established teaching tool of Law and Medicine. Journal of College Science Teaching, 27(2). |
| Preliminary Reading |
van Kerkhoff, L. (2005). Integrated research: concepts of connection in environmental science and policy, Environmental Science & Policy, 8(5), 439-463. |
| Technology Requirements |
Standard. |
| Programs | Master of Energy Change, Master of Energy Change (Research), and Master of Climate Change |
| Academic Contact | Bruce.Doran@anu.edu.au, Dr Lorrae van Kerkhoff, and lorrae.vankerkhoff@anu.edu.au |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2013 website applies to the 2013 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2012 website.
