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Fenner School of Environment and Society · ANU College of Systems and Society
This course builds an understanding of key processes that have shaped Australia's biophysical environment. Through an exploration of Australia’s evolution through time, students acquire foundation knowledge across a range of environmental science disciplines, an understanding of contemporary issues, and an appreciation for the unique challenges faced in the future for Australia’s environment. As student’s move through topics, they will learn about geology, climate and weather, soils, landscape evolution, water, flora, fauna, and biodiversity with an appreciation for how these interact and depend on one another. Having gained an understanding of the evolution of Australia, students will also explore topical issues in contemporary Australian environmental science. Lectures are delivered by a diverse range of disciplinary experts. Honours Pathway Option This course participates in the Honours Pathway option run by the College of Science. HPO students will apply research and writing skills to demonstrate the complex issues of managing contemporary Australian landscapes. Students taking this option will attend 4 additional lectures at a more advanced level to support completion of more challenging questions during the final exam, making up 10% of the final exam. The HPO is open to all students. Students opt-in to the HPO through the option sign-up in Wattle by Friday Week 3.
Quizzes (x 2)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Research Synthesis (2000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 6, 7
Multimedia Presentation (10 min)
Learning outcomes 1, 6, 7
Examination (2 hours)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - 3 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 2 hour workshop per week (including some field based activities). - 70 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions. Work Integrated Learning Fieldwork Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course Other Information There are non compulsory local field trips operated within normal class time. - Field-based teaching and learning activity forms an integral and important part of many courses delivered by the Fenner School of Environment & Society. Fieldwork activities are designed to allow you to put the skills you’ve learned in the classroom into practice in new environments and provide powerful enrichment to student learning. Students should contact the Course Convenor if they have any questions.
Prescribed texts not required, but suggested reading indicated. Preliminary Reading Australian Department of Environment & Heritage (2021) Australia State of the Environment. https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/ Twidale, C.R. & Campbell, E.M. (2005) Australian Landforms - understanding a low, flat arid and old landscape. Rosenburg Publishing. Attiwill, P. and Wilson, B. (2006) Ecology: an Australian perspective. Oxford. South Melbourne. McKenzie, N, Jacquier, D., Isbell, R. and Brown, K. (2004) Australian Soils and Landscapes. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood. https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/3821/