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Fenner School of Environment and Society · ANU College of Systems and Society
The course applies the principles of ecosystem sciences to the study of the human environment. The emphasis is on the significance and function of ecosystems, how humans have affected these systems over time, and what are the opportunities of and barriers to making positive changes. Dynamical systems thinking and the concept of coupled social ecological system is introduced as a powerful means of comprehending the behaviour of these complex situations. Field trips allow students to experience first-hand the complexity of these human-ecological interactions and the challenges of managing them sustainably. In the latter half of the course, human-nature interactions over human history are critically reviewed, including hunter gatherer societies, early agricultural societies and modern globalised urban and industrial societies. Some key contemporary challenges facing humanity in the Anthropocene are presented for critical reflection. Students extend their understanding of one of these challenges in their final research report and presentation.
Tutorial preparation and participation
Learning outcomes 1, 2
Systems thinking modules
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
Field trip report
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Final seminar report
Learning outcomes 2, 4, 5
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week plus 6 hours of workshops across the semester. - Either a 3 day (21 hours) field trip OR 21 hours of independent research to support equivalent preparation to enable submission of assessment task (3). Please see Other Information for additional advice. - Approximately 67 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 All students engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a minor component of the course Other Information There are additional field trip fees (<$200) applicable to participation in this course (payment to ANU Science Shop). - 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 put the skills you’ve learned in the classroom into practice in new environments and provide powerful enrichment to student learning. - Students can opt between attending the field trip or undertaking 21 hours of independent research related to the field trip. Note : there is a limited quota of places for the field trip Information about this will be communicated to the class in the first week of the teaching semester. Students should contact the Course Convenor if they have any questions.
Please refer to the course sit in the Learning Management system.