Course overview
This course aims to enhance the students’ understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment and the ways in which social and economic factors drive modern energy, food, water and waste systems towards unsustainability. Students will learn concepts of sustainable development, ecological footprint and their application to personal, local and global community living while exploring the science of energy transfer, materials use, food production within a sustainable development framework. The concepts of sustainability and moral concerns and their effect on future lifestyles are developed through discussion and personal/collective action.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain aspects of human management of water, energy, materials and food systems including the consequent impacts on natural systems
- Explain the need to manage natural systems sustainably, and critique approaches to doing so
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and extent of human impact on planetary life support systems
- Critique sustainable solutions with a particular focus on reformist and transformist approaches
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of environmental education in the achievement of sustainability
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.