Course overview
This course will provide students with the relevant problem-solving skills to tackle complex natural resource management issues, and to enhance student understanding of the value and critical importance of natural resource management and increase awareness of the current issues and their complex inter-relationships. This course examines the biological and physical science aspects of natural resources and their management at local, national, and global scales, using an earth systems approach. This course willpics include the value and management of mineral resources, biodiversity, ecosystem processes, water, primary production, land, forests, atmosphere and fisheries, and an overview of the main management issues which relate to natural resources. It also includes a day-long field visit to explore natural resources management issues in South Australia.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a deep knowledge of the complexity and inter-linked nature of abiotic and biotic components and processes in the Earth System
- Communicate clearly and effectively, ideas for solving complex natural resource management problems to different groups.
- Evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on natural resources and ecosystem processes and services
- Develop sound management strategies that consider the ecological, economic, and social complexity of national and international natural resource management problems.
- Access diverse information sources, synthesise material, present relevant information, and use information appropriately to achieve specific natural resource management aims.
- Critically evaluate the ecological, economic and social complexity of national and international natural resource management problems