Course overview
This course aims to cover the legal foundations of Australian environmental and natural resources law and its interaction with other disciplines in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes. The course will explain the influence of international law and the sustainable development goals and will critically examine the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources in Australia. The course will focus on aspects of particular relevance to South Australia, including water, energy, resources extraction, climate change, biodiversity and heritage protection (including indigenous heritage). It will examine regulatory tools and mechanisms provided for under key Commonwealth and State legislation, alongside economic instruments and voluntary mechanisms. It will also cover the role of litigation and alternate dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving environmental disputes.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse and explain the role of law, including international law principles, in the protection of the natural, built and cultural environment and the sustainable management of natural resources in Australia.
- Understand the foundations of environmental and natural resources law (goals, objects, principles and norms in the form of general rights and duties) and its inter-relationship with science and ethics.
- Examine the roles and responsibilities of Commonwealth, State and local governments in the implementation of key Commonwealth and State legislation concerning environmental protection and natural resources management.
- Interpret and apply the legal tools and mechanisms under key Commonwealth and State legislation concerning environmental protection and natural resources management alongside economic instruments and voluntary measures.
- Analyse and explain the role of courts, tribunals and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the implementation and enforcement of environmental and natural resources law.
- Appraise the role of law in promoting the goal of environmental sustainability and in addressing some crucial environmental, social and economic issues for South Australia (including climate change, clean energy, water resources management, natural resources development and the protection of biodiversity and heritage, including Aboriginal heritage).
- Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively in a team, communicating within a team and to an external audience.
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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.