Unit Outline

Society needs professional environmental managers who have the knowledge and skills to effectively tackle problems of sustainable resource use, climate change and biodiversity conservation. Environmental managers also play an important role in helping communities identify and move towards sustainable and just futures. Environmental management is about how we (institutions and individuals) try to identify, protect and enhance environmental values. So we start by examining the variety and meanings of such values. We then explore the various means - the menu of options - for delivering environmental outcomes. These options include instruments such as legislation, market-based approaches, and behavioural nudges; and methods such as community engagement and outreach. We also critically examine the effectiveness of such measures, and consider how we might achieve better management outcomes. These topics are exemplified through a problem-based learning approach employing case studies in land use planning, sustainable communities, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.

This unit is available to students face-to-face (on-campus mode) and online. Online students are expected to participate in live, online workshops each fortnight (Semester 2 weeks 2,4,6,8,10,12), which are delivered synchronously/simultaneously with face-to-face students.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Analyse the context of, and conflicts associated with, environmental management/sustainability issues.
2	Assess the roles and responsibilities of governments, the private sector and civil society in relation to environmental management.
3	Evaluate regulatory, economic and voluntary instruments, and decision-making frameworks employed in environmental management.
4	Formulate and communicate effective management solutions and communication strategies through team-based and individual projects.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Student feedback, both formal (eVALUate) and informal (during and post semester), help in making regular improvements in the unit’s design and delivery. Based on feedback from recent years (since 2020), key changes made for 2023 are: 1) return to on-campus delivery of seminars/lectures; 2) longer (3 hour) workshops; 3) more weighting for the workshop tasks from 20% of the unit mark to 30%; 4) less weighting for the final exam from 40% of the unit mark to 30%.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT TASK 1:	Summative Test	Exam Period	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 2:	Environmental Management Plan	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 3:	Workshop Outputs	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Summative Test

TASK DESCRIPTION:

You will take a summative test conducted at the end of Semester. This assessment provides an opportunity to revise unit content and various concepts covered during the Semester.

TASK LENGTH:

See MyLO for details.

DUE DATE:

Exam Period

WEIGHT:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Describe and explain the unit content and apply relevant examples.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Identify the interrelationships between various concepts learned in the unit and use examples to illustrate your understanding.	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Write and structure your responses in clear English.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Environmental Management Plan

TASK DESCRIPTION:

You will deliver an environmental management plan following steps that we will cover over the Semester. This assessment provides an opportunity to develop expertise in management planning and communication.

TASK LENGTH:

See MyLO for details.

DUE DATE:

Refer to Assessment Description

WEIGHT:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Provide detailed explanations of the problems, governance and values in your case study.	LO1, LO2
2	Document a comprehensive summary of relevant management responses and their effectiveness.	LO2, LO3
3	Develop management prescriptions with clear references to management failures and lessons learnt.	LO2, LO3
4	Create a complete, logical and credible communication plan.	LO1, LO2, LO3
5	Communicate with logical and clear arguments, with correct attribution of sources, and in a professional manner.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Workshop Outputs

TASK DESCRIPTION:

You will develop a portfolio of outputs from each workshop. You will then combine these outputs and present an environmental management plan. In addition, you will take a series of quizzes associated with each workshop.

TASK LENGTH:

A presentation that combines portfolio items developed during workshops.

DUE DATE:

Refer to Assessment Description

WEIGHT:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Present a summary of key findings from workshops using the research done and information gathered.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Integrate a relevant and impactful introduction and conclusion for your presentation.	LO4
3	Structure the presentation logically by building systematically on outputs from each workshop and using good time management.	LO3, LO4
4	Communicate with clear and purposeful visual aids, correct attribution of sources, and in a professional manner.	LO4
5	Manage questions confidently, in a way that encourages further discussion and audience involvement.	LO4
6	Demonstrate your understanding of unit material.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late Penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required resources

Required Reading Materials

Reading materials (journal papers, book chapters, reports etc.) and audiovisual resources (videos, podcasts etc.) will be provided for each fortnight as part of the seminars. The PowerPoint presentation slides available from MyLO will have these readings and additional resources embedded in them and organised thematically.