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.

KGA223 is an interdisciplinary unit available as an elective and is suitable for students with backgrounds including (but not limited to) Science, Engineering, English, Government, History, Law, Management, Psychology and/or Sociology. The unit establishes an overarching framework for developing a broad knowledge base of the social, economic, ecological, and institutional dimensions of environmental management. The knowledge and skills taught form an essential base for students seeking to tackle problems of sustainable resource use and biodiversity conservation, and in helping communities identify and move towards sustainable and just futures. Within the Geography and Environmental Studies (KGA) stream, KGA223 builds on the understanding developed in Level 1 units and provides a rich base to explore environmental management topics in more detail in specialised Level 3 units.

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

Constructive student feedback, both formal (eVALUate) and informal (during and post semester), help in making regular improvements in the unit’s design (e.g. to workshop assessments, timing) and delivery (e.g. increased contact hours, use of a venue facilities). Based on feedback in recent years, we have made changes to: 1) to provide an option for oral presentation report in lieu of a written report; 2) to replace a written workshop portfolio with quizzes to balance the workload more evenly and to provide some ongoing feedback; and 3) move to a ‘webpages’ format to present weekly resources. Due to poular demand, we have also returned to having On Campus seminars/lectures since 2023.

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:	Workshop Outputs	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Environmental Management Plan	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Summative Test	Exam Period	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Workshop Outputs

Task Description:

You will work in teams to develop a portfolio of outputs from each workshop. In your team, you will then combine your portfolio of outputs and present a coherent environmental management plan. Your team presentation will be given in the final workshop as a capstone learning activity. This presentation will be to staff and peers. This assessment provides an opportunity to develop team work skills in addressing environmental challenges. In addition to this team-based activity, you will take a series of individual MyLO quizzes associated with each workshop.
Note that you must meet all requirements of UTAS guidelines on Academic Integrity (see MyLO for details).

Task Length:

See MyLO for details.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


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

Assessment Task 2: Environmental Management Plan

Task Description:

You will deliver an environmental management plan (as two reports) following steps that we will cover over the Semester. This assessment provides an opportunity to develop expertise in management planning (Report A) and communication (Report B). Report A will be in written form and Report B will be a recorded oral presentation. You will be given advice about how to approach and prepare for these reports in the Workshops throughout the Semester.
Note that you must meet all requirements of UTAS guidelines on Academic Integrity (see MyLO for details).

Task Length:

See MyLO for details.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


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: Summative Test

Task Description:

You will take a ~2hr online summative test (final exam) conducted at the end of Semester, during the Exam Period. This assessment provides an opportunity to revise unit content and various concepts covered during the Semester. Questions will be set to test your deep learning of the unit material. You will be given advice about how to approach and prepare for this exam in the last week of the Semester.
Note that you must meet all requirements of UTAS guidelines on Academic Integrity and are NOT permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), such as ChatGPT and Copilot, in this assessment task.

Task Length:

See MyLO for details.

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


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

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.