Unit Outline

This unit introduces legal, administrative, scientific, and social aspects of environmental impact assessment (EIA) using case studies. The unit emphasises the practical aspects of environmental impact assessment in Tasmanian contexts, but environmental impact assessment processes and legislation are similar in many parts of the world. Being able to navigate the Tasmanian system will translate well into be able to work in environmental impact assessment in other parts of Australia and internationally. The unit is strongly work-integrated, with a significant emphasis on professional practice skills that will bridge from studies into the workplace. In addition to learning to assess developments under the Tasmanian planning system, this unit has an emphasis on critiquing the planning system at the state and national level using news sites and the scholarly literature.

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	Explain how the environment is considered as part of the application process for a development assessed at local government level (council).
2	Evaluate the environmental and social context for an environmental impact assessment of a project assessed at the state government level (Environmental Protection Authority).
3	Assess the challenges around the system of environmental impact assessment in Australia for a particular issue or sector.
4	Debate the environmental impact assessment process in Tasmania, other parts of Australia and internationally using a range of sources.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Local case study	Week 4	20 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	In class discussion	Week 13	30 %	LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Position paper	Week 14	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Presentation	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Local case study

Task Description:

Using a development application that has been submitted to local government, analyse the match between the proposal and the planning scheme (rules). In your analysis, make reference to the broader discussion of the issues involved using relevant news, scholarly papers and government policy/strategy. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the completion of this and other assessment task is discouraged. However, any use of AI as a learning tool must be in alignment with the UTAS guidelines on academic integrity.

Task Length:

1500 word maximum

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the Tasmanian environmental impact assessment process under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 using a local development.	LO1
2	Describe the proposed development, the site, the potential impacts and any recommendations for softening the potential environmental impacts.	LO1
3	Discuss the environmental issues involved in the case study that are situated in local government strategy and broader community and scholarly discussions.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: In class discussion

Task Description:

You will actively participate in weekly class discussions based on a set reading. Each person will lead the discussion one week. You will be expected to read the local news about environmental impact assessment cases and have an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the current issues in environmental impact assessment as well as the major themes of the scholarly literature on environmental impact assessment.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the stakeholders and issues involved in current environmental impact assessment cases using planning documents, news sites and sources of community discussion.	LO3, LO4
2	Critique the environmental impact assessment process using scholarly literature.	LO3, LO4
3	Explain different ways of understanding land, including Aboriginal values, and how these value systems affect environmental impact assessment process and decisions.	LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Position paper

Task Description:

You will demonstrate your ability to analyse and critique the environmental impact assessment process and the wider social and political context for kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

Task Length:

1500 word maximum

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the current environmental impact assessment process for development approval for your issue or sector. .	LO1, LO2
2	Outline the role of government in your issue or sector, mentioning current strategies and responsibilities.	LO1, LO2
3	Critique the way in which environmental impact assessment is currently assessed for your issue or sector and suggest future directions.	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Presentation

Task Description:

Participate in a discussion about an environmental impact assessment for a larger EIA (classified level 2 EMPCA). Present the development, discuss the assessment process, evaluate the scientific and social context, and discuss the wider social and policy context. Each person will submit a one page summary before class and be prepared to discuss the case study as a group and individually.

Task Length:

A one page summary and participation in group discussion. Individual discussions will be conducted where appropriate to determine achievement against the rubric.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the proposed development, the site and the potential impacts environmental impacts.	LO2
2	Discuss the environmental impact assessment process for the development and the difference between local and state government roles.	LO1, LO2
3	Evaluate the scientific and social context of this development by referring to government strategy and broader community and scholarly discussions.	LO2

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. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the completion of assessments is discouraged. However, any use of AI as a learning tool must be in alignment with the UTAS guidelines on academic integrity.

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.