EV1001 - Introduction to Environmental Science

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

This subject provides an introduction to environmental science and is the foundation subject for students majoring in, or with an interest in, environmental science, environmental management or physical geography. It gives an overview of the most important groups of environmental processes in terms of their operation, complexities and natural and human interactions. We focus on the status of scientific knowledge and the knowledge gaps of the particular process. Each topic provides and overview of the process, set within the context of one major environmental problem related to it. We review the science needed to contribute to the understanding of the problem in finding solutions to it. Topics covered may include: the global climate system and climate change, landform evolution and maintenance, water in the environment, salinisation and land degradation, sustainability of the earth's resources, ecosystems and biodiversity. The practical/workshop sessions will develop themes introduced in lectures, and introduce the technical tools and methods used by practitioners in the field.

Learning Outcomes

• to develop oral and written communication skills;
• to integrate knowledge and values within the context of environmental issues;
• to promote an understanding of the causes and complexity of major global and regional environmental problems;
• to provide practice in group problem solving in an environmental context.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

Availabilities
, , Study Period 2
Census Date 08-Sep-2006
Coord/Lect:	Professor Jonathan Nott.
Contact hours:	39 hours 22 hours 4 hours
Assessment:	(50%); (50%).
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2006
Coordinator:	Dr Kevin Parnell
Lecturers:	gecld, jc120648, Dr Kevin Parnell.
Contact hours:	39 hours 6 hours 24 hours 8 hours
Assessment:	(50%); (20%); (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.