Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL111
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Planet Earth is undergoing vast anthropogenic induced environmental changes to its physical landscape.
By holistically drawing upon basic physical and theoretical underpinnings from a range of scientific disciplines like geoscience, ecology, biogeography, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, and conservation biology, you will explore and understand the issues and physical impacts surrounding atmospheric and hydrological pollution, biodiversity loss, species extinctions, desertification, soil degradation, global climate change, and declining fisheries.
The human impact on Earth's environment through population growth, the expansion of the urban environment, the global food crisis, and environmental economics, will be also addressed. Sustainable natural resource use is advocated by linking sound science with wise environmental stewardship.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge on physical and scientific processes that drive Earth's environment;
- describe the spatial and temporal magnitude of global environmental issues impacting on Earth's physical landscape;
- critically evaluate the anthropogenic role behind the emergence of global environmental issues;
- demonstrate a firm understanding on sustainable use and conservation of natural resources through the link between sound science and wise environmental stewardship; and
- apply life-long foundation skills in scientific communication and physical geography methodology in an associated career.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment | Yes | 40% | Trimester 1, Online | Written Assignment on an Environmental Issue No. Words: 2000 |
Essay | Yes | 30% | Trimester 1, On Campus | Environmental Issue No. Words: 1500 |
Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online Quiz and library exercise No. Words: 250 |
Practical | No | 10% | Trimester 1, On Campus | No. Words: 500 |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Timed Moodle Quiz (3 hours) No. Words: 2,000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Environmental Science: Towards a Sustainable Future
ISBN: 9780134011271
Wright, R.T. and Boorse, D.F., Pearson 13th ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences
ISBN: 9780195576757
Hay, I., Oxford 4th ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
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