Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL308
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The aim of this unit is to increase our understanding of how and why Australian and global environments have changed over a range of timescales, particularly in response to human activities.
Initially, the context of environmental change in Australia and globally is considered. Australia is a continent of extreme variability and we must understand this in order to dissect and disentangle the influence of humans, especially non-Aboriginal Australians, upon this environment.
You will then consider a range of different human impacts on natural systems with particular reference to Australian systems. You’ll examine over-exploitation of resources, land use change, pollution, invasive species and water resource development.
Finally, you’ll explore ways to understand and manage human impacts using the frameworks of ecological goods and services and resilience in social-ecological systems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
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:
- understand the context for recent environmental change provided by knowledge of natural environmental change at a range of timescales;
- demonstrate coherent knowledge of the important anthropogenic drivers of change;
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of the concepts of ecosystem services and social-ecological systems and apply the concepts to understanding and management of human impacts on natural systems; and
- apply conceptual frameworks and analytical techniques to investigate anthropogenic impacts that model and contribute to life-long application in a 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1: Research Selection | Yes | 5% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
Assessment 2: Quizzes | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Three (3) self directed quizzes of learning modules at 400 words each No. Words: 1200 |
Assessment 3: Research Project Framework Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | A directed field-based investigation of a landscape form No. Words: 1200 |
Assessment 4: Research Project Report | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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