APG5426 · Environmental analysis

Overview

This unit equips you with an understanding of tools for environmental analysis and decision-making around development projects, production processes, and governmental policies. Particular attention is given to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a key tool for environmental management and reporting. We learn how EIAs are conducted, and scrutinise their merits, limitations, and controversies. We also discuss Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), connecting these tools to contemporary topics such as sustainable food production, the Paris Agreement, and ‘negative emissions’ concepts. Throughout, the dynamic interaction between scientists, policy makers and the broader community will be explored through a series of in-class debates, discussions, and activities around environmental justice.

Areas of study: Environment and governance International sustainable tourism management

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. recognise, apply, and critique the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development projects;
2. analyse and showcase how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can inform sustainable production processes;
3. evaluate the influence of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) in policy development;
4. critically analyse the EIA, LCA, and SEA literature in the context of environmental decision making.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.