ATS3554 · Resource evaluation and management

Overview

Management of the environment and natural resources involves deep human-environment interactions. Looking beyond the biophysical science of soils, minerals, water and plants, this unit reveals the human factors that shape the need for and access to natural resources. Framed through a social-ecological lens, the unit examines different management practices and evaluation approaches that shape resource decision-making (and resource conflicts) in Australia and beyond. By exploring social, political, economic, and institutional settings of critical natural resources (e.g. fisheries, forests, agricultural systems, and wild animals), we uncover drivers of natural resource conflicts (e.g. unsustainable fishing, rainforest destruction, land degradation, illegal wildlife trade) and discuss pathways towards more sustainable natural resource management approaches.

Areas of study: Geographical science Human geography

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

Learning outcomes

1. analyse and apply the theoretical and empirical bases of resource management issues;
2. discuss the complex, intertwined nature of ecological, social, and political factors underlying resource management issues;
3. construct and communicate analytical arguments relevant to resource management issues.

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.