BEX5520 · Understanding human behaviour to influence change

Understanding and shifting human behaviour is critical to addressing many of the world’s pressing sustainability challenges. From waste reduction and water conservation to current health issues and social equity, many sustainability challenges require behaviour change. Designing effective solutions to address these issues depends on a clear understanding of the complex influences on human behaviour. This unit introduces you to a structured, evidence-based approach for exploring and influencing behaviour in sustainability contexts. Drawing on behavioural science theory and practical tools, you will learn how to define behavioural problems, identify and prioritise opportunities for change, and apply behavioural models to develop effective, real-world solutions. Through a combination of conceptual learning and applied collaborative work, you will gain the skills needed to design behaviour change strategies that are grounded in research and responsive to the needs of people and the planet.

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items, but there may still be one.

1. 1 - Demonstration

   Demonstration

   15%

2. 2 - Presentation

   Presentation

   30%

3. 3 - Project

   Project

   55%

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

1. understand, and clearly define human behaviour;
2. identify a range of behavioural drivers and apply theories of human behaviour to sustainability challenges;
3. understand and implement a methodical, research-based behavioural science framework;
4. explore and apply different research methods and tools to move from a challenge to a behaviour change solution;
5. collaboratively design and effectively communicate a behaviour change initiative.

Active learning - This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities. Problem-based learning - This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems. Enquiry-based learning - This unit engages you in enquiry-based learning, where you will be encouraged to use your own knowledge to develop and engage in a process of enquiry, study and research to identify areas to be investigated and an approach to doing so. Online learning - This unit will be enriched with a comprehensive set of reading materials, videos, and case scenarios prepared for flexible self-paced online learning. These materials will complement and support the activities to be completed in the weekly workshops, and will offer accessible access to key content to be used for assessment.

One 2.5-hour workshop and Nine and a half hours of independent study per week.

Credit points

6

Level

Level 5

Faculty

Faculty of Business and Economics

School

Faculty of Business and Economics

Student contribution band

Band 4

Study abroad

Available

Handbook version

2027.01

These are students' own experiences, not official rules. Go by the Handbook.