ENS5520 · Understanding human behaviour to influence change

Overview

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.

Areas of study: Leadership for sustainable development International development practice

Offerings

Assessment

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

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. 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.

Workload

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

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