This course has been adjusted for remote participation in Sem 2 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. On-campus activities will also be available.
This course uses three case studies to develop a multi-faceted, research-based understanding of complex environmental problems that graduating students can apply in future research or work environments. The course emphasises integrative, engaged, and research-based approaches to complexity. The first two cases present complex local and national issues in collaboration with key stakeholders. Students engage with these issues by drawing on a range of theoretical concepts and practical tools. The learning from these cases is then applied to a developing a research project proposal. The focus throughout is on case studies as vehicles for learning and reflection, as well as a testing ground for tools, techniques and approaches discussed in the course.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately. During the second part of the course graduate students attend specialist case-based tutorials with peers.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and engage with the methodological and practical challenges posed by complex environmental problems.
- Critically evaluate the complex nature of environmental problems.
- Apply higher-level problem solving skills in environmental studies and environmental science, including problem framing, social learning and critical reflection.
- Create innovative, collaborative research-based responses to complex environmental problems.
- Understand and apply effective stakeholder engagement practices within a case-based framework.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the case study approach as a means of addressing complexity.
Other Information
If you do not meet the requisites for this course, it may be possible to receive a permission code. If you are prompted for a permission code on ISIS, please request one online via the following form.
Indicative Assessment
- Learning portfolio: group work component plus individual reflection (15) [LO 1,2]
- Research essay (35) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Develop and present a complex environmental problem case for peer review (10) [LO 2,4,5,6]
- Learning portfolio, including a research proposal and a critical review of the case study approach (40) [LO 1,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 2 hour workshop per week.
- Approximately 82 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
van Kerkhoff L. 2013 Developing integrative research for sustainability science through a complexity principles-based approach. Sustainability Science. 8 (online first, 19 Feb 2013).
Freeman Herreid C. 1997 What is a case? Bringing to Science education the established teaching tool of Law and Medicine. Journal of College Science Teaching, 27(2).
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6432 | 26 Jul 2021 | 02 Aug 2021 | 14 Sep 2021 | 29 Oct 2021 | In Person | View |
