This is an interdisciplinary course involving students from the ANU College of Law and the Fenner School of the Environment and Society. Recognising that environmental issues are multifaceted, this course takes an interdisciplinary approach, providing an opportunity for students of each discipline to benefit from peer-to-peer learning, and to gain an understanding of the interrelationship between the two disciplines. Students will attend seminars on topics of interest, and work in cross-disciplinary teams on environmental issues.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Develop and apply practical legal and environmental science skills and approaches in environment and planning law.
2. Research and critically analyse environmental issues, incorporating legal, scientific and First Nations' perspectives.
3. Reflect on and evaluate the role of lawyers and scientists in relation to environmental issues.
4. Assess current measures to promote access to environmental justice and consider improvements to achieve environmental justice.
5. Evaluate the role and ability of environmental law and science to propose solutions to deliver improved environmental outcomes.
6. Develop skills to advocate for the community on public interest environmental issues.

Research-Led Teaching

The research activities of a number of ANU research staff and government managers, who are guest lecturers, are the basis of this course. Students will receive lectures from experts across a range of environmental disciplines. Each lecturer is drawing directly from their own research experience or management practice. The tutorials and workshops follow a number of discipline case studies emphasising the complex cross-disciplinary nature of environmental management.

Field Trips

There will be multiple field learning opportunities in this course.

In class time near Canberra field learning. These activities will occur within the workshop time using the Fenner School's minibus fleet. No additional fees apply.

Additional Course Costs

n/a

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. A full list of readings will be made available on Wattle two weeks prior to the course commencement date.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading

Further information about the course: is available from the course Wattle page. Students are required to access the Wattle site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU College of Law Academic Integrity and Misconduct site provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	This is an interdisciplinary course exploring an environmental issue that is multifaceted. Students from different disciplines will work in interdisciplinary teams to gain an understanding of the interrelationship between the two disciplines (Law and Environment).In week one students can expect seminars, lectures and workshops on background topics relevant to the environmental issues being studied. This content will provide relevant breadth and depth of content from both the environment and law context.Students should expect expert knowledge delivered from conveners, ANU researchers, external academics, industry and government staff. There will two local day trips within the first week in order to develop deeper understanding of traditional land management perspectives, impacts of non-traditional land management and the current legal constraints to future land management practices.
2	Students will be working in small interdisciplinary teams each day applying discipline knowledge to the environmental issue discussed by the client in week 1. Each day will be facilitated by convenors, supported by external expert knowledge and working towards products that can be submitted to the client.Students should expect that there will be opportunity to report findings directly to the client towards the end of this week.	Science/legal educational product [30%] (LO's 1,3,6)Reflective journal [20%] (LO's 3,4,5)
3	Final assessment piece due two weeks after the final face to face component	Research project/law reform submission [50%] (LO's 1,2,3,4,5)

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Science/legal educational product	30 %	09/02/2024	08/03/2024	1,3,6
Reflective journal	20 %	12/02/2024	08/03/2024	3,4,5
Research project / law reform submission	50 %	19/02/2024	08/03/2024	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This is a small cohort, work will be groups, in a two week intensive learning environment. On-campus participation is core to the group work experience and learning outcomes. Participants should approach this opportunity as a workplace environment. Attendance is taken at each day. Absence will only be approved if there are exceptional circumstances.

Assessment Task 1

Science/legal educational product

Details of Task: (Science/legal educational product): An educational piece (in the form of an infographic, factsheet, slides, or alternative multimedia piece), as agreed with convenors. This piece is designed to synthesise legal and science research for the use of the client. It will require the communication of concepts in an easily understandable way. The task increases students education, communication and collaboration skills in a way that will be in demand in contemporary workplaces.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 30%

Word Limit: 1,800 words - or other word count as previously agreed in writing with convenors. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Due Date: 5pm, Friday 9 February 2024. Due to the nature of the task, late submission (without an extension) is NOT permitted. Where you have not been granted an extension, any submission after the due time will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be awarded.

Estimated Return Date: Friday 8 March 2024

Assessment Criteria:

This component of the assessment will include assessment of student engagement with the course and course and seminar content. Useful indicators include:

• Applying concepts to real life situations
• Working collaboratively with students and experts from different disciplines
• Disseminating information in an easy to understand way
• Communicating difficult concepts in plain language

Assessment Task 2

Reflective journal

Details of Task: Written piece of 1200 words requiring students to demonstrate research skills, interpreting scholarly arguments and then reflection of core themes being delivered across the two weeks.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 20%

Word Limit: 1,200 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Due Date: 5pm, Monday 12 February 2024. Due to the nature of the task, late submission (without an extension) is NOT permitted. Where you have not been granted an extension, any submission after the due time will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be awarded.

Estimated Return Date: 8 March 2024

Assessment Criteria:

The aim of this assessment is to have students critically reflect on their experience in the Environmental Justice Practicum in terms of

• Ability to critically reflect on relevant on experiences and/or issues arising from your Practicum experience
• Ability to make perceptive observations of Practicum situations
• Ability to relate and connect in-Practicum situations with other legal knowledge and information
• Ability to explain issues by reference to relevant sources from law or other relevant disciplines and other relevant information
• Level of insight and focus in analysis of the legal and non-legal issues involved
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing
• Referencing of relevant sources

Assessment Task 3

Research project / law reform submission

Details of Task: Real world applied research project working in small groups. Students will then work on and submit their solutions (in the form of a research note or a law reform submission) to the applied problem as an individual 3000 word essay. An effective research project will have drawn on all learning outcomes, but the advocacy LO (6) is optional.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 50%

Word Limit: 3,000 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Due Date: 5pm, Monday 19 February 2024. Due to the nature of the task, late submission (without an extension) is NOT permitted. Where you have not been granted an extension, any submission after the due time will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be awarded.

Estimated Return Date: 8 March 2024

Assessment Criteria:

The research project / law reform submission will require students to develop a topic in consultation with the ANU Convenor. It is to be directly related to the Practicum work that the student is undertaking. Topics are to be selected and confirmed with the Convenor the end of week 1. The research project / law reform submission will explore an issue that the student has examined as part of their practicum, and explore solutions (including potential law reform) in some depth. It should demonstrate independent research efforts involving a variety of sources beyond those provided on Wattle. Your piece must include a bibliography (not included in the word count). It will be assessed using the following criteria:

• Breadth and depth of primary legal and scholarly secondary sources
• Understanding and discussion of the issue (in the relevant discipline)
• Critical evaluation of material (including recognition of alternative perspectives)
• Creative and original approach
• Quality of practical recommendations or resources provided
• Relevance of the work to environmental organisations
• Effective use of words and word limit to address key issues
• Expression and written communication including use of legal terminology, spelling etc
• Structure including logical development of content/material
• Effective use of headings
• Typographical accuracy
• Referencing (eg bibliography) and compliance with AGLC

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission is not guaranteed. Please ensure that you have reviewed your submission carefully before you submit.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students