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 case study selected by students and conducted as a group project, again in collaboration with local stakeholders. 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.     

Honours Pathway Option 

Subject to the approval of the course convenor; students taking this option will be expected to complete alternative weekly readings and to be prepared to discuss this advanced material in workshops and incorporate it into their major assignment/s. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Understand the methodological and practical challenges posed by complex environmental problems.
2. Characterise and effectively describe the complex nature of environmental problems.
3. Apply problem solving skills in environmental studies and environmental science, including problem framing, synthesis and critical reflection.
4. Create innovative, collaborative research-based responses to complex environmental problems.
5. Understand and apply effective stakeholder engagement practices.
6. Understand and apply the case study approach to participate effectively in integrative, team-based research projects.

Research-Led Teaching

Students are engaged and active researchers throughout this course, developing the skills to apply transdisciplinary research skills to complex, multi-faceted problems.

Required Resources

Online access and related tools.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, 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 photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments related to each of the assessment criteria.

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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	The following provides a broad summary of the activities undertaken in the course. A week-by-week outline of events is available on the course Canvas site. Week 1Introduction: thinking about complex problems
2	Weeks 2-3 Case study 1: Problem framing - Environmental Management at ANU Your first case study aims to develop awareness of the importance of problem framing as a first step in understanding a complex environmental problem. You will work in groups to apply problem framing tools, engage in interdisciplinary conversations and create a problem statement for a complex challenge in the environmental management portfolio at ANU.	Learning portfolio #1:Group work: the completed problem statement template, including analysis and suggested solutions.Individual work: short reflection on the process and relations between problem frames and solutions.
3	Weeks 4-6 Case study 2: First Nations Economic Self-determination in a post-Native Title world The second case study draws upon an ongoing process of engagement led by the ANU First Nations Portfolio (FNP) to support and facilitate dialogue and action towards greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples across Australia. Provided materials and presentations will outline the challenges of moving towards greater self-determination for economic independence and prosperity.Students will be required to write an essay that aims to synthesise different perspectives to grow understanding and advance our thinking on these complex challenges.The top three essays will be shared with the FNP and connected First Nations leaders to support their ongoing program of work.	Learning portfolio #2:Individual work: Essay responding to the question posed by the FNP and connected First Nations leadersIndividual work: short personal reflection on the case study.
4	Weeks 7-12 Case study 3: Undergraduates: Partner-led projects What can we learn from engaging with partners and contributing to the challenges they face in addressing complex problems? This case study will allow students to work in small groups directly with "client" partners involved in social-environmental issues. Groups will work on research projects that addresses a topic the partner is seeking input on.The students will work towards producing a report or other negotiated deliverable for the project, however the main focus is on the processes of engaging, working together and learning from practice. The assessment is a learning portfolio, which will incorporate group pieces as well as individual reflections on the research process throughout the six week project.	Learning portfolio #3Group work: weekly activities included per workshop schedule and final product.Individual work: reflections on project progress, activities

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Learning portfolio #1: ANU Environmental Management	15 %	15/08/2025	01/09/2025	1,2
Learning portfolio #2: First Nations' economic self-determination and pathways to prosperity through connection to Country: Essay and reflection	35 %	05/09/2025	26/09/2025	2,3,4,5
Learning Portfolio #3: Client-partner projects	50 %	24/10/2025	17/11/2025	1,3,4,5,6

* 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 ‘Canvas’ 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.

Examination(s)

n/a

Assessment Task 1

Learning portfolio #1: ANU Environmental Management

Aims:

• Build students’ skills and abilities in identifying and applying problem framing techniques, and analysing diversity in problem frames. 
• Build an understanding and self-awareness of each student’s individual perspective and way of approaching a complex environmental problem, including both its strengths and limitations, in the context of consultation
• Offer meaningful and useful contributions to ANU on environmental management implementation.

Your task: Learning portfolio part 1

Part a. Team work

Word limit = 600 words, excluding any references, evidence may be included as appendices (60% of your total mark)

Drawing on your group discussion across weeks 2 and 3, and using the template/questions provided the team will

a.      write an agreed problem statement. Answer the questions provided in that template regarding for whom, when, where, and how this problems arises;

b.      provide three action suggestions that follow from your problem statement. These should specify what the action is, who should take it, and what the expected outcome would be.

A mark will be allocated to the team for this component.

Part b. Individual work

Word limit = 400 words, excluding any references, evidence may be included as appendices or refer to part A. (40% of your total mark).

Using reflective questions provided, write a personal reflection that documents your learning from this problem-framing approach and engagement with the group.

See Canvas for more details and assessment criteria.

Assessment Task 2

Learning portfolio #2: First Nations' economic self-determination and pathways to prosperity through connection to Country: Essay and reflection

Aims:

• learn that the complexity of issues can arise from the presence of diverse perspectives, life experience, context and culture.
• formulate an argument that synthesises across these diverse backgrounds and interests.
• draw on work led by the ANU First Nations Portfolio (FNP) to investigate and support their strategies toward enhancing Indigenous Australians' economic development through connection to Country.

In 2023 the ANU First Nations Portfolio ran a series of events titled “Murru waaruu” (on track) Economic Development seminar series. These seminars highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in Australian First Nations policy away from a deficit framing (‘problems that need to be fixed’) toward a positive framing of enhancing opportunity for economic development and prosperity through self-determination. The final report of the series was released in May 2024. It includes a range of specific proposals for policy reform towards this objective. 

Individual work project output: Essay

The Marru Waaruu report is a foundation for ongoing work to support efforts that mainstream First Nations’ economic rights and interests throughout the economy and society. We are currently negotiating a focus for this essay question with the First Nations Portfolio, which will draw on the Murru Waaruu report and look towards emerging opportunities to connect First Nations' economic sovereignty with natural resource management. 

Length and format: 2,000 words excluding appendices and reference list.

85% of total assignment mark.

Individual work: personal reflection

The aim of this case study was to learn how to formulate an argument about a complex issue that synthesises across a range of perspectives. Write a short reflection (word limit = , excluding references) that demonstrates your learning from this case study. You can use the following questions as guides, or write in an open format:

1. In what ways did your essay demonstrate a synthesis across different perspectives?

2. Given this case study is situated within a complex, contested and multi-cultural setting, how did you feel about seeking to answer this question from your own cultural background and social position?

450 words. 15% of total assignment mark.

More detailed requirements and assessment criteria are available on Canvas.

Assessment Task 3

Learning Portfolio #3: Client-partner projects

Aims:

• To engage fully with real-world, real-time problems and decision-makers
• To learn through engagement, both by engaging with your group colleagues and with your client.

This learning portfolio includes a range of items related to your Client-partner case study. Most of the work will be conducted in the weekly workshops.

Each item in the portfolio must be accompanied by a short reflection that provides a personal commentary on what you learned, what you found challenging, and how you addressed those challenges, in relation to the item and the case study. Client groups may be distant from ANU, and therefore engagement will need to be online.

The portfolio should be constructed over the 6 week period but is only submitted once at the end of the semester.

Portfolio items:

(Week 8) Item 1: Stakeholder analysis (5% + 5%) Include a copy of the stakeholder analysis your group completed in Week 8. Write a short reflective commentary (300 words) on how your group used this tool to better understand the complexity of the project.

(W9) Item 2: Theory of change (5% +5%) Include a copy of the theory of change document developed by your team in Week 9 of the workshop. Write a short reflective commentary (300 words) on how your group used this tool to consider the direction and relevance of the planned outputs of the project.

(W10) Item 3: Progress report (5% + 5%) As a group, prepare a 4 minute presentation to present in the week 10 workshop session. Include the presentation slides in your portfolio. Choose some feedback comments your group received from peers as evidence. Write a reflection (300 words) that indicates what you have learned in the research phase of your project.

(W12) Item 4: Stakeholder report or other agreed deliverable (50%) As a group, prepare a report or other agreed deliverable for your client (format to be negotiated with your client). Include this in your portfolio . Other evidence may be included, e.g. client feedback, meeting notes, emails. If it is included you must refer to it in your reflection and highlight how/why it is evidence of learning and/or challenges.

(W12) Item 6: Final reflection (20%) Write a reflection of up to 1000 words that indicates what you have learned in the concluding phase of your project, referring to your stakeholder deliverable and any other insights. You may also reflect on the whole project experience and how the case study has contributed to the objective of learning by doing, and the broader aims of the course.

 

Length = Guideline is less than 30 pages, including all evidence and the stakeholder deliverable. Longer portfolios may be negotiated depending on the client deliverable.

See Canvas for a detailed rubric and assessment criteria.

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. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension is 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 take-home examinations.

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Feedback provided via the course Canvas site

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 of assignments is not permitted unless required by the course convener.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students