Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Our world continues to face difficult and confronting issues relating to our past and present development pathways. This course thus provides foundational knowledge of the principles of sustainable development as a possible way to balance social equity, environmental sustainability and economic needs. This course draws on numerous case studies from around the world to illustrate the complexity of sustainable development issues and their implicit trade-offs.
This course is an introduction to the key principles of sustainable development and the application of such principles in real world situations. These principles include: the social, environmental and economic pillars of sustainable development; global population, poverty and aid considerations; and the value of multiple sets of knowledge, in particular indigenous knowledge. A diverse set of case studies and issues of concern are addressed throughout the course and include: climate change; resources and waste; circular economy; biodiversity offsets;ﾠtourism industry;ﾠlocal community-government partnerships;ﾠand the options before us for the future development of human society in a world of limited carrying capacity.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There is no assumed background in this course. However, students are expected to bring an inquiring mind to the course and be orientated towards analysing and developing responses to sustainable development challenges in a practical and pragmatic fashion.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENVM7100 (co-taught)
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
The lectures of this course are the same at the postgraduate level (ENVM 7100).
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman
Demonstrator/marker
Ms Anuradhi Jayasinghe
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students are required to attend the 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour practical each week.
Aims and outcomes
The overarching aim of this course is to develop students' foundational knowledge and skills in sustainable development. This course seeks to challenge students to think critically about what sustainable development means for this generation and the next.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the major principles of sustainable development;
LO2.
Apply the principles of sustainable development to a range of issues, and propose practical improvements;
LO3.
Critically analyse and debate contentious topics in sustainable development;
LO4.
Assess the conflicts and trade-offs inherent in sustainable development;
LO5.
Discuss the interests and roles of multiple stakeholders in promoting sustainable development;
LO6.
Effectively use verbal and written communication skills to articulate knowledge;
LO7.
Source, read and demonstrate an understanding of academic literature in relation to sustainable development issues;
LO8.
Work both in groups and independently toward a better understanding and promotion of sustainable development.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Sustainable Development Research Paper | 30% |
(Week 8) |
| Examination |
Final Online Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
| Participation/ Student contribution | Participation in Practicals' Activities | 10% |
During Practicals in Weeks 2, 4-9, 12-13 |
| Presentation | 'Speed Talks'/Group Presentation | 20% |
During Practicals in Week 11 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Sustainable Development Research Paper
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
(Week 8)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Length: 1,500–2,000 words (excluding references, appendices, endnotes, and footnotes)
Aim: Sustainable development is a broad, complex, and multi-disciplinary study area. As such, this assessment piece is designed to:
- Meet the various and diverse interests of students yet still allow them to be immersed in the core principles of sustainable development.
- Provide an opportunity for students to explore some concepts from the course in more detail.
- Develop skills in reading and critically analysing literature from a diverse range of disciplines.
- Develop skills in research writing and the ability to communicate a complex matter in a professional style, based on reading and critical thought.
Task Description: This is an individual assignment. Students work independently and write a research paper on sustainable development. Students are required to select their preferred topic (from the list of topics provided) by 5:00PM, 11 August. There is a cap on the number of students for each topic (depending on the total number of students in each practical).
In addition, there is an exam hurdle. Students must obtain at least 45% of the marks on the final exam, in addition to a total mark of 50% or higher in the overall course in order to pass.
Submission guidelines
Please submit electronically through turnitin on the course Blackboard site. DO NOT SUBMIT A HARD COPY.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Online Examination
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The exam is the final assessment task for this course.
This is an online exam, held in the central examination period. It will be a combination of multiple-choice, short answer and short essay questions.
In addition, there is an exam hurdle. Students must obtain at least 45% of the marks on the final exam, in addition to a total mark of 50% or higher in the overall course in order to pass.
Hurdle requirements
In addition, there is an exam hurdle. Students must obtain at least 45% of the marks on the final exam, in addition to a total mark of 50% or higher in the overall course in order to pass.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Participation in Practicals' Activities
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
During Practicals in Weeks 2, 4-9, 12-13
- Learning outcomes
- L06, L07, L08
Task description
It is an important part of your learning to participate in all activities in the practicals. There are 10 practicals for this course, 9 of them directly correspond with lecture content and course readings. This assessment item relates to your participation in the activities in these 9 practicals (Weeks 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13). Each week, students will form small groups to answer the questions related to the weekly readings and create a poster.
Practicals in week 11 will host your 'Speed Talks'.
In addition, there is an exam hurdle. Students must obtain at least 45% of the marks on the final exam, in addition to a total mark of 50% or higher in the overall course in order to pass.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
'Speed Talks'/Group Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
During Practicals in Week 11
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Length: Presentations should be focused as time is limited to six (6) minutes presentation + three (3) minutes Q&A and content slides are limited to four (4) slides in total (excluding a title slide and references slide)
Task Description:
Students that worked on the same research paper topic will form a group. Each group will select a case study relevant to their research paper topic and prepare and deliver a ‘speed talk’ to the class. The ‘speed talk’ will be focused on critically analysing the case study. It is an opportunity for each group to undertake an in-depth and detailed analysis of their research paper topic, by focusing on a specific real-world example. The case study can be a project, an initiative, an industry, a place (e.g. suburb, city, country, developed or developing countries, etc), a group of people (e.g. a specific gender, social, cultural group, etc) etc. The ‘speed talk’ should:
- Present an overview of the issue students researched in their research paper;
- Introduce the case study;
- Summarise the major social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the case study; and
- Identify some solutions or recommendations for promoting sustainable development related to the case study and discuss some of the key challenges in providing the solutions/recommendations.
The presentation should be pithy and catchy. It should captivate the audience and spur interest and even motivation for action. Further information on this assessment item, including the marking criteria, see document attached below.
It is up to your group as to how you prepare and deliver this presentation, but please make sure that you all equally participate in specific tasks. A group peer assessment form is available for you to complete. If no group peer assessment is submitted by 5:00PM at your presentation day, the course staff will assume equal contribution of all group members, and thus all students in a group will yield the same final mark.
Following your group's 'speed talk', the audience will be invited to ask questions. So be prepared for up to three (3) minutes of question time in your presentation.
In addition, there is an exam hurdle. Students must obtain at least 45% of the marks on the final exam, in addition to a total mark of 50% or higher in the overall course in order to pass.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>1 - 24.4%</p> |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>24.5 - 44.4%</p> |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
Additional course grading information
In addition, there is an exam hurdle. Students must obtain at least 45% of the marks on the final exam, in addition to a total mark of 50% or higher in the overall course in order to pass.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Group Work
For eachﾠgroup assessment a peer review form is available. If no peer assessment is submitted, course staff will assume equal contribution of all group members.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment.”
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
When digital submission is required, it is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and functioning PC/laptop/device to ensure you do not encounter any technical difficulties during the submission of an assessment. Also, it is your responsibility to check that all submissions have gone through Turnitin/email/Blackboardﾠin good order (e.g., the file is not blank / has not become corrupted during upload, etc.).
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
This course requires students to write and present research on sustainable development, both independentlyﾠand in groups. Please consult SENVS's and UQ's websites for information on writing research papers, group work, and presentation skills, available at:ﾠ
www.uq.edu.au/student-services/learning
https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/study-skills/group-work
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Practical |
NO PRACTICAL THIS WEEK This is the first week of the semester. The practical session will start on Week 2. |
|
Lecture |
Introduction and Definitions This lecture introduces the course, including staff, content and assessment, and provides a brief overview of key lenses and definitions. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 1 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Population Change & Social Sustainability This lecture explores the growing population and its implications. It also examines the social dimension of sustainable development. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 2 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Poverty, Aid and Livelihoods This lecture explores how the eradication of poverty is a critical requirement of sustainable development, drawing on a number of examples, and introduces the sustainable livelihoods framework. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 3 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Indigenous Knowledge This lecture explores Indigenous Knowledge in sustainable development. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 4 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Climate Change This lecture provides an overview of climate change and the debates over mitigation and adaptation. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 5 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Biodiversity Offsets This lecture provides an overview on biodiversity offsets, using a host of case studies to illustrate key points. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 6 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Cities and Sustainable Development This lecture explores the impacts of urban development and city planning on sustainable development. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 7 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Resources, Waste and Waste Management This lecture provides an overview on resources, waste and waste management and the concept of circular economy. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
NO PRACTICAL THIS WEEK |
|
Lecture |
Economic Sustainability This lecture examines the economic dimension of sustainable development. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
No Practical this week Mid-semester break |
|
Lecture |
NO Lecture this week Mid-semester break Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 8 Group presentations ('Speed Talks') will be held in the practicals week 11. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
NO LECTURE THIS WEEK (This Week 11) This is because of the 'Speed Talks' being held in the practicals this week. |
|
Practical |
Practical No 9 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Community-Government Conservation Partnerships In this lecture we will hear from the stakeholders involved in local community-government conservation partnerships, including the many benefits and challenges. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Practical |
Practical No 10 Group discussions will centre on the themes explored in weekly readings. Students are expected to have read the week's readings before attending practicals. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Course Review This lecture provides an opportunity to review and discuss the topics covered during the semester. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.