Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- 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 anﾠintroductionﾠto 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:
ENVM2100
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- ENVM2100
The lectures of this course are the same at the undergraduate level (ENVM2100).
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Dr Jane O'Sullivan
Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman
Demonstrator
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.
This course is taught alongside an undergraduate offering. Masters level students have additional components on the two major assignments and receive some specialised tutorial attention.
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;
LO9.
Demonstrate a mature understanding of the causes, consequences and potential solutions to pressing sustainable development issues.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | SDG Case Study Report | 30% |
19/09/2025 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Group Poster & Pitch
|
40% |
Poster Submission: 26/09/2025 5:00 pm Pitch Presentations: 8/10/2025 Pitch Presentations (if not complete Week 10) 22/10/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Reflective Portfolio
|
30% |
31/10/2025 5:00 pm |
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
SDG Case Study Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
19/09/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09
Task description
Individual Report (2,000 words)
Critically analyze two interlinked SDGs in a selected country or region. Use a policy lens to evaluate synergies, trade-offs, and institutional responses.
Incorporate at least one systems thinking tool (e.g., causal loop diagram or influence map).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Group Poster & Pitch
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Poster Submission: 26/09/2025 5:00 pm
Pitch Presentations: 8/10/2025
Pitch Presentations (if not complete Week 10) 22/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Group (Poster + 5-minute pitch)
In groups of 3–4 (formed online), co-develop an SDG-aligned sustainability intervention for a real-world problem (e.g., plastic circularity, climate risk finance, youth governance).
Submit a 1,200-word strategy dossier and record a 3-min narrated slide pitch using Zoom, Loom, or PowerPoint.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Poster Submissions by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted. Pitch submitted as a Kaltura video via Blackboard.
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.
An extension of 7 days only is available for the Poster submission as this is required prior to Presentations commencing.
An extension on the Presentation assessment may only be eligible for extension if exceptional circumstances arise on the day of the scheduled presentation. Please contact your course coordinator if exceptional circumstances arise preventing you from attending the presentations.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Reflective Portfolio
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
31/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Individual Reflective Report (1,500 words + diagrams)
Reflect on your evolving understanding of leadership for sustainability and your role in driving change.
Must demonstrate how at least three lecture themes reshaped your perspective. Integrate a visual model (e.g., leverage points map, leadership compass, SDG wheel).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain 40% or more on Group Poster & Pitch
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website 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 to Assessment Due Dates
- Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
- For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
- For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
- Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
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.
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 SEES's and UQ's website 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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 1 - NO PRACTICAL |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Introduction to Sustainable Development This lecture introduces the course, including staff, content and assessment, and provides a brief overview of key lenses and definitions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 2 - Group Work/Discussion on Livelihood Trade-Offs and SDG Priorities Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 2 - Poverty, Livelihoods, and Resilience Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07, L09 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 3 - Group Work/Discussion on Circular Economy Mapping with Case Study Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 3 - Circular Economy, Waste, and Resources Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06, L07 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 4 - Group Work/Discussion on Demographic Justice: Growth vs Redistribution Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 4 - Population Dynamics & Social Equity Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06, L09 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 5 - Group Work on Two-Eyed Seeing: Indigenous and Scientific Approaches Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 5 - Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 6 - Group Work/Discussion on Adaptation vs Mitigation Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Lecture |
Week 6 - Climate Change and Adaptation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L08, L09 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 7 - Group Work/Discussion on Sustainable Finance: Budgeting Green Jobs Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 7 - Economic Sustainability and Green Growth Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L07, L09 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 8 - Group work/Discussion on Urban Futures: Resilient Cities Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 8 - Sustainable Cities and Urban Systems Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 9 - Group Work/Discussion on Ecosystem Offsets: Simulation of Trade-offs |
Lecture |
Week 9 - Nature-Based Solutions and Biodiversity Offsets |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 10 - Online Group Strategy Dossier + Voice Pitch Deadline on October 7. |
Lecture |
Week 10 - Public Holiday/No Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L09 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 11 - Group Work/Discussion on Digital Tools for Monitoring SDGs Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 11 - Digital Technologies & SDG Monitoring |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 12 - Online Group Strategy Dossier + Voice Pitch (Continuation) October 7 Continuation if not done. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 12 - Youth, Leadership, and Civic Engagement Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
Week 13 - Reflection & SDG Action Planning Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Week 13 - Wrap-Up & Course Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.