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
Sustainability & systems concepts; global & Australian climates & land systems; human population & natural resource implications; characteristics of & human impacts on forest, rangeland, farmland, river, coast & city systems.
Environment and Society is an introduction to physical and human geography.
The course has a specialﾠ focus on the interaction of natural and social systems, as well as environmental challenges that arise from urbanisation, resource use and other human impacts. The response of societies to counteract the implacts are discussed and are brought into aﾠ planning and management perspective.ﾠ
This theme is addressed through creating an understanding of the structure and function of:
a) Social systems: Human populations and Urbanisation
b) Natural systems: Climate Systems, Land-forming Processes, and Food and Agricultural Practices;
These two main streams are connected by discussig:ﾠ
- How natural systems shape human activity; and
- How human activity impacts on natural resources and environmental quality.
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Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisites for this course. Students are assumed to have a satisfactory level of achievement in high schoolﾠEnglish (or equivalent), Mathematicsﾠand reasonable general knowledge.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Aude Bernard
Dr Caroline Brownhall
Professor Hamish McGowan
Dr Vilim Filipović
Tutor
Miss Juli Li
Pass coordinator
Mr Matt Rice
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
ﾠCOURSE CONTENT: Lectures are sequential with new content presented at each lecture. Students are expected to attendﾠ ALL three 1-hour lectures each week. All lectures are also recorded using Echo360 but experience indicates that students who come to the live lectures demonstrate better outcomes than those who try to work only from lecture recordings.
Practicals start in week 2ﾠ and run to the end of week 12. Consult mySI-net for details of prac locations. The pracs last for 2hr and are lead by senior student demonstrators.
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) start from week 2 and run to week 13. Sign on is not necessary, you can attend ﾠany session.
A Field Trip will take place late in the course. The field trip is offered as a in-person bus trip to Redland Shire and as a virtual trip online (details will be given during the course).ﾠ It is not compulsory to attend the in-person field trip but you have to do the virtual field trip if you decide not to attend the in-person field trip to Redland Shire.
The field trip (in-person) will take place onﾠ Friday 4th October. There will be a small cost (~$20) to students for the fieldtrip.
Aims and outcomes
Environment and Society focuses on natural and social systems andﾠtheir interactions. We will discussﾠproblems that arise in environmental quality and resources and the response of societies in planning and management. This theme is addressed through creating an understanding of the structure and function of:
Natural systems: climate, landscape, biota; and of Social systems: human populations, demographics, society and culture; and theﾠrelationship between natural and social systems in a spatial context:
- how natural systems condition human activity; and
- how human activity impacts on natural resources and environmental quality.
The planning and management dimension is developed through the assessment of environmental and economic problems that arise in this relationship and how societies have responded and should respond.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Progress to more advanced study;
LO2.
Understand and discuss the main processes associated with key physical systems (coasts, rivers, atmosphere) and their interrelationships with society;
LO3.
Understand and explain the concept of sustainable resource management and know of the key limitations of this ideology;
LO4.
Understand the concept of biodiversity and its values and the challenges that society must address in preserving biodiversity in the face of growing demographic pressures and to evaluate the impact of land use and land use change on the environment;
LO5.
Apply basic field and laboratory skills to the collection and analysis of primary data on the state of physical systems specifically urban hydrological systems, and to employ verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate your knowledge;
LO6.
Able to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
LO7.
The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practicals and online modules
|
15% |
Week 2 - Week 12 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Report
|
22% |
26/08/2024 2:00 pm |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Quiz |
Redland Shire Field Trip work book and quiz
|
13% |
10/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Practicals and online modules
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Week 2 - Week 12
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Practicals are a critical part of the course. Attendance is critical along with participation and each practical concludes with a short 5 question multiple choice test on Blackboard, which will make your practical mark.
Submission guidelines
A 5 question Blackboard multiple choice quiz will follow each practical
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.
Research Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 22%
- Due date
26/08/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Research report
Prepare a research report on the impact of urbanisation on biodiversity in South East Queensland.
- The report should be up to approximately 1000 words in length (maximum four A4 pages, 12 point font Times New Roman).
- You must find data sources and prepare three (3) figures to demonstrate your argument.
- We expect you to develop your own argument/explanation based on information which you research from the relevant literature. It is important that you develop the skill of critical analysis of the literature, followed by development of your synthesis, and by presentation of your argument in a reasoned and clear manner.
- Your argument will need to be supported by citing scientific journal articles and government reports, and these will need to be referenced appropriately.
There will be a practical session devoted to helping you research and write your report which will provide full details on requirements. Further information and guidelines will be provided.
A Library Research Skills tutorial is also available via the course Blackboard site.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin through the course Blackboard site: mandatory upload for Research Report - Turnitin software is used in this course to analyze your written work to generate an authenticity report.
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.
Redland Shire Field Trip work book and quiz
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Quiz
- Weight
- 13%
- Due date
10/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
The GEOS1100 field trip will take place on Friday 4th October.
This task requires you to attend a field trip in Redland Shire. A work book to for the field trip will be issued via Blackboard a week before the field trip day. Much of the workbook is designed to be completed in the field.
Assessment will include
- You will submit a section of this workbook report
- you are also required to do the field trip quiz (Blackboard) (based on content discussed on the Field trip and in the workbook).
Submission guidelines
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.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Final exam
- In person exam
- 120 minutes + 10 minutes reading time. This is an in person exam.
- Combination of multiple choice questions and short answer / short essay questions.
- There is a hurdle for this assessment of 45%. You have to get at least 45% to pass the course.
Exam questions relate to all content covered in the coures: lectures, practicals and field trip.
More detailed information on the format will be given during the lectures and the assessment briefing.
In order to pass the course you must achieve a minimum of 45% in the Exam as well as an overall 50% in total course assessment.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS AN ASSESSMENT HURDLE IN THIS COURSE.
In order to pass the course you must achieve a minimum of 45% in the Examﾠas well as an overall 50% in total course assessment.
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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.
The practical program of GEOS1100 is considered fundamental to the successful learning outcomes of students that complete this course. As a result, all students are expected to attend and participate in theﾠweekly practicals as scheduled. If students are unable to attend a practical due to whatever circumstance, then students should contact their demonstrators. Extensions to practical quizzes can be granted due toﾠ illness or other medical conditions. ﾠStudents will also be excused from a practical where evidence is provided for reasons such as ﾠbereavement or requirements of representation in national sporting teams etc.
Please email Matt Riceﾠ(m.rice3@uq.edu.au)ﾠif you are unable to attend practicals or meet assessment deadlines. You must include documentary evidence as per the above details.
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.
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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
Queensland Department of Environment and Scienceﾠhttps://www.des.qld.gov.auﾠ
Environment Australiaﾠhttps://www.environment.gov.au
The Australian State of the Environment Report 2016ﾠhttps://soe.environment.gov.au/download/reports
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Population Reference Bureau http://www.prb.org
World Resources Institute http://www.wri.org/
International Union for the Conservation of Naturehttp://www.iucn.org
United Nations Fund for Population Activity http://www.unfpa.org/
Australian Natural Resources Atlas https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/australian-natural-resources-atlas-anra
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations http://www.fao.org
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 |
Lecture |
Module 1: Introduction & State of the Global Environment Course overview with introduction to the course team, learning activities and assessments State of the global environment Concepts of sustainability |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Lecture |
Module 2: Global change and population dynamics Module 2 provides an overview on population growth and demographics in a global environment. The interaction of population and urbanisation are discussed with global and Australian examples. |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Practical activities 8 pracs scheduled across the semester, providing practical skills with data, maps and field techniques. |
Peer Assisted Study Session |
Peer Assisted Study Sessions Weekly from Week 2 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Module 3: Global landscape formation, catchments and coasts Global Landscapes: processes and principals of global landscape formation, such as plate tectonics, volcanism, erosion and weathering processes. Catchment Processes and Management: processes related to catchments in specific, especially fluvial geomorphology, water quantity and quality as well as current challenges in catchment management |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Module 4. Environmental systems and food production This module provides an introduction to biological systems and the constraints to food production. In this module, we discuss principals of food production, subsistence agricultural systems, cropping systems of the developing world, animal production systems and animal welfare and the overall environmental impacts of agriculture with a link to population dynamics and changes in society through time. |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 5. Climate systems This module has 3 components: (i) Global climate systems: global atmospheric circulations, synoptic climatology and global and local weather patterns (ii) Urban Climate systems: understanding urban climatic conditions and change in relation to their geography and to demographic, socioeconomic, institutional, technological and environmental dynamics and global change; and (iii) Atmospheric management: introduces the ideas of human interaction with the atmosphere and the concepts of changing climate from natural and anthropogenic influences. |
Week 10 |
Fieldwork |
Redland Shire Field Trip Friday 4th October. |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Course summary and exam briefing An option for a summary of the course and briefing about the exam |
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.