GES1000

Natural environment and human impact

Dr Stephen Legg

6 points - 4 hours (two 1-hour lectures and a 2-hour practical) per week - First/second semester - Clayton

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should be able to identify and describe environmental change; explain how natural systems respond to change; identify and explain changing environmental perceptions; critically analyse potential conflicts in environmental management; suggest appropriate management regimes and responses.

Synopsis This subject investigates the nature and impact of human activities on the natural environment and comprises three sections. The first considers basic geographic and ecological principles influencing global environmental processes. The second examines a range of major environmental problems ranging from the management of natural resources to specific human impacts at the global, national and local levels. The third section deals with a range of management responses including selected areas of environmental economics, law and politics. Students are encouraged to participate in a weekend field trip dealing with techniques in the analysis of relevant environmental processes and the interpretation of potential resource conflicts.

Assessment Written (2000 words): 35% - Examinations (2 hours): 45% - Practical work: 20%

Prescribed texts

Miller G T Living in the environment: Concepts, problems and alternatives Wadsworth, 1998

Recommended texts

Aplin G and others Global environmental crises: an Australian perspective OUP, 1995
Goudie A The human impact Blackwell, 1994
Mercer D A question of balance: Natural resources conflict issues in Australia Federation Press, 1995
O'Riordan T Environmental science for environmental management Longman, 1995
Young A R M Environmental change in Australia since 1788 OUP, 1996

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