ENV3639

Global resources and energy management

(SCI)

Associate Professor Ray Hodges

6 points + Second semester + home study, field work plus 2 days on-campus at vacation school + OCDL + Prerequisites: ENV2637 or ENV2737

Synopsis: With the economies of many countries now dependent upon global trade, the flow of resources such as minerals, energy and value-added products is presented as an overview. Concepts such as finite resources, geological discovery, and the possibility of exhaustion are put into an economic perspective. In addition to consideration of sustainable development, aspects of mismanagement will be discussed showing the need for compliance with acceptable environmental standards. The specific resources covered in the unit include oil, gas, coal, examples of base minerals, heavy minerals, their distribution, relative values, future prospects and likely problems.

Assessment: Examination: 40% + Assignment-field work: 60%