Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Introduce concepts of sustainable development, the demands of population and economic growth, industrialisation and urbanisation, energy demand and usage, and human environmental disturbance. Two environmental case studies will be covered in detail, designed to illustrate by way of example many of the considerations that underpin many environmental issues/conflicts/ethics. These are climate change and sustainable cities. The multi-disciplinary nature of environmental problems is emphasized together with the need to understand and communicate with other professional and community groups.

Objectives

Objectives:

• develop an appreciation of the range and magnitude of environmental issues
• develop an understanding of the different possible perspectives on environmental issues
• understand the effects of population growth and urbanisation
• understand community concerns about the environment
• understand the role of the environmental engineer in society, and with respect to environmental issues
• understand the importance of environmental ethics
• understand the conceptual basis of sustainability
• learn to integrate conflicting viewpoints regarding environmental issues
• begin to integrate environmental criteria into engineering project work
• develop skills in information retrieval and analysis
• develop skills in the oral and written presentation of technical information.

Assessment

Examination: 50%
Group project: 35%
Tutorial involvement 5%
Two individual assignments:10%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Xiao-Ling Zhao

Contact hours

3 hours lectures, 2 hours tutorial classes and 7 hours of private study per week