SCI1800 - The sustainable planet - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

Malaysia School of Science

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Holly Barclay

Coordinator(s)

Dr Foo Su Chern

Unit guides

Offered

Malaysia

  • Summer semester A 2018 (On-campus)

Synopsis

Humans have had an enormous impact on the world's resources to such an extent that our survival is in jeopardy. In this multidisciplinary unit, students will investigate the potential of recent research into science, medicine, engineering, architecture and social science to understand these problems and to ameliorate them - to protect the environment, enhance the quality of life and promote social justice. Students will undertake a group research project related to supporting sustainability of our planet. The projects will be supervised by the appropriate faculty, but students from any faculty can do any project. The aim of the unit is for students to make a difference - to make the world a better place. At the same time, students will learn how to undertake research, and to appreciate approaches to research across the disciplines.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of sustainability from a wide variety of perspectives including environmental, economic, engineering, public health and social justice;
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the Earth's physical, chemical and biological resources and their role in human survival;
  3. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical responsibility and impact of humans on the Earth's resources;
  4. Critically evaluate research into human impacts and sustainability and demonstrate knowledge and develop ideas as to how the impacts can be reversed or ameliorated;
  5. Design, analyse and communicate a research project relating to sustainability of the Earth;
  6. Demonstrate competence in information technology, data handling, problem solving, communication skills and team work.

Assessment

Reading assignment: 25%

Mid-semester quiz: 15%

Group presentation: 35%

End of semester quiz: 25%

Workload requirements

This is a seven week Summer unit consisting of:

  • Nine hours of lectures/tutorials per week
  • Nine hours of private study/group work per week
  • 18 hours of field work

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study