Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Communications and Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  People and Global Environmental Issues

• Unit Code

  GEO3127

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

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Description

Geographic perspectives on contemporary environmental issues and problems relevant to local, regional and global environment. Environmental issues, such as pollution of air, water and land, are examined as problems where an understanding of the ecological processes is necessary, but the role of human processes is pin-pointed to show how the two must go hand in hand if an acceptable solution of problems is to be found. Geographic techniques are presented as practical activities and in field investigations.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded GEO2107, GEO3107

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Delineate the many interacting factors which lead to deterioration in the environment.
2. Demonstrate an ability to collect, collate and analyse biogeographic data from maps, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and field studies.
3. Demonstrate the interactions between physical variables like population, food, energy and resource use and their effects on the environment.
4. Give evidence of a global perspective on environmental problems - a local understanding only may mask some broader and more important trends.
5. Give evidence that they have reached the required intellectual level by completing a major research essay on an approved topic.
6. Show an understanding of the relationship between the landscape and selected human response patterns.
7. Show how all these physical parameters are interconnected with the human variables of values, social structure, personal lifestyle and the nature of our technology.
8. Use environmental relationships using the concept of the landscape as an integrated system.

Unit Content

1. A systems approach to the inter-relationships that exist between the components of the landscape, and between that place and the wider environment.
2. Assessment of cultural factors in landuse from an ecological perspective.
3. Conservation: Wilderness, natural areas, nature reserves, national parks, wildlife management, rare and endangered species.
4. Environmental impact: Environmental law and its administration in Australia, the role of the geographer in environmental assessment.
5. Global crisis: Environmental issues in perspective.
6. Pollution of air, land and water.
7. Remote sensing and other geographical techniques for monitoring the environment.
8. The effect of pesticides and food alternatives on humans.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials, workshops and fieldwork.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Alpin, G. (1998). Australians and their environment: An introduction to environmental studies. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• Aplin, G., Beggs, P., Brierley, G., Cleugh, H., Curson, P., Mitchell, P., Pitman, A., &Rich, D. (1999). Global environmental crises: An Australian perspective. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• Drury, S. A. (1990). A guide to remote sensing: Interpreting images of the Earth. New York: Oxford Science.
• Glasson, J., Therivel, R., & Chadwick, A. (2005). Introduction to environmental impact assessment. Oxon: Routledge.
• Pearman, G.I. (Ed.). (1989). Greenhouse: Planning for climate change. Melbourne: CSIRO.
• Jeffries, M. (2005). Biodiversity and conservation. Oxon: Routledge.
• Middleton, N. (1999). The global casino: An introduction to environmental issues. London: Arnold.
• Recher, J. F., Lunney, D., & Dunn, 1. (1992). Ecology in Australia: A natural legacy. Sydney: Maxwell Macmillan.
• Suzuki, D. and Dressel, H. (1999). Naked ape to superspecies: A personal perspective on humanity and the global ecocrisis. St. Leonards: Allen Unwin.
• Hay, I. (1998). Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

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