IES Student Information

Frameworks For Environmental Management ‐ IEST5001

This course provides an introduction to the Master of Environmental Management program. Participants will gain an appreciation of the complex and transdisciplinary nature of environmental management issues and of the inherent challenges in multi‐disciplinary group approaches to environmental management issues. The emphasis is on exploring conceptual and practical frameworks for environmental management. Starting from the premise of sustainability as a current broadly‐endorsed framework for environmental management, the following are explored: the development of the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability; problems in practically interpreting and implementing sustainability; disciplinary perspectives on the concepts (e.g. from philosophy, planning, economics, health sciences etc); the "principles" of sustainable development and experience in their application; responses to the "sustainability framework" at different levels of governance, by different sectors, by corporations, by professional organizations; critiques of sustainability as a framework for environmental management; alternative models.

This class runs Monday evening’s 6‐9pm weeks 2‐13. Or by distance. Enrolment opens on the 10th October via ies@unsw.edu.au.

Provides an introduction to the wide range of "tools" used in environmental management and for environmental decision‐making. These include: environmental impact assessment, public participation, risk management, environmental management systems, life cycle assessment, GIS, corporate sustainability, sustainability indexes, State of the Environment reporting, auditing, monitoring. Links will be drawn between the "tools" course and material covered in "Frameworks for environmental management" and the "fundamental knowledge" courses. This course will provide an introduction to a number of specialist courses that may be taken as electives (in for example environmental impact assessment).

Media Advocacy and Public Education ‐ IEST5005

Develops practical abilities in designing media‐ based education campaigns (suitable for health, environmental issues, for example). The media are seen as a resource to be utilised in advocating social or behavioural change and as the conduit for public education programs. Cross‐cultural issues are considered as well as questions of 'targeting' groups by age, gender and sub‐cultural definition. Introduces techniques of qualitative media/social research in the context of public education.

This is a short course running 26 Feb to 1 Mar 2013. Enrolment opens on the 10th October via ies@unsw.edu.au.

Environmental Management:Econ omics Fundamentals ‐ IEST7100

Note: This course was previously offered as ECON5125 but changed course codes to IEST7100 effective semester 2 2011.

This course is specially designed for students undertaking the University‐wide Master of Environmental Management. It is one of 6 "Fundamental Knowledge" courses which form core courses in the MEM. It is designed for people without a background in Economics. The course provides a basic understanding of economic principles and of the roles of economics in environmental management. The course will also explore the economics of ecologically sustainable development. Microeconomics topics include: markets, supply and demand, pollution, environmental assessment, benefit cost analysis, renewable resources and price incentives for environmental improvements. Macroeconomic topics include: sustainable development and inflation, employment versus the environment, and economic growth, development and the environment. The course will explore and critically examine both market and non‐market approaches in the attempt to analyse solutions to major environmental problems. Excluded: ECON 5125.

This is a short course running 18‐22 February 2013. Enrolment opens on the 10th October via ies@unsw.edu.au.

Environmental Management: Law Fundamentals ‐ IEST7200

Note: This course was previously offered as LAWS3439 but changed course codes to IEST7200 effective semester 2 2011.This course has been specifically designed for candidates undertaking the MEM program. It is one of six fundamental knowledge courses for students without any formal background in the relevant disciplinary area. The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts of environmental law and policy. In addition, the course examines the basic legal institutions and mechanisms that comprise the environmental legal system as well as the legal techniques used in environmental protection. The focus of the course is both international and domestic. Topics that will be addressed in the course include: introductions to domestic and international legal systems; concepts and principles of environmental law and policy; the design of environmental laws and institutions; environmental planning and assessment; pollution control; environmental dispute resolution; protection of biological diversity; and heritage conservation. Excluded: LAWS3439.

This is a short course running 18‐22 February 2013. Enrolment opens on the 10th October via ies@unsw.edu.au.

Environmental Management Research Project Part B ‐ IEST5012

A 6 unit of credit project which further investigates the recommendations  from the critical literature review in IEST5004 Part A or that investigates a new topic area. Prerequisite: Completion of IEST 5004 at a distinction level.

Enrolment opens on the 10th October via ies@unsw.edu.au

Reporting for Climate Change and Sustainability ‐ ACCT5961

Climate change and sustainability are key challenges for our society and economy today. Governments and non‐governmental  organisations around the world have engaged in various climate change and adaptation policy initiatives to ensure survival and prosperity of current and future generations.This course explores issues related to climate change and sustainability and the implications for industry sectors and businesses. Established and proposed policy frameworks are surveyed and evaluated to highlight the significance of transparency and accountability in reporting economic, environmental, and social performance. The current state and trends in accounting, assurance and reporting for carbon emissions in a regulated and voluntary setting will be covered. Risk mitigation and management accounting strategies to respond to consequences of a carbon‐ constrained economy are also evaluated.

Information about mode of  offering unavailable at this time, please check the timetable.

Topics in Biological Science ‐ BEES5001

Please see the School of Biological Earth andEnvironmental Sciencefor more information regarding this course.

Topics in Ecological Science ‐ BEES5002

Please see the School of Biological Earth andEnvironmental Sciencefor more information regarding this course.

Topics in Geography ‐ BEES5003

Please see the School of Biological Earth andEnvironmental Sciencefor more information regarding this course.

Topics in Geology ‐ BEES5004

Please see the School of Biological Earth andEnvironmental Science for more information regarding this course.

Transport, Land Use and Environment ‐ BENV7724

Introduction to the complex interactions between transport, land use, and the environment in urban areas. Special focus on the long term environmental consequences of transport decisions. Introduction to the various methods used to analyse and predict the consequences of policy changes. Australian cities as case studies.

Land and Environment Law ‐ BENV7720

Planning, Planning legislation, Environmental planning instruments, Environment ‐ common law ‐ statute ‐ role of public and pressure groups, environmental planning control, environment assessment, heritage legislation. Land law ‐ public and private, Estates and tenures, Co‐ownership, Leases, Easements, Restrictive covenants, Licences, Residential tenancies tribunal. Old system title, Possessory title, Torrens title, Land Titles Office practice, Sale of land, Other methods of transferring land, Crown land tenures, Strata title, Community title. Alternative models including other countries, Critical perspective, Heritage Law.

Environmental Chemistry in the Process Industries ‐ CEIC8336

Introduction to the chemical processes underlying major problems. The following topics will be covered: soil chemistry, acid rain, land degradation, urban air pollution, ozone depletion, global climatic change, radioactive contamination, alternative energy sources, chemical waste contamination, toxic elements, toxic organics, absorption processes and occupational diseases. The role of the chemical industry in causing and resolving the problems will be examined.

NGOs and Development ‐ COMD5000

The links between the communities of developing and developed countries today are most strongly reflected in the links between developed countries NGOs and the grass roots NGOs of developing countries. This course critically examines the expanding role of NGOs and their different social and economic capital building and governance activities within developed and developing countries and the relation between them. The origin, constitution and role of a range of specific local, national and international NGOs will be tracked and analysed. The critical role of NGO partnerships and other relationships to achieving sustainable development is considered. The regulatory framework within which NGOs operate in a range of settings is examined. The impact of different aspects of NGO management relating to relationships, governance, public policy, advocacy, objective setting, fund‐raising and other areas is explored. This course is taught in parallel with ARTS 3754 with different classes and assessment.

Urban Hydrology and Stormwater Management ‐ CVEN9611

Human impacts on the hydrological cycle; impacts of urban development on stormwater quantity and quality; management of urban stormwater including re‐use and groundwater interaction; design of stormwater quantity and quality management structures including detention basins, retention basins, infiltration basins, gross pollutant traps, pollution booms, sedimentation basins and artificial wetlands.

Groundwater Hydrology and Resources Analysis ‐ CVEN9630

The properties of soil and water; hydraulic head, hydraulic conductivity and Darcy’s Law; physics of groundwater movement; introduction to groundwater modeling; groundwater storage and geotechnical impacts of groundwater withdrawal; groundwater hydrograph analysis, barometric and tidal efficiencies; water in the unsaturated zone; groundwater in the hydrological cycle and recharge calculation; Surface water groundwater connectivity; Groundwater resource evaluation – drilling methods; geophysical logging; step‐testing, pumping test design and interpretation; radial flow modeling; borehole efficiency and maintenance.

Waves, Beaches and Coastal Infrastructure‐ CVEN9640

Waves in coastal waters including theory, measurement, analysis, forecasting, growth, refraction, diffraction, shoaling and breaking processes; coastal and beach processes including tides, storms, currents, elevated water levels, morphology, sediment transport mechanisms, beach erosion and nourishment, longshore transport, prediction and modelling of shoreline change; wave forces on coastal and ocean structures with application to engineering design of harbours, breakwaters, seawalls, piles, decks, marinas, pipelines and outfalls.

Business Management for a Sustainable Environment ‐ GBAT9103

Business Management for a Sustainable Environmental provides an overview of the range of environment issues facing our community, and the responsibilities of managers in addressing those issues. Via an understanding of the big picture, managers can make sound economic decisions compatible with a commitment to a sustainable environment. The more specific issues and control strategies discussed provide insights into environmental control techniques and methods for handling environmental problems, ranging from legal aspects to quantitative risk assessment.

Prerequisite: This course is offered by the MBT Program. All students enrolling in MBT courses must have at least four years relevant professional experience.

Environmental Impact Assessment ‐ GEOS9011

Examines environmental planning legislation and decision‐making processes in Australia with special reference to NSW; the content and structure of Environmental Impact Statements and the stages in the granting of development consent; approaches to EIA with reference to the assessment of impacts on the natural, social and economic environments.Includes case studies exemplifying procedures, techniques, methods and issues, and looks at trends in EIA in Australia and selected other countries.

Note: Due to revisions of Geography at UNSW, all courses previously offered as GEOH9011 have been given an equivalent course code GEOS9011 from semester 1, 2007.

Remote Sensing Applications ‐ GEOS9012

Using a diverse range of case studies, this course demonstrates broad remote sensing applications in forestry, agriculture, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, environmental change, pedology, oceanography, geology, meteorology, and politics. Specific applications relate to the assessment of tropical and sub‐ tropical land cover change, ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemical cycles, vegetation biophysical properties, wetlands management and monitoring, fire, pollution, urban studies and cold region hydrology. Computer‐based laboratories allow the students to explore a range of optical, thermal and radar data appropriate to particular applications, and provide exposure to practical image processing and interpretation techniques including classification, change detection, formulation of indices and derivation of empirical relationships. Practical experience with IDL ENVI and Erdas Imagine is provided.

Managing Energy Efficiency ‐ GSOE9017

This course covers the various methodologies, technologies and policies that can be used to reduce energy use, while still producing what that energy is needed for ‐ heat, light and movement. 

Topics covered include current and predicted energy use and associated GHG emissions; residential and commercial passive solar design; energy management programs; building management systems; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; and consumer products and office equipment. The impacts of transport are also covered, together with opportunities to reduce transport energy requirements through more efficient engines, public transport, and urban design. Industrial systems examined include heat recovery; cogeneration; compressed air and steam distribution; and motor systems, pumps and fans. Efficient use of water, and increased efficiency of water supply can also significantly reduce energy use. Various government policy measures at the local, state, commonwealth and international level are covered in terms of their effectiveness and relevance in Australia. Finally, barriers to improved energy efficiency such as up‐front cost, lack of information, and the low cost of energy in Australia are examined.

Assignments focus on energy use and emissions produced at your home and by your transport to and from the UNSW, and will also analyse current energy practices at the UNSW.

Energy Efficiency in the Water Sector ‐ GSOE9110

Please Note: For non‐award students, the appropriate background is normally a Bachelor of Engineering. Other Bachelor degrees in Science, Commerce and Law might be acceptable.

This course provides advanced training on energy issues in the water sector. Topics include; energy consumption in surface water, groundwater, and recycled water treatment; energy requirements and recovery in seawater desalination; Power requirements for wastewater collection and treatment in centralised and decentralised systems; Opportunities for power generation through biogas processing; Techniques for assessing the greenhouse gas foot print of urban water systems; and, strategies to off‐set emissions and minimise power costs of water delivery.

This course will be offered through flexible delivery or “blended‐online” mode, combining three face‐ to‐face workshops with online activities and where appropriate workplace‐based learning. The course can be taken to contribute towards an Engineering Masters program (as 6 Units of Credit), or be taken as non‐Award (without academic assessment), contributing instead towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD). An engineering degree is not essential but assignments will require students to have either tertiary qualifications or vocational training related to water resource management with emphasis on urban water issues.

Sustainable Elec. Energy Technology Assessment ‐ GSOE9143

The purpose of this course is to introduce post‐ graduate engineering students, and other professional disciplines engaged in issues of sustainability in energy intensive industry, electricity utilities, and government policy and program makers, to the key sustainability challenges facing electricity industries around the world, the technology and infrastructure optionsavailable to address these, and the policy and wider institutional changes required to deploy them. The focus is on key energy system fundamentals, frameworks for understanding and prioritising energy sustainability challenges, technology assessment in the context of wider energy infrastructure constraints and options, and policy development. Topics covered include the fundamental characteristics of energy systems; economic, energy security and environmental factors facing energy industries in Australia and international industry; technology assessment frameworks for potential sustainable energy supply technologies (including renewables, carbon capture and storage and nuclear) as well as demand‐side opportunities including energy efficiency; the key infrastructure challenges and opportunitiesinvolved in deploying these technologies including electricity industry integration as well as wider technological, institutional and social factors; and policy options including carbon pricing, energy efficiency and renewable energy support.

Environmental Law in Australia ‐ LAWS8068

This course introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of Australian environmental law and policy. It provides a framework for understanding the environmental issues which humans are faced with today for managing the impact of our activities on the environment and the implications of these issues for law making and policy. Within that framework this course will cover key areas of environmental law in New South Wales and at the federal level. The course will touch on a number of cross‐cutting themes that influence current debate in relation to environmental law and policy. These themes are taken up in other courses provided in the Environmental Law specialisation such as in Natural Resources Law, InternationalEnvironmental Law, International Climate Law, Environmental Marketsand Water Rights andContemporary Policy.

This course is also available to students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Management(8619), Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management (5499) and the Graduate Certificate inEnvironmental Management (7339).

This course is also available to students undertaking relevant postgraduate non‐law degree programs at UNSW provided such enrolment is approved by the appopriate non‐law Faculty.

Planning Law and Environmental Assessment ‐ LAWS8071

Planning is politics. Planning is intimately connected with the nature of the places we live, work and play, and as a result gives rise to some of our fiercest disputes. Planning legislation establishes the role that various groups can play in addressing issues such as population growth, economic development, housing affordability and environmental sustainability. This course examines the scope provided for participation in planning by experts, by state, federal and local government, by the private sector and by the public. Reflecting on the way that successive governments have sought to shift the balance between these groups, the nature of “the public interest” and the role of the law in its attainment are critically evaluated.

This course is also available to students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Management(8619), Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management (5499) and the Graduate Certificate inEnvironmental Management (7339).

This course is also available to students undertaking relevant postgraduate non‐law degree programs at UNSW provided such enrolment is approved by the appopriate non‐law Faculty.

Negotiation Skills ‐ MGMT5712

This course provides a set of generic concepts and skills for negotiation and resolving interpersonal and inter‐group conflicts. Students gain the opportunity to work with theory, skills and processes of negotiation relevant to a wide range of contexts: commercial; organisational; community; political and public policy; legal; and industrial relations. This course will provide an analytical understanding of negotiations, including negotiation planning, strategy and tactics, as well as the development of the practical skills necessary for implementation of this knowledge. Students will gain these practical skills through participation in negotiation seminars. The seminar programme is made up of negotiation role play exercises which develop in complexity as the course progresses.

Environmental Contaminants ‐ MINE9902

This course module deals with the occurrence, effects and control of atmospheric contaminants in underground mine environments. These include toxic and or flammable gasses and dusts originating from strata, mine equipment or the mining process. The causes, effects and control of mine fires is also considered.

Topics in Marine Science ‐ MSCI5005

Session1

Examines marine pelagic and estuarine habitats and the practical application of theory to the ocean environment and its effect on the life of marine organisms. Emphasis is placed on the biology of phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish, together with the study of fisheries. Also looks at management, marine technology, computer simulations, conservation, other marine vertebrates, aquaculture and environmental concerns, and technical skills, taxonomy and sampling design.

Note: A field trip may be held during the mid‐session break and personal costs may be incurred.

Topics in Australian Marine Science ‐ MSCI6681

This Unit of Study will introduce students to current research undertaken in various disciplines of marine science in Australia. It will be a multi‐ institutional unit taught at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) with contributions from the four University partners of SIMS. Lectures and tutorials will be taught by leading marine science researchers. Topics will cover physical and biological oceanography, climate change, molecular ecology, aquaculture, marine biology and marine geosciences. In practical classes, students will analyse and interpret remote‐sensing data from the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), which provides comprehensive information on the biological and physical processes of Australia's coastal and oceanic waters.

Notes: 1) Students are required to attend the course at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science throughout semester.

Renewable EnergyPolicy ‐ SOLA9012

This course will review the objectives and strategies of renewable energy policies world‐wide. It will examine policy drivers, including environmental impact, community service obligations and industry development, as well as policy instruments and how they are applied, including taxation, legislation, tariffs, targets and incentives. The policies and strategies will be illustrated with international case studies of renewable energy programs.

Sustainable Development and the Urban Environment ‐ SUSD0001

A review of innovative approaches to the planning, design and management of the 'sustainable city', with an emphasis on techniques which seek to maintain and/or improve air quality, water quality and biodiversity. Topics include principles of urban ecology and sustainable development, the ecological 'footprint' of the metropolis, water cycle management, urban design and transportation issues, urban forestry, parks systems and greenways, use of tools for assessment/evaluation. The course will be based on lectures, seminars and case studies.