University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Units of study descriptions – Table A

Table A units of study

Core units
AFNR5511 Soil Processes, Assessment and Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 Lec, 2 tutorials/wk, case study & oral presentations. Assessment: Essay (30%), Group discussions (20%), Case study report (30%), Group presentation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Soils support agricultural and natural ecosystems and regulate environmental interactions between the hydrosphere and atmosphere. It is the quality of our soils that affect productivity, the environment, health and ultimately sustainability. However, challenges such as those presented by lack of plant nutrient supply, soil acidification, physical degradation, soil contamination, and loss of soil biodiversity are problems at a global scale that threaten the sustainability of the environment and society. As well as the threats the importance of maintaining a quality soil that regulates environmental interactions will be explored, such as soil as a sink for carbon affecting climate interactions or understanding how a rich soil biodiversity can contribute to food production affecting food security. To do this, this unit of study is concerned with exploring the key pedology, soil chemistry, soil physical and soil biological processes that drive these challenges to soil quality. Time will be spent investigating how the quality of the soil can be assessed, using the indicators of the mentioned soil processes, and how the resulting data can be aggregated and communicated in a meaningful way. Working with case studies, the students will identify problems that are assessed using soil quality or function analysis with the aim of identifying management options. The management options will be evaluated to determine their adoptability and implement ability. By investigating the case studies using soil quality or function analysis students will develop their research and enquiry skills. Assessing and developing adoptable management strategies the students will develop their skills in synthesising material from multiple sources and enhance their intellectual autonomy. By producing reports and presenting seminars the students will develop their communication skills.
Textbooks
Textbooks: D. Hillel, 2004. Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics, Elsevier Science, San Diego, CA USA
AGRO4003 Crop and Pasture Agronomy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Tan(Coordinator), A/Prof Brett Whelan, Dr Rosalind Deaker, Dr Lachlan Ingram Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12x2 h lectures/weeks 1-13; 4x2 h practicals/weeks 8, 11-13; Field excursions: week preceding start of semester and 6 (subject to weather) Prerequisites: AGRO3004 Assessment: 2 Data Analysis Projects (2x50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines agronomy as the discipline that underpins agricultural production. As a case study, the cotton industry is examined in detail to understand the end-user and social demands on agricultural production, the technical issues that challenge the farmer and the diversity of other specialist information from relevant disciplines such as entomology, pathology and soil science that must be integrated into the farming system. The unit also covers precision agriculture, legume science, rangeland science and crop protection. This unit includes a one-week excursion to cotton growing areas in northern NSW and Qld, specialist intensive instruction provided by the Cotton RDC, a three day excursion to the Cooma rangelands and a series of workshops, tutorials that provides analysis and synthesis of the major farming systems in this industry. Pasture production is also considered in the context of farming systems.
AFNR5801 Climate Change: Process, History, Issues

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Peter Franks, Dr Dan Penny Session: Semester 2 Classes: 18 hrs lecture/tutorial, 12 hrs practical/field classes, 9 hrs field trip preparation Assumed knowledge: A basic understanding of climate change processes and issues. Assessment: 2hr exam (40%), tutorials (20%), practical report from field exercise (manuscript format) (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with an overview of current debates and approaches to understanding and quantifying interactions between the biosphere, oceans and atmosphere, as used around the world, and the consequences of those interactions for climate. The unit considers climate change on a variety of timescales. This unit will include a weekend field trip to Snowy Mountains field sites managed by the University of Sydney where students will be introduced to cutting edge, ongoing climate change research.
Textbooks
A reading list will be provided consisting of selected book chapters, journal articles and other publications
ECOS3013 Environmental Economics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2003 or RSEC2031 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (25%), 1hr Mid-semester test (25%), 1x2hr Final exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The natural environment is invariably affected by production and consumption in our modern economy. In particular, environmental outcomes are important in the presence of market failures (externalities and public goods). This unit focuses on developing a student's detailed understanding of the economic techniques used by policymakers to address environmental issues. These techniques include: Pigovian taxes and subsidies; regulation with asymmetric information; marketable permits; pricing contributions for public goods; optimal damages; and the allocation of property-rights and market failures.
Capstone units
AFNR5905 Research Paper

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2 Lectures in semester + regular meetings with Supervisor Prerequisites: AFNR5901 and AFNR5904 Corequisites: AFNR5906 Assessment: Research Paper (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
This unit of study builds on the major research project proposed in AFNR5904. Working with their academic advisor students will execute their research strategy that provides data and subsequent data analysis towards solving the research question. The results and analysis will be presented in a format suitable for submission as a research paper to a relevant journal. Students will build their research skills, develop a strong analytical capacity, demonstrate a sound grasp of the topic, and ability to interpret results in a broad framework. Students will demonstrate their ability to draw reliable conclusions and identify future areas of research. Students will continue to develop their skills in solving research problems and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy by means of managing a research program. Students will improve their communication skills through presentation of the research paper.
AFNR5906 Research Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 workshop per week plus regular meetings with Supervisor Prerequisites: AFNR5901 and AFNR5904 Corequisites: AFNR5905 Assessment: Popular Article (20%), Poster (40%), Oral Presentation (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides the students with the opportunity to present the research findings of their major research project using several communication media appropriate for different audiences, for example, external stakeholders and /or popular media. Using poster and oral presentations students will communicate their research to the academic community in a professional conference environment. Students will also be required to attend the Faculty's seminar program that is relevant to their research topic. Students will build on their skills to use several modes of communication to demonstrate their ability to produce high quality results, draw reliable conclusions and identify future areas of research.
AFNR5901 Research Review

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2 Lectures in semester + regular meetings with Supervisor Corequisites: AFNR5904 Prohibitions: AFNR5902 or AFNR5903 Assessment: Research Review (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This aims to develop a student's ability to review the literature with the view of developing a major research project in an area of specialization. The student will work with an academic advisor on a mutually agreed topic for research to be undertaken and the subsequent writing of a literature review. The literature review will advance the student's ability to identify existing knowledge, define research problems, demonstrate a sound grasp for presenting a research question, and begin to define a research strategy. Students will develop their research and inquiry skills through sourcing a wide range of literature and improve their written communication skills.
AFNR5904 Research Proposal and Approach

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 workshop per week + regular meetings with Supervisor Corequisites: AFNR5901 Assessment: Written Research Proposal (60%); Oral Presentation (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit of study aims to develop a student's ability to write a detailed research proposal and develop a strategy combined with the appropriate methodology to execute their research. Working with their academic advisor students will prepare a proposal describing; the background and aims, its significance and innovation, the justification of the methodology, the national benefit, and considerations of the required budget and project timeline. This unit will enable students to develop their ability to define a research project to be managed within a suitable research framework. Students will develop their skills in solving research problems and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy through managing a research program.

Specialisation electives

Agricultural and Environmental Economics
AREC3004 Economics of Water and Bio-Resources

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2003 or RSEC2031 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x50min Mid-semester Test (35%), 1x2hr Final Exam (50%), 3x500wd Tutorial Reports (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit develops knowledge and skills in natural resource economics built on previously gained economics training. The economics of dynamic natural systems is studied through application of advanced modelling approaches. Particular emphasis is given to the economic mechanisms for managing water and biological resources including property rights, water allocation and water markets. Key policy instruments (taxes, quotas, standards) are analysed. Institutional and policy aspects will also be considered via analysis of water policy reform in Australia and elsewhere.
ECOS3006 International Trade

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: problem sets (5%), Mid-semester test (35%) and 2hr Final exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides a systematic analysis of the theory of international trade and trade policy. Initially differences between countries are emphasised as the source of trade and the gains from trade. Models that are examined include the Classical-Ricardian model, the Heckscher-Ohlin model and the Specific-Factors model. Next economics of scale and imperfect competition are introduced as sources of trade and gains from trade. The unit concludes with an examination of empirical studies aimed at testing trade theories. The analysis of trade policy begins with a discussion of the instruments of trade policy, in particular, tariffs and quotas and their effect on welfare. This discussion is then extended to the case of imperfect competition and strategic trade policy.
ECOS3005 Industrial Organisation

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Prohibitions: ECOS2201 Assessment: Mid-semester test (35%), problem sets (5%) and 2hr Final exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study examines the nature of inter-firm rivalry in industries with market power. It explores the various ways in which firms can increase their market power by: extracting more surplus from consumers, by colluding with rivals or by excluding entrants. The unit also analyses the international competitiveness of industries in the context of industry assistance and the prevalence of foreign multinationals. Competition policy is also discussed.
AREC3001 Production Modelling and Management

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2001 or AGEC2103 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x2hr Final Exam (60%), 1x50min Mid-semester Test (15%), 1x1500wd Assignment (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit builds on the principles of biological production economics and introduces optimisation methods to solve decision making problems encountered by agribusiness and natural resource firms and managers in public agencies. The principle focus is on the application of linear programming techniques, and students learn to consider solving decision making problems where the outcomes are not known with certainty, and where the timing of decisions is of essence.
AREC3002 Agricultural Markets

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2001 or AGEC2103 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1000wd equivalent problem sets (30%), 1x1500wd essay (30%), 1x2hr final exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to provide an understanding of the underlying forces driving agricultural markets. It addresses price analysis and efficiency, including aspects of form, time and space in agricultural marketing; information and contracts; changing consumer concerns (food safety, ethical production); futures market and other risk sharing devices. Building on the application of microeconomic theory to both production and consumption in agricultural markets, its content is analytical. The unit also investigates some of the forces which prevent the efficient operation of world agricultural markets, including impediments to trade, imperfect markets for inputs and outputs and market power along the agricultural supply chain.
AREC3005 Agricultural Finance and Risk

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2001 or AGEC2103 or AREC2002 or AGEC2101 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x2hr Final Exam (70%), 2x1500wd Assignments (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Agricultural production is typically risky, adding complexity to decision analysis and increasing need of risk consideration in agricultural policy design. This unit explores this theme, and has two related components: risk and risk management in agriculture, and issues of agricultural producer finance. These two components cover a broad range of topics that incorporate production risk and other sources of risk in agriculture.
Agricultural and Environmental Technologies
AGRO4004 Sustainable Farming Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Tan Session: Semester 1 Classes: Negotiated practicals and workshops (63h) Prerequisites: AGRO3004 Assessment: Final Exam (50%), 3 Assignments (3x10%), Data Analysis Project (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed to provide students with training in the professional skills required to practice agronomy. The unit principally builds on theoretical and applied knowledge gained in third year agronomy (AGRO3004). In this unit students will integrate their knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, experimental design, and biometry to address applied problems in agronomy, namely the issue of sustainability. Students will develop their ability to establish conclusions towards making recommendations for long term sustainability of crop and pasture systems. By implementing and managing a major field and/or glasshouse experiment(s) students will develop their research and inquiry skills. Team work is strongly encouraged in this unit and the integration and reporting of research findings will facilitate critical thinking and development of written communication skills. After completing this unit, students should be able to confidently design and manage a glasshouse/field experiment, and interpret and communicate their findings, by integrating knowledge from across disciplinary boundaries.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Feike Dijkstra (Coordinator); A/Prof. Thomas Bishop; Dr Floris van Ogtrop. Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2-hour lecture and 1x practical per week; 1x field trip (weekend) Assessment: Writing Assignment (30%), Prac Report (30%), Presentation and Peer Review (15%), Computer Lab (10%), 2 Quizzes (15%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the major physical and chemical processes that control the concentration and dispersion of chemical pollutants in natural and impacted environments. The course will demonstrate how to use contaminant data effectively and how to judge the quality of chemical data. This knowledge will be used to design and to assess environmental projects, and to judge the magnitude of impact by human activity on environments and the risk posed by contaminants to ecosystem functioning. The course aims to provide present and future managers employed in environmental professions with the skills to use data with confidence and to make management decisions knowing the risks inherent in variable data quality. A field trip will be undertaken early in the semester.
AFNR5110 Crop Improvement

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor R Trethowan/Professor P Sharp Session: Semester 2 Classes: The equivalent of 3 lectures and 3hrs practical work per week Assumed knowledge: Basic knowledge of plant genetics and breeding, similar to that covered by GENE4012 and GENE4013. Assessment: One 2hr exam (50%), essay/assignment (20%), practical reports (20%), presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Lectures, practical work and field trip(s) covering advanced aspects of the theory, philosophy and practice of plant breeding. Included are extended discussions of screening techniques (in the field, glasshouse and laboratory), conservation and exploitation of diversity, disease resistance, tissue culture, plant cytogenetics of relevance to pre-breeding and breeding. Also considered are the role of biotechnology processes and products in plant breeding; genetic engineering and the use of molecular marker technologies. This course will use examples from the full range of crops; broad-acre cereals and legumes, pastures, turf and horticultural crops, both perennial and annual. The main base of the course may vary between the ATP and Camden campuses. Field trips (mainly to the IA Watson Grains Research Centre, Narrabri) will be used especially to examine trial procedures and field-based operations, and to interact with commercial plant breeding.
AFNR5502 Remote Sensing, GIS and Land Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/week weeks 1-6, 1x1 project weeks 7-11, 1x1-hour presentation scheduled for weeks 12 and 13, 1x3-hr practical weeks 1-6 Assumed knowledge: ENVX3001 and SOIL3004. Assessment: 1x 30 min presentation (10%), laboratory work reports (40%), Group discussion online (10%), 1x3500w project report (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is aimed at advanced techniques in Remote Sensing (RS), linked with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as applied to land management problems. We will review the basic principles of GIS and then focus on advanced RS principles and techniques used for land resource assessment and management. This will be followed by practical training in RS techniques, augmented by land management project development and implementation based on integration of GIS and RS tools. The unit thus consists of three separate but overlapping parts: 1) a short theoretical part which focuses on the concepts of RS; 2) a practical part which aims at developing hands-on skills in using RS tools, and 3) an application-focused module in which students will learn the skills of how to design a land management project and actualise it using integrated GIS and RS techniques.
Syllabus summary: Lectures will cover: Overview of the basic principles of Geographical Information Science (GISc), Advanced principles of remote sensing, Land resource information and data capture using RS, Digital elevation modelling and terrain analysis using remote sensing; Image enhancement and visualization; Image classification and interpretation; RS data interpretation for land resource inventory; RS and GIS for land use and land cover change analysis; Coupling of models of land resource assessment with GIS and RS. Fifty percent of learning time will be devoted to the design and implementation of projects, which can be selected from GIS and RS applications in: agricultural land management, vegetation studies, water and catchment (hydrological) studies; land-cover and land-use change modelling, pesticide and herbicide environmental risk assessment, environmental impact analysis, land degradation modelling including soil salinity, soil erosion, etc.
Textbooks
Textbook: Jesen J. R. 2006. Remote sensing of the environment: an earth resource perspective. 2nd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall Upper Saddle, New Jersey
AFNR5510 The Soil at Work

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alex McBratney (Coordinator), A/Prof Balwant Singh, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle, Dr Damien Field, Prof David Guest, A/Prof Michael Kertesz Session: Semester 2 Classes: Problem-based unit: each student completes 1 problem as part of a team, involving multiple team meetings; 4 x 4 hr soil biology workshops Assessment: Introduction to the problem group presentation (10%); Status of the problem group report (10%); How to tackle the problem seminar (20%) - team seminars, before fieldwork, analyses done; Results seminar (20%) - team seminars; Final group report (25%); Activities diary for group (15%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a problem-based applied soil science unit addressing the physical, chemical and biological components of soil function. It is designed to allow students to identify soil-related problems in the real-world and by working in a group and with an end-user, to suggest short and long-term solutions to problems such as fertility, resilience, carbon management, structural decline, acidification, salinisation and contamination. The soil biology workshops will allow student groups to incorporate relevant measurements of soil biota in their experiments. Students will gain some understanding of the concept of sustainability, and will be able to identify the causes of problems by reference to the literature, discussion with landusers and by the design and execution of key experiments and surveys. Students will gain a focused knowledge of the key soil drivers to environmental problems and will have some understanding on the constraints surrounding potential solutions. By designing and administering strategies to tackle real-world soil issues, students will develop their research and inquiry skills and enhance their intellectual autonomy. By producing reports and seminars that enables understanding by an end-user, students will improve the breadth of their communication skills. This is a core unit for students majoring or specialising in soil science and an elective unit for those wishing to gain an understanding of environmental problem-solving. It utilises and reinforces soil-science knowledge gained in SOIL2003 and SOIL2004, as well as generic problem-solving skills gained during the degree program.
Textbooks
Reference book: I.W.Heathcote 1997. Environmental Problem Solving: A Case Study Approach. McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, USA.
AFNR5512 Water Management and Variable Climate

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Willem Vervoort Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hr workshop/week, practical work, project work Assumed knowledge: UG Maths or Physics or Hydrology. Assessment: Assignments (30%), project report (20%), 2 hr exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit builds on knowledge gained in undergraduate soil science and crop science units to develop an understanding of catchment water management. Particular focus will be on the effect of climate variability and change on water management decisions on output and externalities (Salinity, landscape losses). At the completion of this unit student would be able to: Identify which climate variables will be most affected by climate change and variability; Evaluate which field and farm scale outputs will be most affected by climate change and variability; Develop scenarios based on distributions of climate variability; and Calculate the likely impacts of climate variability and change on streamflow, water availability and irrigation water demand using Monte Carlo techniques.
The open source software package SWAT will be used for most analysis and other open source software will be used if needed.
Textbooks
Rees W.G. 2001. Physical principles of remote sensing. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Horticultural Technologies
AFNR5210 Sustainable Horticultural Cropping

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Robyn McConchie Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1hr Lecture/week, 2hr tutorial/excursions for case study, and on-line discussions Assessment: On-line discussions (10%), Group presentation (10%), Project report (30%), 2 hr exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit builds on knowledge gained in undergraduate plant and crop science units to develop an understanding of horticultural cropping systems management. Particular focus will be on intensive production systems and will provide them with a broad overview of current issues affecting the horticultural industries. Emphasis is on minimising the environmental impact of horticultural enterprises and introduces students to current themes and thinking in sustainable practices in horticultural science, such as efficient water management, sustainable use of fertilizers, salinity, integrated pest management and organic practices. Students also select an industry based case study analysis of a horticultural production system, designed to provide them with skills in data analysis and interpretation, problem identification and problem solving.
AFNR5701 Plants and the Environment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Margaret Barbour Session: Semester 1 Classes: 24 hrs lectures and in-class discussion, 36 hours practical Assessment: One 2hr exam (40%), in-class discussion (10%), research manuscript (25%), either research proposal or research manuscript (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The focus of this unit is the response of plants to the environment, drawing examples from both managed and natural ecosystems. Students will develop advanced-level understanding of plant-environment interaction at scales from leaves to whole ecosystems through presentation and discussion of current research papers. Practical sessions will provide students with hands-on experience of state-of-the-art measurement techniques. Understanding of basic biophysical processes will be applied to inform discussion about the effects of climate change on terrestrial ecosystem services, including crop productivity.
Textbooks
Copies of research papers for each lecture/discussion will be provided, as will review papers where appropriate.
AFNR5110 Crop Improvement

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor R Trethowan/Professor P Sharp Session: Semester 2 Classes: The equivalent of 3 lectures and 3hrs practical work per week Assumed knowledge: Basic knowledge of plant genetics and breeding, similar to that covered by GENE4012 and GENE4013. Assessment: One 2hr exam (50%), essay/assignment (20%), practical reports (20%), presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Lectures, practical work and field trip(s) covering advanced aspects of the theory, philosophy and practice of plant breeding. Included are extended discussions of screening techniques (in the field, glasshouse and laboratory), conservation and exploitation of diversity, disease resistance, tissue culture, plant cytogenetics of relevance to pre-breeding and breeding. Also considered are the role of biotechnology processes and products in plant breeding; genetic engineering and the use of molecular marker technologies. This course will use examples from the full range of crops; broad-acre cereals and legumes, pastures, turf and horticultural crops, both perennial and annual. The main base of the course may vary between the ATP and Camden campuses. Field trips (mainly to the IA Watson Grains Research Centre, Narrabri) will be used especially to examine trial procedures and field-based operations, and to interact with commercial plant breeding.
HORT4005 Research and Practice in Hort Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Brian Jones (Coordinator), Dr Kim-Yen Phan-Thein Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2h tut/wk; one 1-week excursion Prerequisites: HORT3005 Assessment: Pre-Field trip industry report (10%); Field trip industry report (15%); 2 x Practical reports (2 x 25%) 50%; End of semester exam 25%. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This Unit of Study provides students with a scientific grounding in the sustainable production of safe and nutritious fruit, vegetables and nuts. The unit encompasses the fundamentals of produce and nursery production, including an analysis of production system options, agro-ecosystem/resource management, and industry best production and management practices. The unit will use case studies exemplifying important developments in horticultural production, supply and marketing chains. Students will examine multiple real world examples of horticulture, and use a supply chain framework to develop skills in integrative system evaluation, problem identification, data analysis and interpretation, and systematic problem-solving. Combining relevant industry knowledge, critical analytical skills, and a systems perspective will enable students to make valid, scientifically-informed decisions in horticulture and beyond. The unit is comprised of the key learning activities: lecture/tutorials, practicals in production and post-harvest horticulture techniques, and site visits to horticultural producers, research sites and peak industry bodies. The site visit program includes a week-long field trip to major horticultural production regions to view operations and Q&A with owner/operators.
Forest and Atmosphere Interactions
AFNR5701 Plants and the Environment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Margaret Barbour Session: Semester 1 Classes: 24 hrs lectures and in-class discussion, 36 hours practical Assessment: One 2hr exam (40%), in-class discussion (10%), research manuscript (25%), either research proposal or research manuscript (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The focus of this unit is the response of plants to the environment, drawing examples from both managed and natural ecosystems. Students will develop advanced-level understanding of plant-environment interaction at scales from leaves to whole ecosystems through presentation and discussion of current research papers. Practical sessions will provide students with hands-on experience of state-of-the-art measurement techniques. Understanding of basic biophysical processes will be applied to inform discussion about the effects of climate change on terrestrial ecosystem services, including crop productivity.
Textbooks
Copies of research papers for each lecture/discussion will be provided, as will review papers where appropriate.
ENSY3002 Fire in Australian Ecosystems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tina Bell Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures, 1x3hr practical/wk Prerequisites: AGEN2005 or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 Assessment: 1x 2h exam (40%), 1x 2000-2500w essay (20%), 3x practical reports (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is intended to describe fundamental scientific knowledge relating to fire behaviour and ecological and social effects of bushfire in Australian ecosystems. The student will gain a greater understanding of how fire has shaped the landscape and the people. It is an elective unit that builds on basic knowledge gained in junior-level biology and chemistry and intermediate-level plant biology and soil science subjects. Firstly, fire behaviour including the elements of weather, fuel and landscape will be explained and examined in relation to predictive modelling and climate change. Secondly, the fire response of flora, fauna, fungi and microorganisms will be described at a range of different scales and analysed against a background of current land management practices in Australia. Social aspects of bushfire will be discussed and analysed according to contemporary policies and practices. At the end of this unit, students will be able to apply fire behaviour and ecological principles for planning purposes and to integrate scientific information from a range of sources to assess fire impacts on the environment and human communities. The students will gain research, literacy and communication skills through field-based data collection, essay and report writing and oral presentations.
Textbooks
A reading list will be provided consisting of selected book chapters, journal articles and other publications
AFNR5705 Australian Forest Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Andrew Merchant Session: Semester 2 Classes: 28.5 hrs lecture/tutorial, 30 hrs fieldwork Assessment: One 2hr exam (20%), two reports (2x25%), two oral presentations (2x10%) and one field report (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to enable students to participate in and improve the management of Australian forest ecosystems. Beginning with an introduction to the unique chemical, physical and ecological characteristics of Australian forests, this unit focuses on policy development and management prescriptions driven by fundamental processes of ecosystem function. Topics will encompass both tropical and temperate ecosystems with students given the opportunity to gain first hand observation of subtropical forest management practices by participating in a 4 day field exercise. At the end of this unit, students will be able to articulate strengths, weaknesses and improvements to the management of Australian forests for the purposes of production, conservation and climate change adaptation. Students will gain first-hand experience of land management practices as they pertain to Australian forest systems and communicate with industry and governmental groups.
Textbooks
Reading material will be drawn upon from current literature in the field
ENSY3003 Forest Ecosystem Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Andrew Merchant Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lectures/week, 1 tut/fortnight, 1 field excursion (2 days) in week 6 of semester Prerequisites: AGEN2001 or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 or GEOS2121 Assessment: One 2hr exam (50%), one 2000w essay (40%), one oral presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Prerequisites: Students require a basic understanding of plant biology. Understanding principles of plant taxonomy and ecology will also be an advantage.
This unit of study enables students to understand the management and conservation of trees and forests in a changing climate. It is an elective unit for students enrolled in advanced topics for the Bachelor of Environmental Systems course program. Beginning with an introduction to the unique chemical, physical and ecological characteristics of trees, this unit then focuses on policy development and management prescriptions driven by fundamental processes of ecosystem function. At the end of this unit students will be able to articulate critical evaluations of scientific and policy based documents in relation to research and management of trees in the Australian landscape. Students will be given the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of Australian forest management by participating in a 2 day field excursion (in week 6 of semester) combined with industry, government, research and conservation groups. At the end of this unit, students will be able to articulate strengths, weaknesses and improvements to the management of Australian forests for the purposes of production, conservation and climate change adaptation. Students will gain an intricate knowledge of tree function and be able to relate this understanding to the management of trees and forests in a changing environment. Students will develop skills to enable effective communication with industry, conservation and governmental groups.

Other electives

AFNR5107 Principles of Biochemical Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosalind Deaker (Coordinator), Prof Les Copeland, Dr Thomas Roberts, A/Prof Michael Kertesz, Dr Feike Dijkstra, Dr Claudia Keitel, Dr Neil Wilson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 18 hrs of lectures and 36 hrs of laboratory during the semester Prohibitions: AGCH4007 Assessment: Assessment includes attendance and participation in lectures and practical classes. Each module will comprise 25% of the final assessment mark and satisfactory progress in all modules is required for the successful completion of this unit. (4x25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to expose students to the principles and practice of a diverse range of analytical methods used in agricultural and environmental science. The unit of study will be presented in four modules including: materials and sampling techniques; separation techniques (chromatographic and electrophoretic); instrumentation and measurement techniques (spectral analyses); and microbiological and molecular biology techniques. Each module will be a combination of lectures and practical classes that will analyse common agricultural or biochemical samples to illustrate the practical aspects of the theory. Students will also gain skills in data analysis relevant to the respective techniques.
At the completion of these modules, students will be familiar with the operation of a number of laboratory instruments, the theory that underpins their operation, be confident in the analysis of data, and be able to choose the most appropriate sampling strategy and analytical technique to perform high quality research.
AGEN5001 Agricultural and Environmental Extension

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Ampt Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 lec/wk (2hr), 1 tut/wk (3 hr), 1 field (3 day) Assessment: 1500w essay 20%, Tutorial/workshop participation 30%, 3000w problem based learning project 30%, Field trip report 20%. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to develop knowledge, skills and understanding for engaging effectively with the people whose decisions shape innovation in agricultural production and environmental management. These people include land managers, consultants, agribusiness, extension agents, scientists, bureaucrats and politicians.

This unit of study is designed to develop key graduate competencies in communication and soft systems thinking for those with an interest in careers including consulting, agribusiness, agricultural extension, environmental management, policy, participatory research and natural resource management. It is relevant to all FAE degrees, to BAnVetBioSc and to environmentally focussed students in other faculties. Students will find this unit very helpful if they are undertaking a research project that involves working with people using interviews, focus groups or surveys. It is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

This unit of study covers integrative aspects of extension theory and practice, social learning, sustainable agriculture, knowledge domains, participatory action research, human geography, soft systems thinking and adaptive natural resource management. The role of extension in agricultural and environmental management is a crucial aspect of sustainability, as extension agents provide the main conduit between scientists, economists and policymakers and the people who live and work in the landscape.

By the end of this course students will have the knowledge, skills and understanding to: describe and discuss the theoretical and practical underpinnings of extension; describe and analyse factors influencing the behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of natural resource managers; discuss and design effective extension programs/projects; conduct, analyse and evaluate simple surveys, focus groups and semi-structured interviews; and to critically evaluate the integration of conservation and production in the landscape and the ever-changing role extension plays in facilitating sustainable change.
Textbooks
Recommended reading, Jennings, J., Packham R. and Woodside, D.(eds) (2001) Shaping Change APEN; Hay, I (2012) Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences, Oxford
ECOS3002 Development Economics

This unit of study is not available in 2016

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/fortnight Prerequisites: ECOS2001 or ECON2001 or ECOS2002 or ECON2002 or ECOS2901 or ECON2901 or ECOS2902 or ECON2902 Prohibitions: ECON3002 Assessment: 2x in-class tests (30%) and 2.5hr Final exam (70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the role of the state, rationale for planning and market mechanisms in developing economies, and also the sociocultural preconditions and economic requirements for a market economy. It focuses on a wide range of developmental problems and issues from both microeconomic and macroeconomic points of view. It closely studies the integration process of the traditional segment of a developing society into its modern counterpart in countries selected from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific regions.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Feike Dijkstra (Coordinator); A/Prof. Thomas Bishop; Dr Floris van Ogtrop. Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2-hour lecture and 1x practical per week; 1x field trip (weekend) Assessment: Writing Assignment (30%), Prac Report (30%), Presentation and Peer Review (15%), Computer Lab (10%), 2 Quizzes (15%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the major physical and chemical processes that control the concentration and dispersion of chemical pollutants in natural and impacted environments. The course will demonstrate how to use contaminant data effectively and how to judge the quality of chemical data. This knowledge will be used to design and to assess environmental projects, and to judge the magnitude of impact by human activity on environments and the risk posed by contaminants to ecosystem functioning. The course aims to provide present and future managers employed in environmental professions with the skills to use data with confidence and to make management decisions knowing the risks inherent in variable data quality. A field trip will be undertaken early in the semester.
GOVT6135 Global Environmental Politics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (30%), 1x4000wd Essay (50%), Seminar participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the environment as a political and policy issue. Although relatively recent, the environment has become a full-fledged public policy issue exerting influence in local, national and international arenas. The unit will first focus on the specific features of the policy that influences the capability of contemporary societies to enhance the management of environmental resources and of public goods in general. Second, it discusses the development of environmental policy in Western countries, with a particular emphasis on the European Union. Third, a grid for the analysis of environmental policy will be presented, with a discussion of the main actors (political, institutional and socio-economic) involved in it and of the factors (interests and ideas) influencing their positions. Fourth, the unit briefly discusses environmental conflicts and consensual approaches used for tackling them.
PHYS5031 Ecological Econ and Sustainable Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Arne Geschke Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2.5-hour lecture interspersed with hands-on exercises per week Assessment: Essay and comprehensive diary/notes from lectures (100%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will introduce selected recent topics from Ecological Economics, such as concepts of sustainability (definitions); comparisons with environmental economics, intergenerational discounting; time and equity in the climate change debate; valuing the environment; links between theories of well-being, consumerism and environmental impact; and cost benefit analysis. The unit sets the scene for the more detailed and specific units PHYS5032, PHYS5033, and PHYS5034.
PHYS5034 Life Cycle Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Arne Geschke Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2.5-hour lecture interspersed with hands-on exercises per week Assessment: Essay and comprehensive diary/notes from lectures (100%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study will cover the areas of the philosophy, techniques, applications and standards of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). It will introduce Process Analysis, Input-Output Analysis and Hybrid Analysis. Current LCA tools will be discussed. Case studies and business applications as well as global standards such as the GHG Protocol for accounting for scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions and ISO standards will provide a context. The unit of study will culminate with practical exercises using current software tools to provide students with hands-on experience of preparing a comprehensive Life-Cycle Assessment of an application of their choice. Students will also benefit from also enrolling in PHYS5033 for a sound understanding of input-output analysis as the basis of hybrid LCA methods.
AREC3003 Econ of Minerals and Energy Industries

This unit of study is not available in 2016

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/fortnight Prerequisites: AREC2003 or RSEC2031 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x50min Mid-semester test (35%), 1x2hr Final Exam (50%), 3x500wd Tutorial Reports (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit builds on previously acquired economics training and develops advanced understanding of the economics of minerals exploration, extraction and marketing and the economics of energy generation, distribution and use. The implications of mineral extraction and energy generation activities for natural resources and the environment are explored. The unit will foster in-depth knowledge of the markets for minerals and energy, their industry structure and business environment, including the role of markets for derivatives on minerals and energy commodities.
ECOS3002 Development Economics

This unit of study is not available in 2016

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/fortnight Prerequisites: ECOS2001 or ECON2001 or ECOS2002 or ECON2002 or ECOS2901 or ECON2901 or ECOS2902 or ECON2902 Prohibitions: ECON3002 Assessment: 2x in-class tests (30%) and 2.5hr Final exam (70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the role of the state, rationale for planning and market mechanisms in developing economies, and also the sociocultural preconditions and economic requirements for a market economy. It focuses on a wide range of developmental problems and issues from both microeconomic and macroeconomic points of view. It closely studies the integration process of the traditional segment of a developing society into its modern counterpart in countries selected from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific regions.
ECOS3005 Industrial Organisation

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Prohibitions: ECOS2201 Assessment: Mid-semester test (35%), problem sets (5%) and 2hr Final exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study examines the nature of inter-firm rivalry in industries with market power. It explores the various ways in which firms can increase their market power by: extracting more surplus from consumers, by colluding with rivals or by excluding entrants. The unit also analyses the international competitiveness of industries in the context of industry assistance and the prevalence of foreign multinationals. Competition policy is also discussed.
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling

Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Intensive June,Semester 2,Semester 2a Classes: Six all day sessions Assumed knowledge: This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level Mathematics and understanding of basic statistics. Assessment: Project plus report (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces participants to the power of simulation modelling in understanding and predicting behaviour of natural systems. It covers fundamental concepts, logic, and techniques (including sensitivity analysis), and develops skills in application to environmental problems such as catchment management and population dynamics.
GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Peter Cowell Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and one three hour practical per week. Assumed knowledge: This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level mathematics and understanding of basic statistics. Assessment: Assignments (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit introduces methods associated with acquiring data in the field and examines issues associated with application of spatial data to environmental monitoring, terrain mapping and geocomputing. Students will learn both theoretically and practically how environmental data is collected using different remote sensing techniques, (pre)processing methods of integrating data in a GIS environment and the role of spatial data in understanding landscape processes and quantifying environmental change.
ECON5001 Microeconomic Theory

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x3hr lecture/week, 1x1hr non-compulsory online tutorial/week Prohibitions: ECON5003 or ECON5000 Assessment: Online quizzes equivalent to 1000wd (10%), 1x1.5hr Mid-semester test (35%), 1x2hr Final exam (55%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit presumes no prior exposure to economics and aims, by the end of the unit, to bring a proficiency equivalent to that of students with an intermediate level microeconomics unit in an Honours degree program. Many economic principles developed in this unit are routinely used in several other units in the program. Microeconomics studies how economic agents make choices in a variety of environments. The unit covers theory and applications of the principles of consumer choice, of firm behaviour, and of strategic interaction among economic agents. Equipped with these theories of decision making, students can address a range of interesting and important questions. Examples are: What market strategy should a firm adopt with its competitors? How might one create a market to deal with externalities such as pollution? What are the implications of different kinds of taxes? What compensation scheme will provide the right incentives to work?
PHYS5033 Environmental Footprints and IO Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Arne Geschke and Prof Manfred Lenzen Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2-hour lecture interspersed with hands-on exercises per week Assessment: Comprehensive diary/notes from lectures, including a quantitative example (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study will provide an introduction to economic input-output theory and input-output analysis, with a focus on environmental applications such as carbon footprints and life-cycle assessment. The unit first explores national and global economic and environmental accounting systems and their relationships to organisational accounting. Second, it will present global multi-regional input-output systems enabling the analysis of environmental impacts of international trade. Third, it will offer hands-on instruction to master the basic input-output calculus conceived by Nobel Prize Laureate Wassily Leontief, and provide a step-by-step recipe for how to undertake boundary-free environmental footprinting by integrating economic and environmental accounts, and by applying Leontief's calculus to data published by statistical offices. Students will walk away from this unit equipped with all skills needed to calculate footprints, and prepare sustainability reports for any organisation, city, region, or nation, using organisational data, economic input-output tables and environmental accounts. Students will also benefit from also enrolling in PHYS5034 for a sound understanding of the role of input-output analysis within the field of Life-Cycle Assessment.
SUST5001 Introduction to Sustainability

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tony Masters Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 2 to 2.5 hour interactive lecture per week presented in an intensive format with up to four hours per week spent on a combination of additional (e.g. on-line) learning tasks, small group sessions and consultation with lecturers. Assessment: Essays, oral presentations, short written assignments (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will introduce students to the concepts and multidisciplinary nature of sustainability, starting with the physical basis of climate change and its impact on the environment and human development. This will be followed by several case studies covering Energy, Health, Development and Environment. The case studies will be presented by industry professionals and will illustrate sustainability issues currently before Australia- their origins, impacts and industry responses. The unit of study will provide students with a holistic systems lens through which to view their learning throughout the Masters program. This will underpin understanding of the integrated nature of sustainability and facilitate the challenging of silo-based assumptions- their own and those of others. The intention is to ground understanding of complex systems in the real world through the use of case studies that will demonstrate organisational change and problem solving in a world with competing values and conflicting views of what it means to live sustainably. Students completing the unit of study will have a "sustainability tool kit" to apply to sustainability issues in their professional and community activities.