20. Environmental Science coursework degrees
This chapter sets out the requirements for postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Environmental Science. A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees is listed.
The information in this chapter is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, collected variously in this chapter, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or online at
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar
Further information can be found on the Environmental Science website: http://www.usyd.edu.au/envisci.
Master of Environmental Science and Law
Degree Code: LC040
Course overview
The Master of Environmental Science and Law program is a novel concept of undertaking dual courses in the fields of both Science and Law. The program is unique and is not available elsewhere. It provides science graduates with the opportunity of extending their scientific knowledge into the area of the environment, as well as acquiring new skills in the field of environmental law. For law graduates, the opportunity is to extend their knowledge into environmental aspects of law, as well as to gain an understanding of some of the concepts underpinning environmental science.
Course outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Environmental Science and Law graduates will possess a practical and theoretical background in aspects of Environmental Science and Environmental Law. This knowledge includes research and practical skills in these areas. The program is designed to integrate disciplines which are normally considered separately and which would be difficult to study outside of the Master of Environmental Science and Law program.
Units of study
The table lists the units of study available within this degree. Other units are possible with the permission of the Director of Environmental Science.
Note: Law units of study are taught in intensive mode. Units offered change from time to time. Contact the Faculty of Law for a complete and up to date list.
Unit of study descriptions
Environmental Science and Law Units of Study 2009
ENVI5501 Environmental Research Project
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Meetings arranged with supervisor. Prerequisites: 24 credit points of study with a credit average or better Assessment: Written report and continuous assessment
Note: This unit of study is available only to students enrolled in AppSc(EnvSc)
A valuable opportunity to apply some of the knowledge gained from earlier coursework, ENVI5501 consists of a research project as arranged between you (the student) and an appropriate supervisor. The project topic may contain a field or laboratory component, or may be entirely literature-based. The only requirement is that the topic be of environmental emphasis, meaning that potential topics range from ecotourism to pollution detection and monitoring, erosion to solar power, environmental law to conservation biology. The topic must also be able to be completed within the timeframe of 16 weeks (one semester) of investigation, including the literature survey, sample and data collection, analysis of data and results, and write up of the report. This unit is not conducted by way of a number of contact hours per week for a semester. Instead, the student will work on the project full-time (aside from other study commitments) in a continuous manner for the entire duration (1 semester). Any student interested in taking ENVI5501 should contact the postgraduate advisor for Environmental Science to discuss their project and for help in selecting and appropriate supervisor.
ENVI5705 Ecolog Principles for Environ Scientists
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charlotte Taylor Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 3 hour lecture per week. Assessment: Assignment, presentation.
Note: This is a compulsory course for all levels of the postgraduate Applied Science (Environmental Science) program.
This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of modern ecology for environmental scientists so as to provide non-biologically trained persons an understanding of the nomenclature of ecology and the physical parameters represented.
ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chris Dey Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week and three field trips per semester. Assessment: Assignment, presentation and quiz
Environmental impacts of energy generation and use are addressed in this unit of study. Major topics include discussion of the various energy sources, global energy resources, the economics associated with energy production, the politics and culture that surrounds energy use, and the alternative sources of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy and atmospheric systems. This unit of study includes several field trips to energy utilities and industry groups associated with alternate energy sources and generation.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Gavin Birch Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures and one practical per week; one field trip per semester. Assessment: Assignment, presentation and report
Note: This is a compulsory course for the Grad Dip and Masters levels of the Applied Science (Environmental Science) program.
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry provides the basic chemical knowledge required to be able to understand chemical analysis of air, water and soil samples taken in the field. This is supplemented by a field-based project analysing soil and sediment samples for trace pollutants from locations in and around Sydney. This unit of study involves 4 contact hours per week for one semester as well as some time in the field as arranged with the class.
ENVI5808 App Ecology for Environmental Scientists
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Clare McArthur Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three 1 hour lectures per week. Assessment: Essays and presentations
Note: This is a compulsory unit for all levels of the postgraduate Applied Science (Environmental Science) program
This unit of study complements ENVI5705, and covers in depth the concerns of modern ecology pertaining to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. An understanding of the complex issues of invasive species, conservation of biodiversity and ecological management of the environment is provided.
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report
The concept and use of computer modelling in natural resource management is introduced in this unit of study, which is aimed particularly at non-programmers.
GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report
This unit of study gives an overview of basic spatial data models, and enables students to understand the import and export of data to and from a geographical information system (GIS). The manipulation of spatial data at a level appropriate to planning or locational applications, and the development of thematic maps from diverse data layers, will be addressed.
GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lectures, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks. Assumed knowledge: GEOG5001 Assessment: 2500 word assignment, seminar presentation, tutorial reports, WebCT quiz.
This course will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental issues. The course is designed to provide an understanding of spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social and physical environmental applications and address emerging issues in GIS research. A range of topics will be introduced including field based capture of spatial information, spatial data structures, surface modelling, visibility analysis, hydrological modeling, network analysis, spatial data uncertainty and social GIS.
Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.
Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.
WILD5001 Australasian Wildlife: Introduction
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Chris Dickman Session: S1 Intensive Classes: Intensively taught unit, the remainder of the unit will involve personal study and project activity. See the Wildlife Health and Population Management website for dates. Assessment: assessments for each unit may include practical work, field studies, student presentations and written reports
This unit of study provides an introduction to the wildlife of Australasia, an overview of the present status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to wildlife health and management, and on developing expertise in recognising and solving a broad range of problems in field populations. The unit integrates lectures, practical work and supervised study, and offers students the opportunity to work through real-world wildlife conservation problems relevant to their individual backgrounds.
WILD5002 Australasian Wildlife: Field Studies
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Chris Dickman Session: S1 Intensive Classes: Intensively taught unit. See the Wildlife Health and Population Management website for dates. Assessment: Assessments for each unit may include practical work, field studies, student presentations and written reports
This unit of study provides a first-hand introduction to the wildlife of Australasia, a practical overview of the present status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using sampling and diagnostic methods on a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. The unit follows on from WILD5001 and provides practical experience via a five day field trip.
LAWS6252 Legal Reasoning & the Common Law System
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Terry Carney (S1 Intensive - Group A), Dr Thalia Anthony (S1 Late Int - Group B), TBA (S2 Intensive - Group C) Session: S1 Intensive,S1 Late IntB,S2 Late IntA Classes: block/intensive Prohibitions: LAWS6881 Assessment: compulsory attendance/completion of workshops, 2x2500wd assignments (50% each)
Note: International candidates must enrol in the Week 1 intensive session of their first semester of study.
This is a compulsory unit for all postgraduate candidates who do not hold a degree in law entering the: Master of Administrative Law and Policy; Master of Environmental Law; Master of Environmental Science and Law; Master of Health Law; Master of International Business and Law; Master of Labour Law and Relations as well as Graduate Diplomas offered in these programs.
The unit has been designed to equip candidates with the necessary legal skills and legal knowledge to competently apply themselves in their chosen area of law. Instruction will cover the legislative process; the judiciary and specialist tribunals; precedent; court hierarchies; legal reasoning; constitutional law; administrative law; contracts; and torts. Some elements of the unit will be tailored in accordance with the requirements of the particular specialist programs.
The unit has been designed to equip candidates with the necessary legal skills and legal knowledge to competently apply themselves in their chosen area of law. Instruction will cover the legislative process; the judiciary and specialist tribunals; precedent; court hierarchies; legal reasoning; constitutional law; administrative law; contracts; and torts. Some elements of the unit will be tailored in accordance with the requirements of the particular specialist programs.
LAWS6044 Environmental Law and Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Adj Prof Gerry Bates Session: S1 Intensive,S2 Intensive Classes: block/intensive mode Corequisites: LAWS6252 or law degree from a common law jurisdiction Assessment: 2x4000wd essays (50% each)
Note: compulsory for all environmental law candidates
The aim of the unit is to introduce candidates to overarching themes in environmental law and policy as a foundation to their more detailed studies for the Environmental Law Program. This is an overview unit addressing a number of environmental issues at various levels of analysis; such as policy making, implementation of policy and dispute resolution. The unit covers the law and policy relating to environmental planning, environmental impact assessment, pollution and heritage. The concept of ecologically sustainable development and its implications for environmental law and policy is a continuing theme. The unit is designed to develop multi-dimensional thinking about environmental issues and the strategies needed to address them. The unit provides a broad background of the political and economic issues in so far as they are related to the legal issues involved.
LAWS6041 Environmental Dispute Resolution
This unit of study is not available in 2009
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Rosemary Lyster, Ms Kate Miles, Ms Nicola Franklin Session: S1 Late Int Classes: block/intensive mode Corequisites: Please refer to the Law Faculty Handbook for requirements specific to your course Assessment: 1x7000wd essay (80%) and class participation (20%)
This unit aims to explore the nature of environmental disputes and the means of resolving them. The means examined include judicial review, administrative appeals and public inquiries and non-adjudicative or consensual means such as mediation. Critical evaluation of the forms and limits of dispute resolution strategies, including appropriateness of each means in resolving different types of environmental disputes, will be explored. The unit involves the use of innovative teaching techniques: lectures will be alternated with small group workshops, mediation simulations, a public inquiry and a mock court-hearing. In addition to the lecturers, there are guest lecturers including (subject to availability) a Land and Environment Court judge, Commissioner of Inquiry, Senior Counsel and a trained mediator from the Land and Environment Court. Participation in the practical exercises is a compulsory condition of the unit.
LAWS6043 Environmental Impact Assessment Law
Credit points: 6 Session: S2 Late IntB Classes: block/intensive Assessment: 1x4000wd essay (50%) and 1xtake home exam (50%)
This unit has three fundamental aims. The first is to provide a sound analysis of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures in NSW and at the Commonwealth level. The second aim is to develop a critical understanding of EIA as a distinctive regulatory device by examining its historical, ethical and political dimensions as well as relevant aspects of legal theory. The third and ultimate aim is to combine these doctrinal and theoretical forms of knowledge so we can suggest possible improvements to the current practice of EIA in Australia.
LAWS6045 Environmental Planning Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Nicola Franklin, Dr Andrew Edgar Session: S1 Late IntC Classes: block/intensive Assessment: 1x4000wd essay (50%) and 1x4000wd problem-based assignment (50%)
This unit examines the legal and institutional structures in New South Wales for land-use regulation and the resolution of land-use conflicts. The focus is on environmental planning, development control and environmental impact assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) and cognate legislation. The unit provides an opportunity to explore contemporary urban issues, such as urban consolidation and infrastructure funding. Federal interest in the cities is also examined. While an important aim of the unit is to provide candidates with an understanding of the New South Wales environmental planning system, the unit also aims to develop the capacity to evaluate environmental policies and programs through exploring theoretical perspectives on the function of environmental planning. The unit will critically evaluate the function and design of environmental planning systems and the legal ambit of planning discretion. Significant influences, such as escalating environmental and social concerns about our cities, will be discussed, together with an evaluation of processes and forums for public involvement in land-use policy and decision making. A good grounding in this area will be of assistance to candidates undertaking other units in the Environmental Law Program.
LAWS6055 Heritage Law
This unit of study is not available in 2009
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Ben Boer Session: S2 Late Int Classes: block/intensive mode Corequisites: Please refer to the Law Faculty Handbook for requirements specific to your course Assessment: 1x4000wd research paper (50%) and 1xproblem assignment (50%) Practical field work: field trip
This unit focuses on the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, including intangible heritage, underwater heritage and Australian Aboriginal heritage. International, national, state and local regimes for heritage conservation are looked at and put into the context of broader environmental decision making. The unit aims to bring together a range of interdisciplinary strands in archaeology, anthropology, cultural and natural history, art, architecture and urban planning, and to weave them into a framework for the legal protection of world, national, state and local heritage. An integral component of the unit is field trip to areas of relevance to cultural and natural heritage conservation, focusing on northern New South Wales. Places to be studied include various towns and sites on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and on local government heritage lists, as well as habitats of threatened species and ecological communities and World Heritage areas listed under the relevant Commonwealth and State legislation. The field trip provides a unique opportunity to understand how principles of international and domestic law are implemented locally. The field trip component will be arranged in conjunction with the field trip for LAWS6165 Biodiversity Law. Candidates are encouraged to take both units of study; they are designed to complement each other closely.
Textbooks
A book of reading materials and a field trip manual will be prepared and distributed
LAWS6061 International Environmental Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Ben Boer Session: S1 Late IntB Classes: block/intensive mode Assessment: 1x2500wd problem-based assignment (30%) and 1x5500wd essay (70%)
This unit aims to provide candidates with an overview of the development of international environmental law throughout the twentieth century. Attention will primarily be devoted to the international law and policy responses to global and regional environmental and resource management issues. Basic principles will be discussed prior to taking a sectoral approach in looking at the application of international environmental law in specific issue areas. The unit includes material on implementation of international environmental law in the Asia Pacific region. Relevant Australian laws and initiatives will be referred to from time to time. The focus is on law and policy that has been applied to deal with environmental problems in an international and transboundary context.
LAWS6081 Natural Resources Law
This unit of study is not available in 2009
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Gerry Bates Session: S1 Late Int Classes: block/intensive mode 4-5 days (9am-5pm). See timetable. Corequisites: LAWS6252 and LAWS6044 for MEL, GradDipEnvLaw and MEnvSciLaw candidates Assessment: 1xproblem-based 4000wd assignment (50%) and 1x4000wd essay (50%)
This unit examines the conflicts over the use and conservation of natural resources and how they can be resolved through legal and other mechanisms. Commonwealth and State arrangements on topics such as forestry, mining, agriculture, soil and water use, national parks, Aboriginal land rights, fisheries and tourism are selectively examined, drawing on the international context where necessary. The unit aims to familiarise students with debates over resource management and the role of various government sectors in these debates. The theme of ecologically sustainable development is explored throughout the unit, emphasizing the need to generate specific legal and other strategies to address the concerns of government, the private sector and conservation groups for each specific resource area.
LAWS6082 Pollution Law
This unit of study is not available in 2009
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Nicola Franklin (Co-ordinator), Dr Gerry Bates Session: S2 Late Int Classes: block/intensive mode 4-5 days (9am-5pm). See timetable. Prerequisites: (LAWS6252 or LAWS6881 for GradDipPubHL candidates) and (LAWS6252 and LAWS6044 for MEL, GradDipEnvLaw and MEnvSciLaw candidates) Assessment: 1xproblem-based 4000wd assignment (50%) and 1x4000wd essay (50%)
This unit examines approaches to pollution prevention and control, with particular emphasis on regulation and enforcement. Compliance, deterrence and incentive strategies are evaluated, as is corporate environmental responsibility and accountability. The unit includes a study of environmental standards, permitting and land-use controls, administrative and civil enforcement, prosecution discretion and criminal and civil liability. Overarching themes are precaution and prevention, integrated pollution control, and community right to know and participate. The legislative and administrative framework that is studied is that of New South Wales, although comparisons are made with other jurisdictions. The federal dimension, including implementation of the Inter-governmental Agreement on the Environment, in particular Schedule 4, is discussed.
LAWS6141 Asia Pacific Environmental Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Nicola Franklin, Assoc Prof Heng Session: S2 Late IntB Classes: block/intensive Assessment: 1x7000wd essay (80%) and class participation (20%)
In this unit, the environmental legal systems and environmental management regimes of selected countries and groups of countries in the Asia Pacific will be studied against the background of relevant international and regional environmental law and administration. Unit topics will be divided into four sub-regions: Pacific Island Developing Countries; South East Asia Region (ASEAN and Mekong countries); North Asian Region (Japan, People's Republic of China); West Asian Region (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation [SAARC] Countries). In relation to each region, the implications of the international and regional environmental law framework will be explored, followed by case studies involving issues such as biodiversity, natural resources and environmental planning; industrial pollution; environmental impact assessment; climate change; legal and institutional arrangements for environmental management.
LAWS6154 Sustainable Development Law in China
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Nicola Franklin, Prof Ben Boer Session: S1 Late Int Classes: block/intensive at Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China Assessment: 1x15000wd research paper (100%)
Note: For further travel information, please visit www.law.usyd.edu.au/accel/index.shtml or contact Law.Accel@usyd.edu.au
This 12 credit point unit comprises an intensive series of lectures and field trips in Shanghai, People's Republic of China, followed by supervised research. The location for lectures is Shanghai Jiaotong University. The unit is designed to: introduce the legal and institutional framework of environmental law and policy in China; and encourage comparative and jurisprudential studies of Chinese environmental law and policy.
The lectures and field trips are undertaken over a period of two weeks. The unit is taught principally by Chinese academics at Shanghai Jiaotong University. Candidates are given an introduction to Chinese law and the Chinese legal system before embarking on a study of Chinese environmental law. Field trips are included. It is likely that there will be a visit to the State Environment Protection Authority and to Huangshan, a World Heritage area.
The lectures and field trips are undertaken over a period of two weeks. The unit is taught principally by Chinese academics at Shanghai Jiaotong University. Candidates are given an introduction to Chinese law and the Chinese legal system before embarking on a study of Chinese environmental law. Field trips are included. It is likely that there will be a visit to the State Environment Protection Authority and to Huangshan, a World Heritage area.
LAWS6163 Energy and Climate Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Rosemary Lyster Session: S1 Late IntC Classes: block/intensive Prohibitions: LAWS6863 Assessment: class participation (20%) and 1x7000wd essay (80%)
Note: This unit replaced LAWS6163 Energy Law
This unit adopts an inter-disciplinary and integrative approach to understanding the dynamics of one of the most pressing global environmental concerns ecologically sustainable energy use. Working loosely within the framework of the Climate Change Convention, the unit relies on the perspectives of scientists, lawyers and economists to develop an integrated approach to sustainable energy use. The unit identifies current patterns of energy use in Australia and examines Australia's response to the Climate Change Convention. It also analyses the strengths and weaknesses of various political, legal and economic mechanisms for influencing the choice of energy use. The initiatives of the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments, as well as local councils, to promote sustainable energy use and to combat global warming are scrutinised.
LAWS6165 Biodiversity Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Adj Prof Brian Preston, Ms Susan Shearing Session: S2 Late IntB Classes: block/intensive Assessment: 1x8000wd research paper (100%) Practical field work: field trip
The unit takes an interdisciplinary approach to the conservation of biodiversity. Key concepts in ecology are explained to provide a foundation for the legal framework. This framework is examined at international, national, and state levels, in terms of conventions and legislation, as well as policy and organisations. The legal framework is explored both by analysing the proper purpose, scope and effect of the laws, as well as how they work in practice. The latter is achieved by lectures and field exercises assisted by officers of government agencies, including State Forests, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. An integral component of the unit is a field trip to areas of relevance to biodiversity conservation, focusing on northern New South Wales. Areas to be studied include habitats of threatened species and ecological communities and World Heritage areas listed under the relevant Commonwealth and State legislation. Field studies provide a unique opportunity to understand how principles of international and domestic law are implemented locally. The field trip component will be arranged in conjunction with the field trip for LAWS6055 Heritage Law (if offered). Candidates are encouraged to take both units of study; they are designed to complement each other closely.
Textbooks
a book of reading materials and a field trip manual will be prepared and distributed
LAWS6191 Water Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Rosemary Lyster Session: S1 Late IntB Classes: block/intensive Assessment: 1x7000wd essay (80%) and class participation (20%)
This unit examines the ecologically sustainable management of water resources incorporating legal, scientific and economic perspectives. The legal analysis incorporates the following: international principles of water law; Commonwealth and state responsibilities for water management; the Water Management Act 2000 (NSW); the legal and constitutional implications of the reallocation of rights to use water; the implications of allocation and use for Indigenous people; the regulation of water pollution; and the corporatisation and privatisation of water utilities. Case studies from a number of jurisdictions are used to explore these themes. Economic perspectives include the impact of National Competition Policy on water law while the principles of sustainable water management are discussed within a scientific paradigm.
LAWS6257 Public Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Patricia Apps Session: S2 Late IntB Classes: block/intensive Prohibitions: LAWS6139, LAWS6042, LAWS6113 Assessment: 1xresearch essay (90%), 1x problem based assignment and class presentation of a case study (10%)
Note: compulsory for MALP candidates
The aim of the unit is to provide an understanding of the role of government policy within the analytical framework of welfare economics. Questions of central interest include: What are the conditions that justify government intervention? How can policies be designed to support basic principles of social justice? What kinds of reforms promote economic efficiency?
Applications will range from taxation and social security to environmental regulation and protection, and will cover the following specific topics: The structure of the Australian tax-benefit system; Uncertainty and social insurance; Unemployment, health and retirement income insurance; Externalities, environmental taxes and tradeable permits; Monopoly and environmental regulation; Utility pricing and access problems; Cost benefit analysis, intergenerational equity and growth.
The unit will provide an overview of the main empirical methodologies used in evaluating policy reforms in these areas. Candidates may select to specialise in one or more of the policy areas.
Applications will range from taxation and social security to environmental regulation and protection, and will cover the following specific topics: The structure of the Australian tax-benefit system; Uncertainty and social insurance; Unemployment, health and retirement income insurance; Externalities, environmental taxes and tradeable permits; Monopoly and environmental regulation; Utility pricing and access problems; Cost benefit analysis, intergenerational equity and growth.
The unit will provide an overview of the main empirical methodologies used in evaluating policy reforms in these areas. Candidates may select to specialise in one or more of the policy areas.
LAWS6833 European Environmental Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Adj Prof Gerry Bates Session: S1 Late IntC Classes: block/intensive Assessment: 1x8000wd research essay (100%)
This unit examines fundamental concepts that govern environmental law in the European Union and how environmental policy is developed and translated into the domestic laws of countries that form the EU. The influences at work behind the formulation of environmental policy, and therefore of environmental law, is explored. The unit also examines environmental democracy in the EU and implementation and enforcement of EU environmental laws. Areas of environmental law that are covered include environmental assessment, biodiversity, integrated pollution prevention and control, the European Climate Change Programme, and waste management. The unit encourages comparative analysis between the formation and implementation of environmental law in the EU and the Australian federal environmental law system.
Resolutions
Resolutions
Master of Environmental Science and Law (MEnvSci and Law)
1.1.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB); or
1.1.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.1.
2.1
The units of study for the Master of Environmental Science and Law are listed in the Table associated with these resolutions.
3.1
Candidates for the Master of Environmental Science and Law are required to complete satisfactorily 48 credit points selected from units of study approved by the Faculties of Science and Law including:
4.1
The units of study for the Master of Environmental Science and Law are listed in the following table:
|
Unit of study |
|
|---|---|
|
Unless otherwise indicated, all units are worth 6 credit points |
|
|
Core units |
|
|
LAWS6252 |
Legal Reasoning and Common Law System |
|
LAWS6044 |
Environmental Law and Policy |
|
Science Units (* = recommended) |
|
|
ENVI5501 |
Environmental Research Project (12cp) |
|
ENVI5705* |
Ecological Principles for Environmental Scientists |
|
ENVI5707 |
Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives |
|
ENVI5708* |
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
|
ENVI5808* |
Applied Ecology for Environmental Scientists |
|
ENVI5809 |
Computer Modelling and Resource Management |
|
GEOG5001 |
Geographic Information Science A |
|
GEOG5002 |
Geographic Information Science B |
|
WILD5001 |
Australasian Wildlife: Introduction |
|
WILD5002 |
Australasian Wildlife: Field Studies |
|
Law units (# = offered every second year) |
|
| LAWS6041 | Environmental Dispute Resolution |
| LAWS6042 | Environmental Economics |
|
LAWS6043 |
Environmental Impact Assessment Law |
|
LAWS6045 |
Environmental Planning Law |
| LAWS6055 | Heritage Law |
| LAWS6081 | Integrated Natural Resources Management |
|
LAWS6061 |
International Environmental Law |
|
LAWS6082# |
Pollution Law |
| LAWS6154 | Sustainable Development Law in China |
| LAWS6163 | Energy Law |
|
LAWS6165 |
Biodiversity Law |
| LAWS6186 | Native Title - Co-Existence Perspectives |
|
LAWS6191# |
Water Law |
|
LAWS6257 |
Public Policy |
4.2
A candidate for the course shall proceed by completing units of study as prescribed by the Faculty.
4.3
A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed.
4.7
The Dean may allow substitution of any unit of study by another unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the Faculties of Science and Law, or elsewhere in the University.
6.1
Cross-institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Science and Law except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.
7.3
In considering an application for admission to candidature the Dean shall take account of the quota and will select, in preference, applicants who are most meritorious in terms of subsection 1 above.
8.1
A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course.
8.2
Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.
10.1
A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.
11.1
Candidates for the Master of Environmental Science and Law shall be governed by the rule as follows:
11.1.1
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Science and Law will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be terminated and the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
12.1
A candidate for the Master of Environmental Science and Law shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of ten semesters, and except with permission of the Faculty, within six calendar years of admission to candidature.
13.1
A candidate may be tested by written and oral examinations, assignments, exercises and practical work or any combination of these.
13.2
On completion of the requirements for the degree, the Dean shall determine the results of the candidature.
14.1
A candidate who, before admission to candidature, has spent time in graduate study and, within the previous three years, has completed coursework considered by the Faculty to be equivalent to units of study prescribed for the degree, for which no award has been conferred, may receive credit of up to 12 credit points towards the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Science and Law.
Environmental Science Applied Science degrees
Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science)
Degree Code: LC033
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science)
Degree Code: LF020
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science)
Degree Code: LG004
Further information can be found on the Environmental Science website: www.usyd.edu.au/envsci
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science) and Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science) are articulated coursework programs that allow a large degree of flexibility in the depth at which studies are undertaken and the choice of subjects studied. Some of the major themes addressed include environmental sciences, environmental politics and law, project evaluation and assessment, decision making and conflict resolution.
Course outcomes
The articulated award program in Environmental Science is designed for both recent graduates wishing to obtain employment in the environmental field and for graduates already working in an environmental sphere who are interested in gaining either a formal qualification in environmental science or additional information about related areas of environmental science.
Environmental managers and scientists are increasingly finding that they need to have a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base and the ability to be flexible and innovative in their application of such knowledge. Thus the aim of this award program is to provide students with the ability to solve environmental problems that require the integration of knowledge from diverse disciplines. Emphasis is placed on studies which span several disciplines, adaptive problem solving, and the development of new skills and expertise.
Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates will possess a practical and theoretical background in some of the basic aspects of environmental science. This can be supplemented and extended upon completion of the graduate diploma, and extended further to include research and practical skills upon completion of the master's program. Students completing the full postgraduate program will have a solid grounding in all basic areas of environmental science, enabling them to understand the environmental problems that can arise and the disparate solutions that can be applied to solve such problems, and to comprehend all aspects of environmental assessment.
Graduates of the Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science) who have completed the 12cp Research Project ENVI5501 are eligible to apply for admission to a research degree (MSc, MSc (Environmental Science) or PhD).
Units of study
The table lists the units of study available within this degree.
Not all units of study may be available every semester. The faculty may allow substitution of any unit of study by an approved unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the faculty or elsewhere in the University.
Unit of study descriptions
Environmental Science units of study
Core units of study
ENVI5705 Ecolog Principles for Environ Scientists
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charlotte Taylor Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 3 hour lecture per week. Assessment: Assignment, presentation. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: This is a compulsory course for all levels of the postgraduate Applied Science (Environmental Science) program.
This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of modern ecology for environmental scientists so as to provide non-biologically trained persons an understanding of the nomenclature of ecology and the physical parameters represented.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Gavin Birch Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures and one practical per week; one field trip per semester. Assessment: Assignment, presentation and report Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: This is a compulsory course for the Grad Dip and Masters levels of the Applied Science (Environmental Science) program.
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry provides the basic chemical knowledge required to be able to understand chemical analysis of air, water and soil samples taken in the field. This is supplemented by a field-based project analysing soil and sediment samples for trace pollutants from locations in and around Sydney. This unit of study involves 4 contact hours per week for one semester as well as some time in the field as arranged with the class.
ENVI5808 App Ecology for Environmental Scientists
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Clare McArthur Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three 1 hour lectures per week. Assessment: Essays and presentations Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: This is a compulsory unit for all levels of the postgraduate Applied Science (Environmental Science) program
This unit of study complements ENVI5705, and covers in depth the concerns of modern ecology pertaining to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. An understanding of the complex issues of invasive species, conservation of biodiversity and ecological management of the environment is provided.
ENVI5904 Understanding Environmental Uncertainty
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Ross Coleman Session: Semester 2 Classes: One three hour lecture per week for 8 weeks. Assessment: Tutorials, oral presentations and written reports. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
No assessment of potential environmental impacts is possible without relevant information about the ecological consequences. This unit is for those without a science degree, to explain the need to quantify and what are relevant measures. Describing and understanding uncertainty will be explained in the context of precautionary principles. Issues about measuring biodiversity and the spatial and temporal problems of ecological systems will be introduced.
Optional units of study
ENVI5707 Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chris Dey Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week and three field trips per semester. Assessment: Assignment, presentation and quiz Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Environmental impacts of energy generation and use are addressed in this unit of study. Major topics include discussion of the various energy sources, global energy resources, the economics associated with energy production, the politics and culture that surrounds energy use, and the alternative sources of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy and atmospheric systems. This unit of study includes several field trips to energy utilities and industry groups associated with alternate energy sources and generation.
ENVI5801 Social Science of Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr P McManus Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hrs lectures and 2 hrs tutorials per week plus directed reading. The unit runs for weeks 1-7 Assessment: essay and seminar presentation Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides both a conceptual and an empirical foundation for the analysis of relationships between society, the environment and natural resources. Contexts for application of social science concepts to the environment include climate change, water resources management, forest issues and urban environmental quality. Students will deal with both broad theoretical approaches to the societal analysis of relationships between people and the environment, for example political ecology, and with specific themes including the sociological basis of collective action, property relations, resource tenure, decentralisation, participatory approaches to environmental and natural resource management, and systems of knowledge. The unit pays particular attention to the implications of heterogeneous and competing interests for environmental and natural resource management and explores ways of dealing with diverse stakeholder interests. Empirical material is drawn from various countries, with special emphasis on Southeast Asia and Australia. The aim of the unit is to provide conceptual tools that will be used in other units of study within the program and for application in analysis of resource and environmental management issues faced in real world decision-making contexts. The unit will draw on the professional experience and agency roles of participants. The unit is taught through a combination of lectures and reading-based seminars.
ENVI5803 Law and the Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Gerry Bates Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lectures per week. Assessment: Essays Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study provides an overview of Australian and international law as it pertains to the environment. It looks at a number of environmental issues at the various levels of analysis, policy making, implementation of policy and dispute resolution. It also provides a broad background to political and economic issues as they related to the legal issues. This unit of study involves lecture material and an essay on policy issues.
ENVI5805 The Urban Environment and Planning
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Dee Session: Semester 1 Classes: Eight lectures and eight 2 hour seminars per semester Assessment: Report and short research paper Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The aim of this unit of study is to introduce the concepts and procedures which are relevant to the application of scientific analysis to the formulation of urban and regional development policy and strategies.
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The concept and use of computer modelling in natural resource management is introduced in this unit of study, which is aimed particularly at non-programmers.
ENVI5903 Sustainable Development
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Phil McManus Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 2 hour lectures per week for seven weeks. Assessment: Essay and presentation Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study demonstrates the history and contested understandings of the concept of sustainable development. It applies these concepts to explore important environmental science issues such as population, water management sustainable cities, rural development, industrial ecology, and energy issues. The unit concludes by presenting a range of future scenarios and encouraging students to develop their own vision of sustainability at the global and other scales, and to communicate their means of achieving this sustainability vision.
ENVI5905 Management of Parks
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Deirdre Dragovich Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lectures 2hrs for 6 weeks, Practical work 3 hrs for 3 wks, Fieldwork 21 hrs (2.5 days), Total / week 7 hrs average Assessment: A prac report, assignment, one 1hr exam Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study evaluates the reasons for the existence of parks, including National Parks, recreational spaces and reserves, and examines the applied aspects of their management. Topics covered include conservation, ecotourism, plans of management and their implementation (with particular emphasis on the remediation of the impacts of visitor numbers and erosion), fire control practices and resource management. Students will visit various parks within the Sydney region (such as the Royal National Park, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore, Jenolan Caves Reserve and Centennial Park) that highlight the different issues introduced in lectures and which illustrate the practical measures undertaken to manage the parks in a sustainable fashion.
Textbooks
A Course Handbook will be provided.
GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study gives an overview of basic spatial data models, and enables students to understand the import and export of data to and from a geographical information system (GIS). The manipulation of spatial data at a level appropriate to planning or locational applications, and the development of thematic maps from diverse data layers, will be addressed.
GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lectures, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks. Assumed knowledge: GEOG5001 Assessment: 2500 word assignment, seminar presentation, tutorial reports, WebCT quiz. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This course will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental issues. The course is designed to provide an understanding of spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social and physical environmental applications and address emerging issues in GIS research. A range of topics will be introduced including field based capture of spatial information, spatial data structures, surface modelling, visibility analysis, hydrological modeling, network analysis, spatial data uncertainty and social GIS.
Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.
Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.
GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Cowell Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and one three hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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.
GEOS5501 Human Rights and the Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Robert Fisher Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour seminar per week and 4 hours per week personal study Assessment: 3000 word essay 70%, Seminar paper 30% Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This core unit of study addresses the nexus between human rights and the environment. The unit has a geographical focus on Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Human rights and environmental concerns intersect in diverse and complex ways. Rights to a healthy environment and rights to resources forge a common cause between human rights advocates and environmental activists. Projects such as dams and mines have on-site and wider environmental impacts that displace marginal groups and impact on their rights to livelihood. On the other hand, creation of protected areas and other forms of environmental protection that alienate indigenous and other groups from their customary land and livelihoods create an uneasy relationship between human rights and environmental movements. Public and private access to urban space is also bound up with rights around race, sexuality and class. There are also human rights issues associated with climate change, the fate of South Pacific islands and environmental refugees. The unit of study deals with the human rights -- environment nexus around such themes through a series of lectures, seminars and case study based assignment work.
ENGG5601 Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Ian Jones I.Jones@civil.usyd.edu.au Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hour lecture and a tutorial each week. Offered every year Assessment: Assignments and final examination Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Unit Administration: WebCT
Graduate unit of study designed for environmental engineering students, either M.E.S. or Grad. Cert. of GHG Mitigation
Keywords: Greenhouse science, energy efficiency, carbon sinks, climate change amelioration
Objectives: To develop an understanding of, the significance of carbon dioxide in climate; the role of increasing fossil fuel energy conversion efficiency; the international framework for carbon sinks; the size, cost, potential and nature of terrestrial and oceanic sinks of carbon; the amelioration of the impacts of climate change.
Outcomes: Students will be able to make recommendations of the most cost effective approach to enterprises meeting carbon dioxide limits expected to be imposed as a result of the Kyoto Protocol.
Keywords: Greenhouse science, energy efficiency, carbon sinks, climate change amelioration
Objectives: To develop an understanding of, the significance of carbon dioxide in climate; the role of increasing fossil fuel energy conversion efficiency; the international framework for carbon sinks; the size, cost, potential and nature of terrestrial and oceanic sinks of carbon; the amelioration of the impacts of climate change.
Outcomes: Students will be able to make recommendations of the most cost effective approach to enterprises meeting carbon dioxide limits expected to be imposed as a result of the Kyoto Protocol.
Textbooks
P. Riemer, A. Smith, K. Thambimuthu (1998). Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, Elsevier, Amsterdam. pp777.
MARS5006 Coral Reefs, Science and Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: University base delivery: Prefield trip Tutorial (1 hr), On-line exercises (2 hr)
Field based delivery: Lectures (11 x 1 hr), Seminars (4 x 1 hr), Tutorials - individual consultations to develop concepts in research (2 x 1 hr), Independent Research an Assessment: Written assignments: essay and project report; oral presentations; seminar and lecture participation. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Field Experience
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit provides an in - depth overview of the key biological and non-biological processes that make up coral reef ecosystems. There is a focus on the biogeographic, oceanographic and physiological processes underlying the integrity of global tropical reef systems. The Great Barrier Reef is used as a case study to explore emerging concepts on the influence of natural and anthropogenic processes on the integrity of global reef and lagoon systems. Learning activities will include a series of background lectures and research seminars and tutorials in the development of a major research project. A major aspect of this unit is an independent research project conducted under the supervision of the course instructors. The unit concludes with a series of oral presentations based on student research. Assessment tasks will consist of two essays and a research project report and presentation. The curriculum in this unit is based on current research and a course book will be provided. This is a field intensive course held at One Tree Island Research Station or Heron Island Research Station. The course is ex-Gladstone Queensland and students are expected to make their own way there. This unit will be run over 8 days and there will be an additional course fee for food and accommodation, expected to be $600.
NTMP5005 Tropical Coastal Management
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Belinda McMillen (course contact) Session: Semester 2 Classes: Fieldschool 80 hours intensive. Corequisites: MARS5002 and MARS5003 Prohibitions: NTMP3005 Assessment: Presentation, teamwork, assignment, 1 hr exam Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: department permission required for enrolment
This course examines the impacts of human activities on coastal and marine environments. It explores the complex relationships among the ecological and social values of these environments and outlines strategies and tools for their management. This is an intensive course that will be held at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station, North Stradbroke Island.
Textbooks
Handouts provided.
WILD5001 Australasian Wildlife: Introduction
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Chris Dickman Session: S1 Intensive Classes: Intensively taught unit, the remainder of the unit will involve personal study and project activity. See the Wildlife Health and Population Management website for dates. Assessment: assessments for each unit may include practical work, field studies, student presentations and written reports Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study provides an introduction to the wildlife of Australasia, an overview of the present status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to wildlife health and management, and on developing expertise in recognising and solving a broad range of problems in field populations. The unit integrates lectures, practical work and supervised study, and offers students the opportunity to work through real-world wildlife conservation problems relevant to their individual backgrounds.
WILD5002 Australasian Wildlife: Field Studies
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Chris Dickman Session: S1 Intensive Classes: Intensively taught unit. See the Wildlife Health and Population Management website for dates. Assessment: Assessments for each unit may include practical work, field studies, student presentations and written reports Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study provides a first-hand introduction to the wildlife of Australasia, a practical overview of the present status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using sampling and diagnostic methods on a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. The unit follows on from WILD5001 and provides practical experience via a five day field trip.
Optional units (Masters students only)
ENVI5501 Environmental Research Project
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Meetings arranged with supervisor. Prerequisites: 24 credit points of study with a credit average or better Assessment: Written report and continuous assessment Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: This unit of study is available only to students enrolled in AppSc(EnvSc)
A valuable opportunity to apply some of the knowledge gained from earlier coursework, ENVI5501 consists of a research project as arranged between you (the student) and an appropriate supervisor. The project topic may contain a field or laboratory component, or may be entirely literature-based. The only requirement is that the topic be of environmental emphasis, meaning that potential topics range from ecotourism to pollution detection and monitoring, erosion to solar power, environmental law to conservation biology. The topic must also be able to be completed within the timeframe of 16 weeks (one semester) of investigation, including the literature survey, sample and data collection, analysis of data and results, and write up of the report. This unit is not conducted by way of a number of contact hours per week for a semester. Instead, the student will work on the project full-time (aside from other study commitments) in a continuous manner for the entire duration (1 semester). Any student interested in taking ENVI5501 should contact the postgraduate advisor for Environmental Science to discuss their project and for help in selecting and appropriate supervisor.
RESP5001 Fundamentals of Research
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof D Dragovich Session: Semester 1a,Semester 2a Assessment: Three 1000 word reports, oral presentation Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit will provide research training for students wishing to undertake research at a Masters or PhD level. Students will revise or develop the necessary skills for commencing a research degree, including critical reading, developing the thesis proposal, developing a research plan with timelines and benchmarks, critical writing, library search techniques, use of referencing systems like EndNote, working with a supervisor, and matters relating to intellectual property and authorship.
Resolutions
Resolutions
Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science)
1.1.1.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;
1.1.1.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.1.1; or
1.1.1.3
persons who have experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the units of study;
1.1.2.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;
1.1.2.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.2.1; or
1.1.2.3
persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, or equivalent;
1.1.3.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;
1.1.3.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.3.1; or
1.1.3.3
persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science, or equivalent.
2.1
The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science), and Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science), are listed in subsection 4.1.
2.2
Credit point value, assumed knowledge, corequisites, prerequisites and any special conditions are included under unit of study descriptions.
3.
Requirements for Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science) (GradCertApplSc(EnvSc)); Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science) (GradDipApplSc(EnvSc)); Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science) (MApplSc(EnvSc))
3.1
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science) are required to satisfactorily complete 24 credit points of units of study including one of two core units of study (ENVI5708 or 5808) and 18 credit points from the optional units of study.
3.2
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science) are required to satisfactorily complete three core units of study (ENVI5705 and ENVI5808 and either ENVI5708 or ENVI5904), and 18 credit points from optional units of study.
3.3
Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science) are required to satisfactorily complete three core units of study (ENVI5705 and ENVI5808 and either ENVI5708 or ENVI5904), and 30 credit points from optional units of study.
3.3.1
Masters candidates may only enrol in ENVI5501 after completing 24 credit points of study with a credit average or better, subject to availability of supervision.
4.1
The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science), and Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science), are listed in the following table.
|
Units of Study |
|
|---|---|
|
Unless otherwise indicated, all units are worth 6 credit points |
|
| ENVI5705 | Ecological Principles for Environmental Sciences |
| ENVI5707 | Energy – Sources, Uses and Alternatives |
| ENVI5708 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
| ENVI5801 | Social Science of Environment |
| ENVI5803 | Law and the Environment |
| ENVI5805 | The Urban Environment and Planning |
| ENVI5808 | App Ecology for Environmental Scientists |
| ENVI5809 | Environmental Simulation Modelling |
| ENVI5903 | Sustainable Development |
| ENVI5904 | Understanding Environmental Uncertainty |
| ENVI5905 | Management of Parks |
| GEOG5001 | Geographic Information Science A |
| GEOG5002 | Geographic Information Science B |
| GEOG5004 | Environmental Mapping and Monitoring |
| GEOS5501 | Human Rights and the Environment |
| ENGG5601 | Greenhouse Gas Mitigation |
| NTMP5005 | Tropical Coastal Management |
| MARS5006 | Coral Reefs, Science & Management |
|
For Masters students only: |
|
| ENVI5501 | Environmental Research Project (12cp) |
| RESP5001 | Fundamentals of Research |
4.2
A candidate for the course shall proceed by completing units of study as prescribed by the Faculty.
4.3
A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed.
4.6
The Dean may allow substitution of any unit of study by another unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the Faculty or elsewhere in the University.
4.7
The Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science) shall be awarded in two grades, namely Pass and, in the case of an outstanding candidate, Pass with Merit.
6.1
Cross institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and Master of Applied Science courses, except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.
7.3
In considering an application for admission to candidature the Dean shall take account of the quota and will select, in preference, applicants who are most meritorious in terms of section 2 above.
8.1
A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course.
8.2
Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.
10.1
A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.
11.1
Candidates for the Master of Applied Science, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science, and the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, shall be governed by the rules as follows:
11.1.1
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science;
11.1.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science;
11.1.3
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of more than 18 credit points in the Master of Applied Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.3.1
A student who has failed a core unit at the second attempt in the Master of Applied Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol.
12.1
A candidate for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of one semester and a maximum enrolment of four semesters.
12.2
A candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of two semesters and a maximum enrolment of six semesters.
12.3
A candidate for the Master of Applied Science shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of eight semesters.
13.1
On completion of the requirements for the course, the Faculty shall determine the results of the candidature.
14.1
Credit is not available in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and Master of Applied Science for postgraduate study which has not been undertaken in these award courses within the previous three years.
14.2
A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science may transfer, within three years, to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and receive credit for up to 24 credit points from the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science.