Outline

Overview

In the 21st century the population of the world will increase both in size and its expectation in terms of food, energy and consumer demands. Against this demand we have a planet in crisis where natural resources are degraded, biodiversity is diminishing and planetary cycles related to climate are reaching points of irreversible change. Management of our precious natural resources is a balancing act between production and conservation as always, but now we have to do this against a background of potential large scale changes in climate. In this unit students will gain an understanding of the key environmental challenges of the 21st century; namely food security, climate change, water security, biodiversity protection, ecosystems services and soil security. In the second half, using Australian case studies, we will explore how we manage different agro-ecosystems within their physical constraints around water, climate and soil, while considering linkages with the global environmental challenges. Management now, in the past and the future will be considered, with an emphasis on food production. This unit is recommended unit for students interested in gaining a broad overview of the environmental challenges of the 21st century, both globally and within Australia.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AGEN1002
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Liana Pozza, liana.pozza@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tina Louise Bell, tina.bell@sydney.edu.au
	Stephen Cattle, stephen.cattle@sydney.edu.au
	Liana Pozza, liana.pozza@sydney.edu.au
	William Salter, william.salter@sydney.edu.au
	Feike Dijkstra, feike.dijkstra@sydney.edu.au
	Willem Vervoort, willem.vervoort@sydney.edu.au
	Floris Van Ogtrop, floris.vanogtrop@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Supervised Exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Early Feedback Task In-class quiz on concepts learnt in weeks 1+2 #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Land system sub-group report Each sub-group reports on one land system process for their land system	10%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Sep 2024 at 23:59	Up to 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Arthursleigh fieldtrip report A report on vegetation, soil and water resources at "Arthursleigh"	25%	Week 10 Due date: 07 Oct 2024 at 23:59	Up to 13 pages, plus references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Opinion piece Write an opinion piece about an hypothetical agro-environmental issue	5%	Week 11 Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:59	Up to two pages
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Land system group presentation A Powerpoint presentation by members of each land system group	15%	Week 13	20 minutes per group
Outcomes assessed:

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: A short online quiz to be completed at the start of the week 3 practical. The quiz will assess student understanding of content covered in lectures and practicals of weeks one and two. Students are to complete this task individually.
Land system sub-group report: A written report summarising a chosen issue within your allocated land system group. This is a group assignment, with groups allocated within your practical class. Peer assesment may be used to adjust marks awarded to individuals.
Arthursleigh report: A report summarising the landscape features and current landuse at the property “Arthursleigh”, while analysing the effects of landuse change over the past 180 years on the vegetation, soil, and water resources of the property. Students are to complete and submit this task individually.
Opinion piece: A written piece reflecting your opinion on a given topic (topic to be confirmed). Students are to complete and submit this task individually.
Land system group presentation: As a group, each practical class will prepare and deliver a 12-minute PowerPoint presentation describing their allocated land system and associated changes to the conditions and functions of the land system into the future. Peer assesment may be used to adjust marks awarded to individuals.
Final Exam: The final exam will focus on lecture material and key concepts covered in practical classes. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit, will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a Viva Voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Further details of these assessment tasks, including rubrics where appropriate, will be posted to the Canvas site and announced during classes.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	This work shows excellent understanding of the topic and clear evidence of independent critical thought. It may contain blemishes, but these are compensated for by signs of high intellectual quality, especially clear, well-organised and forceful argument; reading and understanding beyond the set literature; and originality of approach.
Distinction	75 - 84	This work shows a very good understanding of the relevant content; the essay reflects independent thought; significantly it attempts to develop evaluative and critical arguments. Such arguments may be second-hand and/or they may be flawed, but a serious and sustained attempt at criticism has been made.
Credit	65 - 74	This work shows a clear understanding of the relevant material; it contains only small gaps or minor errors; reading has obviously gone beyond lecture material; there are signs of independent thought, and some attempt is made to evaluate arguments or develop critical arguments.
Pass	50 - 64	This work shows evidence of a satisfactory level of understanding of the relevant material; it may contain gaps, errors or other kinds of blemishes, but it is obvious that the student has read and digested material from lectures and/or set literature. The essay, however, is largely derivative – it simply reports the views of others - and little or no criticism or evaluation of arguments is attempted.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. There may be a significant amount of ‘parroting’ of material from lectures or tutorials or set reading, but this work shows little or no evidence of satisfactory understanding of the relevant content; it may contain either serious errors or major gaps in what is considered essential information.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date: * Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. * After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to land system group and QGIS	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 02	Climate change abatement	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Land system groups – climate trends for land systems	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	Water security	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Land system groups – water budget for land systems	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 04	Soil security and ecosystem services	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Land system groups – soil P budgets for land systems	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 05	Food security	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Land system groups – land system change	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 06	Biodiversity protection	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Land system groups – biodiversity loss, carbon sequestration in land systems	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 07	Australia: agro‐ecosystems overview	Lecture (2 hr)
	Whole class practical – gathering data for field trip location	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Weekend fieldtrip to "Arthursleigh", near Marulan in the Southern Tablelands of NSW	Field trip (14 hr)
Week 08	Australia: physical constraints; soil, water and climate	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Whole class practical – processing data from field trip	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 09	Case study: national parks and the forest estate	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Whole class practical – processing data from fieldtrip	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 10	Case study: the wheat‐sheep belt	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Whole class practical – writing an opinion piece	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 11	Case study: irrigation and wetlands	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Preparing for land system group presentations	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 12	Case study: rangelands	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Preparing for land system group presentations	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 13	The future of food production	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Land system group presentations	Presentation (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities, actively participate in group work tasks, and attend the weekend field trip to "Arthursleigh" as defined in the unit of study outline. Attendance in practical classes and on the field trip will be recorded. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the key global challenges around sustainable food production in the 21st century
LO2. relate the global challenges to an Australian context in terms of key agro-ecosystems
LO3. explain and calculate carbon, water and phosphorus budgets for agro-ecosystems
LO4. use GIS software to perform introductory spatial analysis
LO5. find, analyse, synthesise and reference information from multiple sources
LO6. write a scientific piece of writing
LO7. measure environmental (soil, water, plant, weather) properties in the field
LO8. work collaboratively in a group in a range of situations (field, computer laboratory and writing a report).

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We are grateful for all the feedback students have taken to provide us with as it helps make us aware of any issues and areas we can improve upon for the next year. In response to last year's student feedback, groups for the sub-group report will be established earlier in the semester so students have more time to make contact with each other. Students stated there were too many assignments, so we are hoping that the replacement of the climate report with the in-class Early Feedback Task may reduce student workload over the semester.

Additional information

While students may work on the University computers during their practical classes, all students are encouraged to download the freeware QGIS onto their own computers (Mac or PC) to allow them to refine their work from practical sessions.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Additional costs

There is a fee of $25 for the compulsory fieldtrip to partially offset accommodation and transport costs.

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

ENVI1003: Global Challenges: Food, Water, Climate

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect