Skip to main content
Unit outline_

ENVI2922: Environmental Governance and Assessment (Adv)

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

ENVI2922 Environmental Governance and Assessment (Advanced) introduces students to the legal, economic and impact assessment tools involved in regulating human impacts on the environment and asks students to apply them in relation to an actual environmental issue in Australia. Building on conceptual understandings of the environment, environmental issues and critical thought developed in first year, students navigate environmental and ecological economic thought and connects this to impacts. In the latter part of the semester the concept of impact assessment is introduced to build on the legal and economic knowledge and investigate the history, strengths, weaknesses and potential of various forms of assessment to achieve improved environmental outcomes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A mark of 75 or above in (GEOS1X01 or GEOS1X02)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENVI2122
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jo Gillespie, josephine.gillespie@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jo Gillespie, josephine.gillespie@sydney.edu.au
Phil McManus, phil.mcmanus@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Emma Koch, emma.koch@sydney.edu.au
Sonia SU, sonia.su@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Tutorial Participation
Students are assessed on attendance, participation and contributions
10% - 12 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Supervised exam
? 
Exam
A 2 hour exam, individual assessment
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment group assignment Tutorial Leadership
Students individually or in pairs (depending on numbers) lead the tutorial
20% Ongoing 40 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Environmental Issues report
Individual assignment
15% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 25 Sep 2024
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Environmental Issues report
Individual assignment
15% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 13 Nov 2024
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

This 2922 unit is similar to ENVI2122 in that it has 20% Tutorial Leadership, 10% tutorial participation and a 40% exam.  The difference is that 2922 students do an individual environmental issues report instead of an essay (still worth 30%).

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

The standard 5% per day of the total available marks will be deducted for overdue assignments.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Australian Environmental Law: historical importance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Australian Federalism: role of C’th, State and Local Government Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Role of environmental courts & tribunals Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 2 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Role of ENGOs Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Litigation & Public Participation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 3 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 International environmental law Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
International environmental law (2) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 4 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Native Title Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Native Title (2) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 5 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Environmental Economics Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
Ecological Economics Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
Based on week 6 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Pricing the Environment Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Payments for Ecosystem Services Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 7 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Understanding Regional Economic Development Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Regional Economic Assessment Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 8 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Environmental Governance and Global Value Chains (1) Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Environmental Governance and Global Value Chains (2) Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 9 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Introduction to impact assessment and overview of EIS/EIA procedures. Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Environmental Assessment in NSW. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 10 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Social Impact Assessment Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Indigenous/heritage/Developing countries Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 11 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Cumulative impacts. Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Strategic Environmental Assessment Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 12 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Climate Change and Health in Impact Assessment Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
The future of impact assessment Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Based on week 13 lecture topics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the associate dean. For some units of study, the minimum attendance requirement, as specified in the relevant table of units or the unit of study outline, may be greater than 80%. The associate dean may determine that a student has failed a 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 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.

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

  • LO1. To acquire an understanding of approaches to environmental governance, with an introduction to Australian environmental law.
  • LO2. To understand the key tenets of and differences between various environmental and ecological economic theories.
  • LO3. To learn the history, rationale and key steps in various forms of impact assessment.
  • LO4. To synthesize and critique various legal, economic and assessment approaches and practices.
  • LO5. To evaluate various scenarios and ascertain which legal, economic and impact assessment processes may produce desirable environmental outcomes.
  • LO6. To communicate environmental studies knowledge developed in this unit and relate it to professional career prospects.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

2023 was the second year of this unit.

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.