Outline

Overview

This unit examines how policy-makers engage with and implement policies and legal requirements for regulating ecologically sustainable development. Meeting the needs of a growing global population while at the same time maintaining the health of the environment, which provides the life support system for humanity, is the central policy challenge of the 21st century. Key sustainability challenges include: avoiding dangerous climate change, safeguarding biological diversity, providing food security, coping with resource scarcity, and promoting green technology including low-carbon energy generation. These issues provide acute challenges for governments given that they cut across a range of policy areas, and require long-term planning rather than short-term decision-making. The unit examines how policy-makers at international, national and sub-national scales consider and respond to sustainability issues. Students will be introduced to: the role of analysis (economic, legal, political, scientific and social etc) in providing an evidence base for decisions; the variety of instruments and institutions available for policy delivery; how the lobbying process influences policy determination; and effectiveness of policy design and implementation. The unit also examines how decision-making is influenced by stakeholders, including industry, nongovernmental organisations and citizens. It will be seen that sustainability policy design and implementation in the real world involves reconciling competing agendas and interests, and that trade-offs are often made that may strengthen or weaken the effectiveness of sustainability policies. Offered through the Sydney Law School, this unit introduces students to the legal imperatives (both international and national) which inform and mandate policy choices.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Science Faculty
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rosemary Lyster, rosemary.lyster@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gerry Bates, gerry.bates@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Major Research Assignment Written report	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Nov 2024	4000
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Interim Essay Essay or essay/presentation	40%	Week 09 Due date: 23 Sep 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Sep 2024	2500 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Multiple Task Assignment: This task requires you to research four distinct short topics and prepare a written answer in response to the question/s asked. Each topic will be worth 10% of the final assessment. The topics will be released to students on Friday 23 August Sydney, Australia time. The assignment will be due on Monday September 23 at 23:59 Sydney, Australia time.
At the discretion of ther unit co-ordinator, students may substitute a class presentation for 20% of the available marks
Major Research assignment/essay: This task requires you to write a research-based assignment/essay. There will be a choice of topics. The assignment will be worth 60% of the final assessment. Assignments/essay questions will be distributed on or before Friday 23 August Sydney, Australia time. The assignment will be due on Monday November 11 at 23:59 Sydney, Australia time.

You are required to submit your assignments in electronic form via the Canvas LMS site (see below) by the submission deadlines. Failure to submit via the LMS by these deadline can result in penalties for lateness; the Sydney Law School reserves the right not to mark assignments that are not submitted via the Canvas site.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Word limit: The suggested word limit is advisory only. There will be no penalties for exceedences

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking).

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

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	Work receiving a high distinction grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work receiving a distinction grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Work receiving a credit grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Work receiving a pass grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	A student must make a satisfactory attempt of all assessment tasks set out for this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

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 11:59pm 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: Please note that the law school no longer permits academic staff to give extensions. If you require an extension you must apply for Special Consideration

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.

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
Ongoing	Holding government accountable for sustainable decision-making:	Block teaching (3 hr)
	The relationship between international and national law; enforcement, policy and law generally	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Land Degradation and Rehydration: Policy and Legal Impediments	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Modern Slavery: from Soft Law to Law	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Biodiversity and International Trade in Wildlife	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Sustainable Decision-making on Major Projects: the Role of the Independent Planning Commission	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Development	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Product Stewardship: New Ways of Thinking About Waste	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Sustainability: the contribution of the Land and Environment Court	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Major Corporations and Sustainability: case-study Colgate/Palmolove	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
	Climate change: policy and legal responses	Block teaching (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Using legal research materials: a guide for non-Law students	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	The history of international environmental law; the rise of environmental concern; and the major international environmental treaties	Independent study (3 hr)
	The relationship between people and nature: case study on legal and illegal wildlife trade	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Law, policy and the protection of biodiversity: biodiversity law reform processes	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Environmental impact assessment and environmental sustainability	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Introduction to International Climate Law and Climate Justice	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Law, policy and the protection of heritage	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Property and environment	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	International investment and environmental protection	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Law and the new geological epoch: the Anthropocene	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Water Management and Australia	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	The relationship between science and law and policy making	Independent study (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Sustainability and the legal context	Block teaching (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study.

Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from submitting assessments, and being discontinued from the unit of study, resulting in an Absent Fail or Discontinue - Fail grade.

Exemptions may only be considered by the Unit of Study Coordinator/Lecturer upon satisfactory evidence of compelling grounds i.e. sudden illness or serious misadventure which occur during class time.

For units offered in Intensive mode, participation in all scheduled sessions may be expected by a Unit of Study Coordinator if assessment tasks, including class participation, in-class tests and presentations etc require attendance in order to make a satisfactory attempt at all assessment tasks set out for this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above), as specified above under Assessment regime and Assessment grading guidelines.

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.

Required readings

Most readings will be available through the USyd library system or available open access online. Some reading materials may be supplied in electronic form via the Canvas System. In order to access online reading materials, it is essential that you are officially enrolled in the unit and have a current student card.

Basic readings have been recommended for each lecture/seminar topic. You will be expected to supplement these with considerably more readings for your written assessments.

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. Understand, at an overview level, broad environmental issues such as avoiding dangerous climate change, safeguarding biological diversity, providing food security, coping with resource scarcity, and promoting green technology including low-carbon energy generation.
LO2. Understand how policy-makers engage with and implement laws and policies relating to ecologically sustainable development; and how decision-making is influenced by stakeholders including industry, non-governmental organisations and citizens.
LO3. Understand that these issues provide acute challenges for governments given that they cut across a range of policy areas, and require long-term planning rather than short-term decision-making. Understand, at overview level, how policy-makers at international, national and sub-national scales consider and respond to sustainability issues.
LO4. Understand, at introductory level, the role of analysis (scientific, economic, social and political etc) in providing an evidence base for decisions; the variety of instruments and institutions available for policy delivery; how the lobbying process influences policy determination; and effectiveness of policy design and implementation.
LO5. Understand that sustainability policy design and implementation in the real world involves reconciling competing agendas and interests, and that trade-offs are often made that may strengthen or weaken the effectiveness of sustainability policies.

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.

In response to student feedback the assessment regime has been modified. Students will be referred to models of high quality legal writing to assist them with their assessment tasks.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

SUST5005: Law, Policy and Sustainability

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect