The dates of the intensive contact period for this unit are 27 June to 9 July. There will be some work expected of students prior to commencing the intensive contact period, but if needed this can be done in a day or two (e.g. the beginning of the week starting 24 June)
The MyLo site and unit outline will be available by 31 May. The final assessment task will be due on 14 July
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus. This is an intensive, on campus, advanced unit. Students are expected to do approximately 144 hours of work to complete learning activities and assessment tasks across the whole period of the unit. During the two weeks of intensive contact are advised to reduce other commitments as the program will run from 9.30 to 4.30 for four days of each week. Students who need to do other activities during these times should discuss this with the unit coordinator as early as possible.
This interdisciplinary unit is available as an elective and is suitable for students with backgrounds including (but not limited to) Science, English, Government, History, Law, Management, Psychology and/or Sociology. Please consult the unit coordinator for information. This unit will proceed once the quota of fifteen students is reached.
Introduction
Some of the greatest challenges that face societies in the 21st Century are typified by contested values, uncertain scientific understandings, and often paralysing policy and political choices. In Bridging Science and Policy for Sustainability you will develop skills and knowledge that will allow you to contribute to addressing such sustainability challenges. The unit is equally relevant to students doing Arts and Science degrees. It will extend the way you understand and engage with science, policy, politics and different groups within society. From foundation understandings of the ways problems are framed and tackled (or avoided) in western liberal democracies, the unit will build your capability to engage and lead in developing compelling policy narratives and options. These will integrate scientific, policy and political elements to ensure they are credible, relevant and legitimate.
Throughout the unit you will work to understand real-world challenges from different perspectives, and to synthesise and integrate across these perspectives. These will range from climate change to local and regional environmental management issues. Your work group and individual work on these cases will develop meaningful professional practice and civic capabilities that can be applied and developed throughout your life in public and private sector roles, as well as through civic engagement and activism.
Summary 2020
| Unit name | Science and Policy for Energy Futures |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KGA319 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Peat Leith |
| Level | Advanced |
| Available as student elective? | Yes |
| Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units.
TNE Program units special approval requirements.
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Lead group learning to better understand complex sustainability challenges
- Develop policy narratives that are politically compelling and scientifically credible as a means of contributing to social and /or environmental change
- Articulate policy options to address complex sustainability challenges
Fees
Requisites
Prerequisites
- 25 Credit Points in Interrmediate level units
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2-hr lecture and 4-hr tutorial each day for the period 17 June – 9 July |
|---|---|
| Assessment | AT1: Group mind map and individual 400 word reflection on group learning (15%) AT2: Group presentation and 4-page policy brief (25%); AT3: Annotated table of contents for AT4 (10%); AT4: Position paper 3000 words (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | Leith, P., O’Toole, K., Haward, M. & Coffey, N. (Eds) (2017) Enhancing Science Impact: Bridging science, policy and practice for sustainability. CSIRO: Canberra. |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.