Hobart, Online
Introduction
This unit introduces legal, administrative, scientific, and social aspects of environmental impact assessment (EIA) using case studies. The unit emphasises the practical aspects of environmental impact assessment in Tasmanian contexts, but environmental impact assessment processes and legislation are similar in many parts of the world. Being able to navigate the Tasmanian system will translate well into be able to work in environmental impact assessment in other parts of Australia and internationally. The unit is strongly work-integrated, with a significant emphasis on professional practice skills that will bridge from studies into the workplace. In addition to learning to assess developments under the Tasmanian planning system, this unit has an emphasis on critiquing the planning system at the state and national level using news sites and the scholarly literature.
Summary
| Unit name | Environmental Impact Assessment |
| Unit code | KGA581 |
| Credit points | 25 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Emma Little |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 4/7/2027 | 26/7/2027 | 29/8/2027 | 23/10/2027 |
* 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 (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain how the environment is considered as part of the application process for a development assessed at local government level (council).
- Evaluate the environmental and social context for an environmental impact assessment of a project assessed at the state government level (Environmental Protection Authority).
- Assess the challenges around the system of environmental impact assessment in Australia for a particular issue or sector.
- Debate the environmental impact assessment process in Tasmania, other parts of Australia and internationally using a range of sources.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 x 1-hour online lecture per week, 1 x 2-hour on campus or online workshops per week, 1 x 1-hour discussion group per week. Fieldtrips to support case studies. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Local case study (20%)|Planner's report (20%)|Debate (30%)|In class discussion (30%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.