Environmental Impact Assessment unit (KGA581)

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

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.