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Introduction to Carbon Accounting unit (BFA110)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Online

We encourage students to undertake this unit prior to or concurrently with BFA112 Preparing Carbon Accounts.

Introduction

Understanding carbon accounting methods is essential for interpreting what organisations communicate through their carbon accounts and climate reports. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is widely recognised as the best practice for carbon accounting, making a thorough understanding of it essential for success in this field. This unit will equip you to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced carbon accounting and climate reporting world.

In this unit, you’ll gain a robust understanding of the GHG Protocol, including its definitions of organisational boundaries and the three Scopes of emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3). You'll also learn how to calculate carbon equivalents and effectively use ‘factors’, building a solid foundation of knowledge essential for critically engaging with the underpinning methods of carbon accounting.

Our units will help you to develop the critical thinking skills to stay agile and informed as a future carbon accountant and industry professional. You'll learn how to critically engage with contested carbon accounting and climate reporting practices, preparing you to adapt to evolving methods and best practices. This knowledge forms an essential basis for understanding and preparing carbon accounts – a topic we’ll explore further in our ‘Preparing Carbon Accounts’ unit.

Summary

Unit name Introduction to Carbon Accounting
Unit code BFA110
Credit points 12.5
College/School Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline Accounting
Coordinator Doctor Steven Burch
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and how it relates to carbon accounting methods.
  • Apply carbon accounting methods to inform business decisions.
  • Evaluate carbon accounting methods and outputs to inform sustainable decision-making.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
080101 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $3,284.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

AssessmentOnline test (25%)|Applying the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol (30%)|Calculating emissions (45%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required Readings are those provided by your Unit Coordinator.

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