Sustainable Living

Explore the history and literature of sustainability, including the formation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You’ll develop the skills to think critically about sustainability in your own life and community. Plus, you’ll develop the research and communication skills to implement sustainability solutions in your community. This is a compulsory core unit.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8 hours

Science of Gardening is for everyone, from avid green thumbs with a lifetime of experience to those planting their first seedling. In this unit, you’ll learn the science behind traditional and modern gardening techniques, and this will change the way you see your plants, and change the way you garden.

Sustainable living starts at home, so in this unit you’ll learn the science behind traditional and modern gardening techniques, and this will change the way you see your plants, and change the way you garden.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 5-7 hours

You will explore the roles of climate and soils in shaping the types of plants that grow in different regions; the origins of domesticated plants; and the roles of predators, pathogens, mutualists and symbionts in extending or limiting plant growth.

Science of Gardening 2 will equip you with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about your garden design and will heighten your appreciation of your natural environment.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 7-10 hours

Whether you’re looking at building, buying, renovating, or simply learning, smart housing design can have huge benefits for you and our planet. Learn about the environmental and human health impacts of using creative decision making in the design and renovation of houses.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 10 hours

Build on your practical knowledge of sustainable design for houses, expanding your thinking to houses within landscapes - both natural and constructed - and interacting with climate, biodiversity, human health and urban and regional food systems.

Backyard Biodiversity is for everyone; from people keen to deepen their understanding of the wildlife in their local area, to those ready to convert their backyard into a biodiverse haven, and people just interested in coexisting more sustainably with life on earth.

Some of the important and interesting questions we cover in this unit include: what is biodiversity, and how does it impact our lives? How are animals classified into different groups, and how can that knowledge help us identify backyard animals? What are the best observation techniques for different types of animals, and which ones can you use in your own backyard? How can you attract the animals you want, while keeping your backyard, your family, your pets and the wildlife, safe? How can you help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals simply by increasing the biodiversity in your garden?

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 5-7 hours

As the world warms, wildfires are behaving in new, less predictable ways, which present fundamental challenges to our established methods of preventing, fighting and living with fire. And with increasing populations on the wildland-urban interface, we urgently need to find new solutions to these challenges.

Learn what causes fire and why wildfires behave the way they do, as well as how to evaluate your own level of fire risk. This unit was developed in consultation with members of the indigenous community and Tasmanian practitioners and UTAS Fire Centre (led by Professor David Bowman). It provides a holistic perspective on the scientific, social, economic and ethical issues inherent in moving towards a sustainable co-existence with wildfire.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 7-9 hours

Science of Fishing is for everyone; from people wanting to develop their skills and knowledge in fishing, those looking to enhance their recreational fishing experience, to those looking to contribute to a sustainable fishery.

Learning from experts from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, you will explore habits of different species based on their environment, learn about the variety of fishing gear and methods, and understand the science of fishing sustainably.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8-10 hours

Become better prepared to deal with a variety of culturally challenging situations. Develop an appreciation of the personal and professional benefits that come from being more culturally aware and competent in increasingly diverse settings.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 5-10 hours

Dive into the complex world of global food security in the 21st century, a crucial and multifaceted challenge that entails sustainable food production and equitable food access. This interdisciplinary unit equips you with the skills and knowledge pertinent to all citizens and professions. Engage with peers and lecturers from various disciplines in this online unit to critically examine the many aspects of global food security, encompassing environmental, technical, economic, cultural, political, and moral dimensions. Enhance your ability to integrate and evaluate diverse information, formulate arguments, and advocate positive responses. Discuss pressing issues such as hunger, obesity, resources, poverty, population, justice, and sustainability, and engage in meaningful debates on contentious topics like diets, biofuels, biotechnology, and capitalism.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8-9 hours

Do you want to participate in transformations for a better world and learn how you can make a difference? In this unit you will assess environmental, social, and economic implications, evaluate approaches to sustainability and analyse and communicate information to aid decision-making.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8-10 hours

Life on Earth has nearly been extinguished five times since the explosion of complex life some 550 million years ago. The causes of the five major events are debated. This unit will explore the science, governance and values relevant to the issue of mass extinction and human Earth shaping.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 6-9 hours

Have you noticed the climate changing around you and want to learn more? Or do you want to better understand the science that predicts Earth’s future climate? Science of Climate Change provides an engaging entry into the subject.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 10 hours

Explore pathways to reduce the most extreme effects of climate change, including international agreements on reduction of greenhouse gases and other mitigation measures such as carbon sequestration and drawdown and alternative energy sources.

After completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Living, you can continue your studies into the Diploma of Sustainable Living, where you can receive credit for units already studied. This means you only need to study an additional four units to graduate with the Diploma.

Looking for your next step? Study a Bachelor of Science with a major in sustainability. For more information please visit Bachelor of Science.

Now more than ever, business leaders need to consider a multitude of issues linked to 'sustainable development' when managing their organisation. Our new Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business will give you the skills you need to help understand and improve your organisation's bottom line.

Explore the history and literature of sustainability, including the formation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You’ll develop the skills to think critically about sustainability in your own life and community. Plus, you’ll develop the research and communication skills to implement sustainability solutions in your community. This is a compulsory core unit.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8 hours

Embark on a journey through the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the context of everyday life. Discover how individual actions contribute to global change, and apply your sustainability knowledge to personal and wider community environments. As the capstone of the Diploma of Sustainable Living, this unit combines theory with practice, encourages critical thinking about social change, and explores systems thinking through interactive online activities. You will reflect on your learning throughout the Diploma, equipping you to tackle complex sustainability challenges and opportunities.  This is a compulsory core unit.

Science of Gardening is for everyone, from avid green thumbs with a lifetime of experience to those planting their first seedling. In this unit, you’ll learn the science behind traditional and modern gardening techniques, and this will change the way you see your plants, and change the way you garden.

Sustainable living starts at home, so in this unit you’ll learn the science behind traditional and modern gardening techniques, and this will change the way you see your plants, and change the way you garden.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 5-7 hours

You will explore the roles of climate and soils in shaping the types of plants that grow in different regions; the origins of domesticated plants; and the roles of predators, pathogens, mutualists and symbionts in extending or limiting plant growth.

Science of Gardening 2 will equip you with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about your garden design and will heighten your appreciation of your natural environment.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 7-10 hours

Backyard Biodiversity is for everyone; from people keen to deepen their understanding of the wildlife in their local area, to those ready to convert their backyard into a biodiverse haven, and people just interested in coexisting more sustainably with life on earth.

Some of the important and interesting questions we cover in this unit include: what is biodiversity, and how does it impact our lives? How are animals classified into different groups, and how can that knowledge help us identify backyard animals? What are the best observation techniques for different types of animals, and which ones can you use in your own backyard? How can you attract the animals you want, while keeping your backyard, your family, your pets and the wildlife, safe? How can you help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals simply by increasing the biodiversity in your garden?

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 5-7 hours

Whether you’re looking at building, buying, renovating, or simply learning, smart housing design can have huge benefits for you and our planet. Learn about the environmental and human health impacts of using creative decision making in the design and renovation of houses.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 10 hours

As the world warms, wildfires are behaving in new, less predictable ways, which present fundamental challenges to our established methods of preventing, fighting and living with fire. And with increasing populations on the wildland-urban interface, we urgently need to find new solutions to these challenges.

Learn what causes fire and why wildfires behave the way they do, as well as how to evaluate your own level of fire risk. This unit was developed in consultation with members of the indigenous community and Tasmanian practitioners and UTAS Fire Centre (led by Professor David Bowman). It provides a holistic perspective on the scientific, social, economic and ethical issues inherent in moving towards a sustainable co-existence with wildfire.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 7-9 hours

Have you noticed the climate changing around you and want to learn more? Or do you want to better understand the science that predicts Earth’s future climate? Science of Climate Change provides an engaging entry into the subject.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 10 hours

Science of Fishing is for everyone; from people wanting to develop their skills and knowledge in fishing, those looking to enhance their recreational fishing experience, to those looking to contribute to a sustainable fishery.

Learning from experts from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, you will explore habits of different species based on their environment, learn about the variety of fishing gear and methods, and understand the science of fishing sustainably.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8-10 hours

Discover the art and science of responsible and sustainable fishing in this comprehensive unit. Enhance your understanding of both releasing and harvesting fish, learning best practice handling techniques to reduce stress and increase post-release survival chances. For retained fish, gain knowledge of safe, hygienic processing methods to optimize yield and quality. Explore innovative preparation and preservation techniques, understanding the nutritional health benefits of seafood. This unit takes into account various fish species, each requiring unique handling, preparation, and preservation techniques. Embark on this journey to become a more informed and responsible participant in the world of fishing.

Become better prepared to deal with a variety of culturally challenging situations. Develop an appreciation of the personal and professional benefits that come from being more culturally aware and competent in increasingly diverse settings.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 5-10 hours

Dive into the complex world of global food security in the 21st century, a crucial and multifaceted challenge that entails sustainable food production and equitable food access. This interdisciplinary unit equips you with the skills and knowledge pertinent to all citizens and professions. Engage with peers and lecturers from various disciplines in this online unit to critically examine the many aspects of global food security, encompassing environmental, technical, economic, cultural, political, and moral dimensions. Enhance your ability to integrate and evaluate diverse information, formulate arguments, and advocate positive responses. Discuss pressing issues such as hunger, obesity, resources, poverty, population, justice, and sustainability, and engage in meaningful debates on contentious topics like diets, biofuels, biotechnology, and capitalism.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8-9 hours

Life on Earth has nearly been extinguished five times since the explosion of complex life some 550 million years ago. The causes of the five major events are debated. This unit will explore the science, governance and values relevant to the issue of mass extinction and human Earth shaping.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 6-9 hours

Do you want to participate in transformations for a better world and learn how you can make a difference? In this unit you will assess environmental, social, and economic implications, evaluate approaches to sustainability and analyse and communicate information to aid decision-making.

*Estimated weekly study for this unit is 8-10 hours

Build on your practical knowledge of sustainable design for houses, expanding your thinking to houses within landscapes - both natural and constructed - and interacting with climate, biodiversity, human health and urban and regional food systems.

Explore pathways to reduce the most extreme effects of climate change, including international agreements on reduction of greenhouse gases and other mitigation measures such as carbon sequestration and drawdown and alternative energy sources.

Pulling together the disciplines of sociology, law and complementary medicine this unit is designed for students who want to develop their knowledge in order to understand, debate and critically analyse the use and place of complementary medicines in the modern health care system. Drawing on a range of online teaching methods, learning modules will focus on topics such as understanding the use of complementary medicines in Australia and around the world, the question of evidence and the role of ethics and the law in regulating the availability, safety and advertising of complementary medicines. Students will address issues of locating reliable information on complementary medicines and will develop an understanding of the environmental issues that arise from the increased popularity of these medicines.

This unit explores Indigenous lived realities through an Indigenous lens. By primarily focusing on the Palawa/Aboriginal People of Lutruwita/Tasmania, you will explore a comparative study of Navajo (US) peoples, illustrating both shared and unique lifeworld experiences. Through virtual tours, experience the intrinsic connection between 'Country' and Aboriginal knowledge and wellbeing. Participate in an on-Country tour led by Palawa/Aboriginal Knowledge Holders, promoting a personal bond with Indigenous culture. Investigate themes of Palawa/Aboriginal sovereignty, justice, and society, underscoring unbroken cultural ties and the transformative impact of colonisation. Examine historic and current rights pursuits and reparative justice initiatives, consequently enriching your comprehension of Indigenous lifeworlds and your own position in relation to them.

Contemporary media is saturated with images of extreme weather events, hunger, poverty, conflict, pollution, austerity, and financial crisis. Mounting evidence suggests the 21st century will be defined by unprecedented challenges related to environmental instability, economic inequality and risks to social well-being on a global scale. As a result, this unit brings a wide range of perspectives to bear on questions of sustainability that integrate environmental, social and economic disciplines. The unit will develop your interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability through critical thinking, reflection and evidence-based argument focussed on practical case studies drawn from around the world. Unit delivery focuses on dialogue and inquiry between teachers, yourself, and your peers that respects the importance of diverse perspectives.

Do you want to make a difference to something in the world you care about? Would you like some time and space to consider, develop and test your approaches in a safe environment, supported by experts in the field? Following Bruce Mau’s ‘design thinking’ principles, and in collaboration with seasoned designers, business educators, and social entrepreneurs, you will brainstorm, evaluate, then trial potential projects, and in so doing develop your creative and entrepreneurial potential.

Energy science, technology, usage and energy policy affect almost all facets of modern life. Energy is the single most traded commodity in the global economy, it is a significant factor that affects political decision making at global, national, state and local levels, and a major determinant of economic and social wellbeing. Ensuring future responsible, equitable, access to affordable energy for both developed and developing societies is one of the most significant challenges currently facing humanity. Students will learn about conventional, alternative and potential future energy sources and then set this knowledge in the context of important economic, environmental, social and political factors that affect energy policy.

Uncover the profound role science plays in society, its indispensable contribution to sustainable development, and the essential ethics that govern scientific conduct. Aimed at enhancing your scientific literacy, this unit equips you to interpret and communicate scientific data proficiently while maintaining an acute sense of ethical considerations. Practical learning experiences are central to this unit, cultivating skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary to respond to industry, community, and global demands.

Completing a Diploma in Sustainable Living and looking for your next step? Study a Bachelor of Science with a major in sustainability .

For more information please visit Bachelor of Science.

Now more than ever, business leaders need to consider a multitude of issues linked to 'sustainable development' when managing their organisation. Our new Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business will give you the skills you need to help understand and improve your organisation's bottom line.