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Online
For advice about all aspects of this unit please contact us at DSL@utas.edu.au
Introduction
Living with Fire is a level-100 unit offered as part of the Diploma of Sustainable Living. Fire has shaped the evolution of the world we see around us and is fundamental to life. Yet wildfire can also be devastating to human and ecological communities. Today, more and more of us are living in fire prone areas, and wildfires are behaving in new, less predictable ways. So how do we live with fire - as individuals, and as communities? How do we plan for fire, and how do we respond when fires happen? How do we ensure that we are using fire in a sustainable way? What are the trade-offs involved in fire management? And what might we learn from indigenous Australians, who have used fire skilfully on this continent for over 40,000 years? Living with Fire is for anyone interested in these complex but practical and fascinating questions about fire in our lives today. You will learn what causes fire and why wildfires behave the way they do. As well as the science of fire, you will learn about the human dimensions of fire and the complex trade-offs involved in fire management between the needs of culture and society, and ecology and biodiversity. You will learn how to evaluate your own level of fire risk and what you can do to plan for fire as an individual. You will also become more empowered to participate in conversations about how we plan for and respond to fire in our local communities.
Summary
| Unit name | Living with Fire |
| Unit code | KPZ104 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Rodrigo Hamede Ross |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Semester 1 |
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| Online | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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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.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester | 1/11/2026 | 23/11/2026 | 23/12/2026 | 13/2/2027 |
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
| Semester 1 | 22/2/2026 | 16/3/2026 | 19/4/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
* 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).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the effects of wildfire and fire management practices on biodiversity and landscapes.
- Describe the effect of fire behaviour drivers on fire management and emergency response.
- Analyse strategies for creating sustainable communities in fire prone environments.
- Outline locally-appropriate options to manage individual wildfire risk.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 050999 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,575.00 |
- 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
| Teaching Pattern | Fully online unit. There are no compulsory tutorial requirements for this unit although optional live tutorials have been introduced on student request to support engagement. |
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| Assessment | Assignment 1: Fuel load, fuel structure and slope assessment (15%)|Quizzes (x6) (24%)|Assignment 3: Your personal bushfire management strategies (30%)|Assignment 2: Fire management strategies in your community (31%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.