Geography

See also:
Geography, Faculty of Arts
Human Ecology, Faculty of Science
School of Resource Management & Environmental Science, Faculty of Science
Human Sciences Program, Faculty of Arts
Population StudiesProgram, Faculty of Arts
in this Handbook

R.J. Wasson, BA (Hons) Syd., PhD Macquarie
Professor and Head of Department

Introduction

Geography deals with conditions and events of unlike origin, ranging across physical, biotic and cultural processes, that occur together and in mutual interaction within that zone of the earth which is the human habitat. For example, hunger can be due to climatic variability, soil degradation, crop disease, demography or failure of transport systems. Geographers analyse the associations of things and events which give special character to particular places; the interconnections between different areas; and the working of complex systems through time. Geography is the only academic discipline in which an integrative perspective focusing on spatial relationships and processes is a fundamental concern.

The importance of literacy and numeracy, graphical, verbal and analytical skills, and competence in report preparation and presentation, are stressed in the Department’s educational objectives.

Students proposing to enter careers as professional geographers should plan their course with a view to taking the degree with Honours. Students are admitted to the Honours School at the beginning of their second year. Careers advice is available from staff of the Department.

Tutorials, laboratory work and field work are an integral part of most units. Field work usually involves weekend trips or a period of up to one week during the teaching breaks. Students will be expected to meet costs for meals, accommodation and some travel costs during field work. Wherever practicable, these costs are kept to a minimum by camping.

Assessment: Different assessment methods are appropriate in the various units. Assessment methods are decided by the staff member concerned, in consultation with students, at the beginning of each unit.

Any student who fails to hand in set work by the due dates and to participate in field excursions and tutorials may be excluded from the unit concerned.

Taping of lectures: Lectures are taped where feasible.

Choice of units:

In selecting units in other departments and programs to include in the degree course, students will find it valuable to include subjects which have a bearing on their proposed studies in geography, eg anthropology, economics, economic history, sociology, political science, Asian studies, biology, geology, forestry, resource and environmental management, human sciences, environmental studies, Australian studies and population studies. Geography also provides a good practical combination with computer science, statistics and mathematics. A number of geography units are included in Arts multi disciplinary Program majors.

Interested students should contact the relevant Program convener.

Details of units, book lists, etc. will be available in the Department before the beginning of each unit. Students are strongly advised to consult lecturers at the first class (times notified in the Department), before purchasing books for use in specific units.

All students must obtain a copy of the Geography Guide 1999 from the Departmental Administrator.

Summary of Geography units 1999

A,B,C,D & E points are included to assist BSc students in their course construction. BA students need only distinguish between first-year and later-year units. All units listed are available for the BA degree.

Students should note that other units taught by the Geography Department are listed in the School of Resource Management and Environmental Science entry.

Units offered in 1999

Society, Environment and Resources    GEOG1006

(6cp) Group A (Science)

Second semester
Three hours of lectures and 2 days of field classes

Prerequisite: None

Incompatible with GEOG1005, SREM1003, and SREM1001

Coordinator: Dr Baker

Syllabus: People interact with the biological and physical environment to modify habitats for themselves and draw upon natural resources, thereby creating most of the landscapes of the Earth’s surface. Students are introduced to the concepts and tools of integrated analysis using the frameworks of geographical analysis and human ecology. Topics to be explored include: human population growth and migration; globalisation, the new economic order, and the distribution of economic activities; the role of equity in resource allocation and depletion. Case studies will be presented in soil and water management, vegetation management, and climate change. Examples will be drawn from Australia and Asia.

Preliminary reading

• Aplin, E., Australians and their Environment. Oxford University Press; 1998
• Simmons, I.G., Changing the Face of the Earth: Culture, Environment, History, 2nd edn, Blackwell, 1996

Proposed assessment: Essay, computer laboratory report and examination.

Landscape Processes    GEOG2001

(8cp) Group B (Science)

First semester
Three hours of lectures and a three-hour laboratory class weekly. Up to five days field classes, equivalent to 40 tutorial hours.

Lecturers: Dr Lees, Dr Mackey, Dr Lindenmayer

Prerequisite: 24 credit points at 1000 level, to include GEOG1006

Syllabus: The unit considers the physical processes actively operating at or near the Earth’s surface. These include geomorphological and ecological processes. Specific processes and the interactions between them are discussed in topics such as weathering and soil formation, hill slope and erosional processes and the interrelations between landscape, vegetation, and wildlife. An introduction to computer modelling of small catchment processes using GIS and remote sensing forms the focus of the workshop component of the course. This unit will be of value to students with an interest in natural resource management at a landscape scale.

Preliminary reading

• Selby, M. J., Hillslope Materials and Processes, Oxford University Press.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Geography, Information and Intelligence    GEOG2009

(8cp) Group B (Science)

First semester

Lecturer: Mr Johnson

Prerequisite: 24 credit points at 1000 level, to include GEOG1006.

Syllabus: The unit examines ways of creating and communicating information from data using exploratory analysis and the creation and interpretation of graphic representations. The properties of intelligence essential for such analysis and graphic interpretation, and visualisation in particular, are explored. Understanding integrated, comprehensive analyses of spatial and temporal data commonly encountered in geography and environmental science is developed. The modelling of change over time and in space is a fundamental issue of the course. Interactive information technology systems support learning along with the analysis and graphic representation of data. The skills developed are of great value in other courses and the wider community. The unit is a prerequisite for entry to honours in geography.

Preliminary reading

• Hay, I., Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences, Oxford University Press
• The annotated listing of Internet sites on the Geography 2009 Netsite.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Atmosphere, Weather and Climate    GEOG2011

(8cp) Group B (Science)

Second semester
Three hours of lectures and a two-hour practical/ tutorial/workshop weekly and up to five days fieldwork.

Lecturer: Dr Lindesay

Prerequisite: 24 credit points at 1000 level, to include GEOG1006

Syllabus: This unit is concerned with developing understanding of the atmospheric components of the Earth system, and the interactions among all parts of the system that influence weather and climate on global, regional and local scales. The unit covers energy in the system; the structure, composition and physics of the atmosphere; atmospheric circulation on macro and meso scales; an introduction to boundary layer climates and air pollution meteorology; weather processes and systems; the climates of the Earth, particularly the southern hemisphere and Australasia; ocean- atmosphere interactions; the nature, causes and impacts of climatic variability and change; and current issues in climatology (including the El Niño Southern Oscillation, the enhanced greenhouse effect and ozone depletion). A primary focus of the course is on the relationship between humans and the atmosphere, particularly in the context of climatic change. Practical work is directed towards understanding atmospheric data collection, processing and interpretation.

Preliminary reading

• Barry, R.G. & Chorley, R.J., Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Routledge, 1992
• Linacre, E. & Geertz, B., Climates and Weather Explained, Routledge, 1997.
• Also consult Department for further information.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

People and Place    GEOG2013

(8cp) Group B (Science)

First semester

Lecturer: Mr Johnson

Prerequisite: 24 first year credit points. Incompatible with GEOG2004

Syllabus: The unit focuses on human activity. The course reviews ideas and theories from a diverse range of sources to develop an understanding of the allocation of space through patterns and processes. Reading the landscape is an integral part of the study. The complex interconnections of the global economy are examined to explore urban/rural systems, with attention centred on Australia in its world setting. Debate is generated about the nature and implications of contemporary trends in society. A central concern is the disparities people experience in different places and time. The course addresses problems at different scales of view, supported by the analysis of data. Study of the formulation and effect of policy and management systems integrates work in the course. Exploring the creation of information from quantitative and qualitative sources supports the study of ideas and issues.

Preliminary reading

• Forster, C, Australian Cities: Continuity and Change, Oxford University Press
• Fagan, R H and Webber, M,. Global Restructuring: The Australian Experience, Oxford University Press

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Population and Resources    GEOG2014

(8cp) Group B (Science)

Second semester

Prerequisite: GEOG1005 or SREM1003 or GEOG1006 or any later year unit of a Population Studies major

Incompatible with GEOG2005

Lecturer: Dr van Diermen

Syllabus: The concern in this unit is to account for the distribution of the human population and its relation to the resources of the Earth. Particular attention is given to the geographical aspects of the demography of populations and contemporary trends. The development of nations in their particular environments provides perspectives on the relationship between population and resources. Attention is centred on the Australian-Asian hemisphere. The limitations of resources, the role of technology, affluence and social policy are central topics. The methodology for understanding population dynamics supports the discussion of issues and problems. The course also studies policy and how it seeks to keep pace with rapid socio-economic change.

Associated program: Population Studies

Preliminary reading

• Sarre, P. and Blunden, V., An Overcrowded World? Population, Resources and Environment. The Open University, Oxford; 1995.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students

ECOS2002, 2004, 3001, 3002, 3014

See entry for Human Ecology following Geography entry

Advanced Units

C units in the Department are specialised units which depend on a satisfactory grounding in B units appropriate to the field. Availability will depend on sufficient students enrolling and accordingly timetables for these units may be altered. Students lacking formal prerequisites but who believe they have an appropriate background for these units may seek the approval of the Head of Department to enrol.

Rivers and Catchments    GEOG3001

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Second semester
Three hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly. Up to seven days in the field.

Lecturer: Professor Wasson

Prerequisite: GEOG2001 or GEOL2007

Syllabus: Rivers and catchments cover most of the land surface of the Earth, and are natural entities for natural resource management. The unit is based on a geomorphic understanding of rivers and catchments. Topics include: major theories of geomorphology; spatial organisation of rivers and hillslopes; responses to tectonic, climatic and land use change; global patterns of sediment transport; catchments as cascading systems; and a geomorphic basis for catchment management. Examples are drawn from Australia, South East Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. The unit is useful for physical geographers, geologists, catchment managers, archaeologists, and forest managers.

Preliminary reading

• Summerfield, M.A., Global Geomorphology, Longman

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Geographic Information Systems    GEOG3009

(8cp) Group C (Science)

First semester
Three hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly. Up to six days in the field, equivalent to 48 tutorial hours.

Lecturer: Dr Lees

Prerequisite: 24 credit points at 2000 level including GEOG2001 or GEOG2009 or GEOG2011.

Syllabus: Advances in space and computer technologies have made it possible to amass large collections of data about the surface of the Earth and its environments. These data come from a multiplicity of sources; multiple remote sensing systems, digitised terrain or bathymetric information, cadastral data, and so on. Analysis of these complex geographic data bases requires multivariate quantitative methods. The unit examines various aspects of the analysis of geographic data, emphasising the role of remotely sensed data in geographic information systems. Some of the special problems encountered in analysing multiple data types are introduced.

The unit proceeds to a practical application of the principles introduced by carrying out a land-use planning exercise of a specific area. This involves a ground investigation in addition to the analysis of GIS databases.

Preliminary reading

• Richards, J.A., Remote Sensing-Digital Analysis, Springer
• Burrough, P.A., Principles of Geographical Information Systems for Land Resources Assessment, Oxford

Associated program: Geoecology.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Environmental Policy and Planning    GEOG3010

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Second semester
Three hours of lectures, one hour of tutorials and a 2-hour workshop and a six-day field class.

Lecturer: Dr Baker

Prerequisite: At least 96 credit points towards a degree, including 2 later year units in Geography and/or Human Ecology; or the written approval of the Lecturer.

Syllabus: The unit considers environmental policy and planning theory and practice at scales from the local to the global. Field classes and workshops provide students with opportunities to analyse specific environmental planning and policy issues in theoretical frameworks and over different time scales. Case studies explored include Landcare, Total Catchment Management, the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement and the role of indigenous people in environmental policy and planning.

Preliminary reading

• Barr, N. & Cary, J., Greening a Brown Land: The Australian search for sustainable land use, Macmillan, 1992
• Blaikie, P. & Brookfield. H., Land degradation and society, Methuen, 1987
• Doyle, T. & Kellow, A., Environmental politics and policy making in Australia, Macmillan, 1995
• Walker, K.J., The political economy of environmental policy: an Australian introduction, New South Wales University Press, 1994

Proposed assessment: Essay, learning portfolio and exam.

Climatology    GEOG3013

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Second semester
Three hours of lectures and one 3-hour practical/ seminar weekly

Lecturer: Dr Lindesay

Prerequisite: GEOG2009 at Credit level or better, or GEOG2011

Syllabus: The atmosphere and climate are a critical part of the earth system, and climatic variability and change are central to the issue of future global environmental change. This unit is directed towards developing deeper understanding of climatic variability and change, and their importance to the management of the global system. The unit focuses on three related topics that highlight the functioning of the climate system, and the interactions between humans and the atmosphere, at a range of temporal and spatial scales.

Beginning at the mesoscale, the first topic investigates human-atmosphere interactions in urban environments, including characteristics and impacts of urban climate modifications, air pollution potential and related issues, and the role of complex terrain in modifying the climate near the ground. The second topic explores the larger-scale interactions between the oceans and atmosphere that are a critical link in the functioning of the climate system, from regional to global scales. Ocean atmosphere dynamics and interaction processes and their role in inter-annual and low frequency climate variability are explored in the context of current research on the El Niño Southern Oscillation and its impacts. The third topic deals with the ways in which conceptual and dynamical models are used to develop our understanding of the climate system and climate change at all scales. The focus is on understanding the uses and limitations of such models, and on interpreting their output in ways that are useful for policy formulation, decision making and management.

Practical work is focused on the manipulation and interpretation of climatological data in the context of climatic variability and change, including observational data and model-generated future climate scenarios.

Preliminary reading

• Henderson-Sellers, A. and McGuffie, K., A Climate Modelling Primer, Wiley, London,1987
• Oke, T.R., Boundary Layer Climates, Routledge, London, 1987
• Sturman, A. and Tapper, N., The Weather and Climate of Australia and New Zealand, Oxford, Melbourne, 1996

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Special Topics in Geography    GEOG3014

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Either semester, subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor.
Students are expected to devote at least eight hours a week to a research topic.

Coordinator: Dr Baker

Prerequisite: The completion of at least 32 credit points at 2000/3000 level. Admission to this unit is at the discretion of the Head of Department and normally will be open to prospective honours students who have obtained a Credit or better in relevant areas of study. Taught individually or in small groups by members of academic staff.

Syllabus: Special programs of study designed to enable students to gain skills in self directed research in geography or resource and environmental management.

Proposed assessment: By arrangement, but likely to include an extended essay or research report and the presentation of a seminar.

South-East Asia and Northern Australia Field School     GEOG3015

(8cp) Group D (Science)

4 weeks in-country
Offered every second year (February 2000 next offered).
Four weeks in-country field school

Lecturer: Dr van Diermen

Prerequisite: Entry with the written agreement of the lecturer.

Syllabus: This unit explores the development of Northern Australia and South East Asia through an intensive 4-week field school. Students are exposed first hand to the economic, social and environmental conditions in Northern Australia and several South-East Asian countries. Areas and countries visited will include Darwin, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. By intensive teaching in the field, visits to projects and institutions and contact with local cultures, students will develop an understanding of development in the region. In addition to the in-country lectures students are expected during the four weeks to research a topic chosen in consultation with their lecturer.

Note: Because the subject is offered only every second year, it can be taken either in second year or in third year. The cost of the field work will be charged directly to students.

Preliminary reading

• Taylor,C. et al (1997), South-East Asia on a Shoestring, Melbourne, Lonely Planet.
• Vervoorn, A., (1998), Re-Orient: Change in Asian Societies, Singapore, Oxford

Proposed assessment: to be agreed in consultation with the students.

South-East Asia and Tropical Australia    GEOG3016

(8cp) Group C (Science)

First semester
Two hours of lectures, one hour of tutorials and/or practicals each week.

Lecturer: Dr van Diermen

Prerequisite: GEOG2014 Population and Resources or GEOG2013 People and Place.

Syllabus: This unit explores the geography of Northern Australia and South-East Asia. This is a region of widely varying physical conditions, with areas of very high population and others that are almost uninhabited. It is also a region of recent remarkable economic growth, with attendant problems of economic inequity, migration, pollution, ethnic tensions, institutional corruption and political instability. All of these, and other issues will be explored within the context of the relationship between cultural, economic, political and environmental factors and processes. The underlying aim of the unit is to explore how far we can explain patterns of human activity in this region, using both spatial and temporal analyses. This unit will provide an advanced level synthesis of both human and physical geography, and will be useful for geographers, consultants, business people, policy makers, and anyone interested in the region.

Preliminary reading

• Rimmer, P.J. (1997) Pacific Rim Development: Integration and Globalisation in the Asia-Pacific Economy, Canberra, Allen and Unwin.
• Rodan, G, et al (1997) The Political Economy of South-East Asia, Melbourne, Oxford University Press.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Readings in Environmental History    GEOG3017

(8cp) Group D (Science)

First semester
Weekly seminar, of one hour, during which oral presentation of a critical review and/or major essay will be presented. Students are expected to devote at least eight hours a week to seminars and written work.

Lecturer: Dr Dovers

Prerequisite: Entry requires the written approval of the lecturer.

Syllabus: Environmental History explores the changing relationship between people and their environment through time, taking account of shifts in value systems, knowledge and economic context. This unit will familiarise students with the literature, methods, content and likely future development of this emerging transdisciplinary field. The unit is structured around student readings, reviews and essays, and weekly seminars. Likely seminar topics are: environmental history of Terra Australis; indigenous history; community history, and environmental history; biohistorical perspectives, environmental history and the humanities; environmental history for catchment management; long-term environmental history in East Asia; and reconstructuring forests.

Preliminary reading

• Dovers, S., (ed.) (1994). Australian Environmental History, OUP, Melbourne.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

Palaeo-Environmental Reconstruction    GEPR3001

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Second semester
*Subject to availability of staff
One lecture and one two-hour class throughout semester and attendance at selected seminars. Up to 26 hours additional project work by arrangement. One field day.

Prerequisite: At least 96 credit points, including at least 2 later year units in biology, resource and enironmental management or archeaology; or written approval of the Lecturer.

Syllabus: The unit reviews techniques commonly used to provide a reconstruction of the past ecology, climate, and surface processes of a region with an emphasis on the potential resources and constraints that may have affected human populations. Biological techniques to be studied include analyses of pollen, charcoal, wood, seeds, isotopic biochemistry and biogenic silica and a range of geomorphological and chronological methods will also be considered. The contribution of these techniques to particular prehistoric problems such as the role of human activity in environmental change is assessed.

Associated programs: Environmental and Human Histories, Geoecology.

Proposed assessment: To be agreed in consultation with students.

The degree with Honours

Honours Coordinator: K Johnson, D Dumaresq

Intending Geography honours students should first read the general statement The degree with honours in the Handbook’s introductory section of the Faculty in which they are enrolled.

Geography Honours School

Students who pass first-year Geography and SREM units to the value of 12 credit points at distinction level or above will be recommended to Faculty for admission to the Honours School.

In certain circumstances later admission to the Honours School may be permitted with the approval of the Head of Department.

The full course in the Honours School must be approved by the Head of Department.

All students in the Honours School are expected to attend seminars given by staff, graduate students and visitors in the Department of Geography.

Admission to Geography IV (Honours) in the Faculty of Science:

Normally,
(1) Group B and C units to the value of 48 credit points including GEOG2009. These units, at least 2 of which must be from Group C, should be appropriate to the field of geography to be studied in the Honours year, and may include up to two units from a cognate discipline;

(2) Performance in the later year units should be at Credit level or better.

(3) Admission is subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

Admission to Geography IV (Honours) in the Faculty of Arts: see the entry for Geography in the Faculty of Arts section of this Handbook.

Geography IV

The honours program for each student is arranged to include a combination of reading, formal course work and research for a thesis. Students contemplating honours in Geography should contact the honours coordinator early in their course. BSc Honours is a full-time degree which normally begins in the first week of February.

Mid year and part-time enrolment may be permitted.

Course Outline

The fourth-year honours class meets in the first week of February. Prior consultation with members of staff should take place to determine a potential thesis topic and supervisor(s). A thesis proposal is presented in March.

In first semester, course work consists of a seminar in the philosophy and practice of scientific research and a unit oriented to the thesis topic; the latter may be a 3000-level geography unit or a reading/essay unit as appropriate. Coursework must be completed by the end of the first semester. The second semester is devoted to the thesis.

Honours students present a thesis progress report at the beginning of the second semester. The honours thesis has a limit of 15,000 words and is due at the end of the first week of November. The assessment weighting of honours components is course work 30%, thesis 70%. Expenses incurred in field work and presentation of the thesis are borne by the student.

Human Ecology

Convener: D C Dumaresq

Human Ecology program focuses on the health and well-being of the environment using an ecosystems approach. The individual units apply ecological principles to the study of the ecosystems that supply us with biospheric services and renewable resources, as well as the essentially non-renewable resources that we have come to depend upon. The human use of biospheric systems is examined in the certain knowledge that the long term health and well being of people depends upon the continued healthy functioning of prehuman ecosystems. Human ecology takes an integrative approach to environmental problems and their solution, including the study of economic and social goals and processes that determine strategies of resource use and ecosystem management.

There are two introductory units, ECOS2002 Agroecology and ECOS2004 Urban Ecology. Both units introduce the principles of human ecology in the study of the ecosystems that supply us with renewable and non-renewable resources of all kinds. Later units further apply these principles to Australian agricultural systems, sustainable development, urban-industrial society and issues of environmental policy.

Students may complete a fourth Honours year if they wish, and courses are also offered at a higher degree level.

(Students who wish to focus on human health and well being should also consult the entries under Science in Context. Human Sciences units are identified by the codes ECOS and SCCO.)

The Human Ecology program’s undergraduate units are ECOS2002 (Agroecology), ECOS2004 (Urban Ecology), ECOS3001 (Sustainable Urban Systems), ECOS3002 (Sustainable Agricultural Systems), ECOS3014 (Special Topics in Human Ecology).

Assessment: The pattern of assessment in all units will be decided in consultation with students.

Summary of Human Ecology Units in 1999

Agroecology    ECOS2002

(8cp) Group B (Science)

First semester
Six class hours per week, comprising one 1-hour work group, two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class and five days of field classes.

Lecturer: Mr Dumaresq

Prerequisites

(a) two units selected from GEOG1006, SREM1002, BIOL1001, 1002, 1003, ANTH1002, 1003, PREH1111, 1112 or

(b) approved qualifications in the biological and social sciences, eg a unit of biology with PSYC1001 or a social science or humanities unit, or

(c) approved qualifications in resource management and environmental sciences, eg SREM1003 or GEOG1006; and SREM2005 or 3003 or FSTY2001 or ECOS2001.

Syllabus: The unit provides an introduction to human ecology through the application of the principles of evolutionary biology and ecosystem analysis to the study of agricultural systems. The focus is on the study of agricultural ecosystems at the farm level. World-wide examples are used; however, investigation is concentrated on Australian farming systems. The persistence of these human managed ecosystems is a central issue. Topics include the ecological processes and problems of different farming strategies, soil conservation and fertility maintenance, agrichemicals and pest and disease management, tillage and herbicides, plant and animal integration on-farm, monocultures versus polycultures, and energy use.

Prescribed text

• Gliessman, S.R., Agroecology: Ecological Processes in Sustainable Agriculture, Ann Arbour Press, 1997

Assessment: This will include evaluation of a research project, field and laboratory work and an examination. Regular attendance and participation in class work is required. Students who fail to submit set work by the due date or fail to participate in laboratory classes and field excursions may be excluded from examination.

Urban Ecology    ECOS2004

(8cp) Group B (Science)

First semester
Four class hours per week, comprising two 1-hour lectures, and one 2-hour tutorial/discussion group and two 1-day field classes.

Lecturer: Dr Keen

Prerequisites:

(a) two units selected from GEOG1006, SREM1002, BIOL1001, 1002, 1003, ANTH1002, 1003, PREH1111, 1112, or

(b) approved qualifications in biological and social sciences, eg a unit of biology with PSYC1001 or a social science or humanities unit, or

(c) approved qualifications in resource management and environmental sciences, eg SREM1003 or GEOG1006 or GEOG2013, 2014 or FSTY3059.

Syllabus: The unit provides an introduction to human ecology through the application of the principles of evolutionary biology and ecosystem analysis to the study of the human urban environment. The emphasis is on human systems but includes consideration of their dependence on underlying natural systems. The unit focuses on street level community and household use of resources and reliance on industrial systems. Data are drawn from a range of disciplines but an integrated approach is maintained. Topics include the ecological processes and problems of maintaining urban systems; human nutrient and waste flows; energy generation, supply and use; and how human interventions, such as urban planning, design and monitoring, can positively affect urban ecology.

Preliminary reading

• Girardet, H. 1996, The Gaia Atlas of Cities: New directions for sustainable urban living, London, Gaia Books (revised edition)
• White, R. 1994, Urban Environmental Management: Environmental change and urban Design, Brisbane, John Wiley and Sons.

Assessment: This will include a field trip report, a poster with summary sheet, and an exam or essay (3000 words). Regular attendance and participation in tutorial/ discussion groups are required. Students who fail to submit set work by the due date or fail to participate in tutorials/field trips may be excluded from examination.

Sustainable Urban Systems    ECOS3001

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Not offered in 1999
Four class hours per week, comprising two 1-hour lectures, one 2-hour tutorial, and two 1 day field classes.

Lecturer: Dr Keen

Prerequisites: ECOS2004 Urban Ecology; or ECOS2002 Agroecology and ECOS3002 Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Syllabus: The unit applies the principles of human ecology to the study of the problems of urban systems and their ecological footprint. The emphasis is on the impact and sustainability of large modern conurbations, their industrial base, and their ecological dependency. Case studies are used to combine theoretical and applied aspects and to illustrate the systematic connections between population, economy, energy and material use, technological change, equity issues, social goals and environmental attitudes, and their significance for policy choices such as sustainable development and the growth and persistence of cities.

Preliminary reading

• Haughton, G. and C. Hunter. 1994, Sustainable Cities, London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Assessment: This may include two short papers, a tutorial presentation, and an essay (3000 words) or exam. Regular attendance and participation in tutorial/ discussion groups are required.

Sustainable Agricultural Systems ;   ECOS3002

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Second semester
Five class hours per week, comprising one 1-hour work group, two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour seminar/practical class and two 1 -day field classes.

Lecturer: Mr Dumaresq

Prerequisites: ECOS2002 Agroecology; or ECOS2004 Urban Ecology and ECOS3001 Sustainable Urban Systems

Syllabus: This unit applies the principles and techniques of human ecology to the study of the problems of agricultural systems in the production, transportation, storage, processing and distribution of food and fibre for modern industrial societies. The emphasis is on the impact and sustainability of the industrial food chain outside the farm. Topics will include the environmental impact of, and sustainability indices for, the production, transport, storage and processing of agricultural products; the composition of food; residues in food, fibre and water; supply of off-farm inputs; rural and urban linkages; and the structure of local and international agribusiness. Examples will be drawn from Australia where possible.

Preliminary reading

• Pretty, J.N., Regenerative Agriculture, Earthscan, 1995

Assessment: This may include a technical report, an essay or research project, performance in a range of class activities, and an examination.

Special Topics in Human Ecology    ECOS3014

(8cp) Group C (Science)

Available in each semester
The unit will be available in each semester depending on the availability of suitable supervisors. Students are expected to devote at least eight hours a week to lectures, seminars, laboratory and field studies, and other work as required.

Coordinators: Mr Dumaresq, Dr Keen

Prerequisite: The completion of 32 credit points at 2000/3000 level plus written approval of the lecturer in charge.

Syllabus: Special programs of study designed to enable students to gain knowledge of a special topic in human ecology not otherwise covered in human ecology, geography or resource management courses.

Proposed assessment: By arrangement, but is likely to include an extended essay or research report and the presentation of a seminar.

The degree with honours

Intending honours students in human ecology who are enrolled in the Faculty of Science should first read the general statement The degree with honours in the introductory section of the Faculty of Science entry. They should also contact the Human Ecology convener as early as possible in their undergraduate studies.

Admission to Human Ecology IV(Honours)

The normal prerequisites for admission are a good level of performance (credits or better) in B and C units to the value of 48 credit points, including 2 C units, which must include the following:

(a) ECOS2002 Agroecology or ECOS2004 Urban Ecology at credit level or better;

(b) Three other ECOS units including one ECOS C point; at least two of these must be at distinction level;

(c) Two other later year science units.

Admission is possible only if a suitable supervisor is available.

The course for Human Ecology IV(Honours) will normally consist of:

(a) Human Ecology Honours and Graduate Seminar, together with an associated reading program.

(b) Other course work as appropriate or an essay of approximately 3000 words.

(c) An original investigation presented in a seminar and as a sub-thesis of approximately 15,000 words, due in the first week of November. Course work will normally begin in the first week of February; a potential thesis topic and supervisor should be arranged before that.

Higher Degrees

Courses are available leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy by thesis. Prospective candidates should consult the convener.