Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL111
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Planet Earth is undergoing vast anthropogenic induced environmental changes to its physical landscape.
By holistically drawing upon basic physical and theoretical underpinnings from a range of scientific disciplines like geoscience, ecology, biogeography, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, and conservation biology, you will explore and understand the issues and physical impacts surrounding atmospheric and hydrological pollution, biodiversity loss, species extinctions, desertification, soil degradation, global climate change, and declining fisheries.
The human impact on Earth’s environment through population growth, the expansion of the urban environment, the global food crisis, and environmental economics, will be also addressed. Sustainable natural resource use is advocated by linking sound science with wise environmental stewardship.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge on physical and scientific processes that drive Earth's environment;
- describe the spatial and temporal magnitude of global environmental issues impacting on Earth's physical landscape;
- critically evaluate the anthropogenic role behind the emergence of global environmental issues;
- demonstrate a firm understanding on sustainable use and conservation of natural resources through the link between sound science and wise environmental stewardship; and
- apply life-long foundation skills in scientific communication and physical geography methodology in an associated career.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Issue Report | Yes | 40% | Trimester 1, Online | Written assignment on an environmental issue No. Words: 2000 |
| Environmental Issue Report | Yes | 30% | Trimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus | Written assignment on an environmental issue No. Words: 1500 |
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Online Exercises | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online library-based quizzes No. Words: 250 |
| Practical Reports | No | 10% | Trimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus | Two practical reports No. Words: 500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences
ISBN: 9780195576757
Hay, I., Oxford 4th ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Environmental Science for a Changing World Digital Update
ISBN: 9781319546885
Susan Karr, Macmillan Learning 4th Ed 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
