Key facts

UNE unit code: EM312

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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With environmental impact assessment becoming increasingly important across many sectors involved in the planning and management of Australia’s natural resources, equip yourself with practical skills and knowledge that is in demand.

Studying this unit, you will be introduced to the key principles and philosophies, processes and constraints of impact assessment in Australia today.

You will discuss impact assessment relevant to different settings, including mining and processing, water resources, nature conservation and biodiversity, agriculture and infrastructure development, along with appropriate methods and techniques for assessment.

Delving into current policy, legislative and administrative features, you will also explore issues at the local, state and federal government levels.

Practical work offers you hands-on experience with the preparation and review of environment impact statements for resource development, using real-world scenarios.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA3 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsThe intensive school is mandatory for both online and on-campus students. Dates to be advised.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
72cp or for BEngTech and BUrbRegPlan: ENGT237 or ENVE237 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
EM512

Notes

On campus and online students must attend the three-day mandatory intensive school in April. All seminars will be made available on the EM312 website as audio podcasts. It is expected that on campus and online students will access and utilise these podcasts. On-campus students will attend a combined weekly seminar, some of which are presented by guest lecturers who are recognised specialists in their topic.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Lisa Lobry De Bruyn
Lisa Lobry De BruynAssociate Professor in Soil Health and Knowledge Sharing - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. understand the concepts and philosophies for environmental impact assessment (EIA) and how they are applied in the Australian context at local, state and federal government levels;
  2. identify and critically evaluate methods and techniques for EIA and understand how they are applied to major natural resource sectors;
  3. apply the EIA requirements to critically evaluate the quality of an industry standard Environmental Impact Statement;
  4. understand and explain the strengths and weaknesses of EIA; and
  5. identify and understand future trends in the use and application of EIA.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 

Practical BookYes40%All offerings

No. Words: 3500

QuizzesYes10%All offerings

A series of quizzes

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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Environmental Impact Assessment in Australia

ISBN: 9781862879454

Thomas, I. and Elliott, M., Federation Press 6th ed. 2013

Text refers to: All offerings

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