Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW213
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Food security is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. In this unit, you examine food security as a legal and governance challenge shaped by how societies manage and allocate critical resources, particularly water and energy.
You explore how domestic and international law structures access to, control over and distribution of natural resources, and how these governance choices affect food production, affordability, resilience and sustainability at local, national and global levels. You develop the capability to interpret and critique complex legal and policy frameworks, and to apply governance principles to contemporary food security challenges in resource‑constrained contexts.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
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 an understanding of the relationship between food security and the governance of critical resources, including water and energy;
- evaluate domestic and international law and policy frameworks that shape resource allocation and food system sustainability;
- explain the impact of climate change, environmental limits and equity considerations on food security governance;
- explain governance and regulatory principles to contemporary food security challenges in resource-constrained contexts; and
- communicate coherent legal or policy arguments supported by relevant authority and evidence.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a final supervised examination in 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. Essay and/or Problem Based Questions - requires the application of established legal principles to given scenarios or issues regarding food security. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 2000 words |
| Foundational Concepts & Presentation | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Clearly explain a specific food security issue, identifying the relevant legal frameworks, demonstrating the ability to present legal information to a lay audience. Essay (10%) and an oral presentation (10%) No. Words: 1000 words |
| Research and Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Investigate domestic and international laws governing a specific resource (e.g., water or energy) and evaluate how these laws impact food production and sustainability. Part A - Essay (30%) (acknowledged AI use permitted); and Part B - Oral Presentation (10% Assurance Task) (no AI use permitted) Oral presentation: 30 minutes (via live Zoom (not recorded) in Q&A format on pre-advised topics). The oral exam will be offered face-to-face or online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Research and Presentation - Assurance Task and Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 1500 words essay, 500 words equiv. oral presentation |
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.
The Changing Food Law Landscape: Food Security, Sustanibility, and the Environment
ISBN: 9781032491301
Siva Barahthi (Sharl) Marimuthu, Anu Lähteenmäki-Uutela, Routldge 1st edition 2026
Text refers to: All offerings
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