Key facts
UNE unit code: EM311
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Land degradation is an issue of critical importance to Australia’s natural and managed environments. The costs of land degradation are significant, with wide-spread impacts on the environment, the economy and future sustainable development.
This unit introduces you to the major land degradation issues of Australia, including soil erosion, salinisation and vegetation decline.
Developing an understanding of the variation of Australia’s land degradation, both in time and place, you will explore the extent, processes involved, and rehabilitation and prevention techniques.
With insights into changing awareness and perceptions of land managers and other stakeholders, you will also examine the principles and procedures for land evaluation for a range of land use options, land capability classification schemes and land suitability analysis for land-use planning.
Add value to a range of land management roles with the capacity to solve sustainability problems in practice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approximately two (2) days prior to the commencement of this mandatory Intensive School. This Intensive School is mandatory for both online and on campus students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
On campus students teaching will include a 100 minute class from week 3.Access to online teaching materials and online discussions for problem based learning.
All on campus and online students teaching will include attendance at a mandatory intensive school in June for four days where all assessment items (1, 2 and 3) will commence and 1 and 2 will be completed. Access to online teaching materials and online discussions for Stage 2 and 3 of the problem based learning scenario in small online groups formed at the mandatory intensive school is required.
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:
- understand and describe the variation in extent (both spatially and temporally), of the major land degradation types in Australia, and changes in land managers' awareness and perception of these issues, and communicate this information to others in written or verbal formats;
- understand and explain the biophysical processes responsible for major land degradation issues in Australia and elsewhere, and the influence of biophysical factors, such as soil type, and human intervention or management on their prevalence and severity;
- evaluate land assessment scenarios, research and explain availability, design and application of land evaluation schemes and their relevance to the scenario, with due recognition of interactions between land use, land holder, natural environment and other factors;
- evaluate land assessment scenarios, research and explain the links between - the environment, land management practices and the land holder - and their combined influence over sustainable use of natural resources; and
- evaluate land assessment scenarios, research and explain the types of solutions most likely to be adopted by the land manager or organisation, with appreciation of the biophysical processes and human intervention or management practices that contributed to the land degradation issue.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical assignment in land degradation with in-person supervision. No. Words: 1000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Assignment 1 - Assurance Task, Assignment 2 - Assurance Task, and Seminar – Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Assignment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical assignment in land evaluation for agriculture with face to face supervision during the Intensive School. No. Words: 1000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Assignment 1 - Assurance Task, Assignment 2 - Assurance Task, and Seminar – Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Assignment 3 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written problem-based learning investigation on a natural resource management scenario: two of the three stages will be submitted for assessment. No. Words: 3000 |
| Seminar - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Oral Presentation to Client on the outcomes of Stage 3 of the Problem-based learning investigation. Approximately 10 minutes. The oral presentation will be conducted in person for on-campus students. For online students, this presentation will be conducted online using video and screen-sharing technology. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum of 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
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: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Environmental Planning and Management in Australia
ISBN: 9780195538199
Conacher, A. and Conacher, J., OUP 2000
Text refers to: All offerings
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