Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL324
*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
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Sustainable land use and the appropriate management of related water, energy and other resources is critical to successful planning and ensuring environmental and social resilience.
This unit provides you with an expansive consideration of natural resource management and rural and regional planning issues. You will concentrate on the need for integrated policy and planning strategies based on an understanding of human behaviour and institutions as well as biophysical processes.
This unit facilitates understanding through student-selected research projects, roleplays, structured group discussion, unit readings, current news, assessment work and online media. For these reasons online access is essential.
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
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 a critical understanding of natural resource management and rural and regional planning concepts, including big ideas like sustainability and resilience, and awareness of issues such as environmental security and water and food security and conflicts about resource management;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the interrelationships between people and their environments, and how conflicts over resources may be created;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the different mechanisms which people use to attempt to meet their resource management and rural and regional planning goals, and of approaches to evaluating management mechanisms and the existing and requisite knowledge base for decision-making in natural resource management and rural and regional planning;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the biophysical and social parameters of natural resources such as land, water, energy, minerals, timber, and the mechanisms which are used to manage and plan for these resources;
- demonstrate an ability to propose solutions to natural resource management and rural and regional planning problems through applying an integrated and critical understanding of the relevant issues; and
- demonstrate research, report writing, group participation, communication and critical thinking skills.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Study - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Major study and interactive oral Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Pilot Study | No | 15% | All offerings | Pilot Study for a Major Assessment No. Words: 500 |
| Small Discussion Group | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Ten-minutes (approx.) per student No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five 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.
2027 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.