Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL112
*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
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Australia is being influenced by far-reaching economic, demographic and social processes, many of which originate elsewhere in the globe.
In this unit you will explore the ways in which Australian urban and rural regions are being impacted by these global dynamics but also how rural and urban communities are interpreting and influencing these changes.
This unit investigates some of the most important issues currently confronting Australian society: the population/ecological (im)balance; the ongoing restructuring of key Australian industries such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture; the declining fortunes of country towns; and the social, economic and ecological issues facing Australian cities.
You will develop an understanding of the core concepts, techniques and practices of human geography through the unit’s exploration of how ‘real’ urban and rural places are made.
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 how economic, demographic, social and ecological forces interact to influence the nature and location of human activity in Australia;
- demonstrate an understanding of the patterns of development that are occurring in Australia;
- recognise the impact of change at a variety of geographic scales; and
- demonstrate a proficiency in foundation level geographic, research and communication 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Library Quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Library exercise No. Words: 250 |
| Assessment 2: Essay/Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3: Armidale Hospital practical exercise | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Students undertake a virtual walk around Armidale Hospital to gain a practical understanding of how and why businesses and industries locate where they do. No. Words: 250 |
| Assessment 4: Exam - 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 |
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.
Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences
ISBN: 9780195576757
Hay, I., Oxford 4th ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
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