Key facts
UNE unit code: RSNR301
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Pollution has far-reaching global impacts for the environment, human health and economic stability.
Introducing you to contemporary issues in pollution and its management, this unit considers proactive approaches for reducing, avoiding and controlling pollution.
You will examine sources of pollution, consequences for us and our environment, and some of the key tools used today by scientists to monitor, assess and remediate pollution.
Topics include global atmospheric change, environmental risk assessment, air pollution, water pollution and quality control, soil pollution and solid waste management, resource recovery and recycling, and new concepts in industrial ecology.
You will also explore modern methods for avoidance and control, including legal and administrative aspects. Using case studies and current local and international issues, your capacity to respond to the challenges posed by pollution in real-world settings will be extended.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
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 broad understanding of key concepts in environmental pollution and its management;
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of general environmental pollution problems, cite some specific cases and be able to critically evaluate resource material;
- demonstrate critical thinking and judgement to identify and solve common environmental problems with intellectual independence; and
- communicate a clear, coherent and well-reasoned independent exposition of knowledge and ideas in pollution and its management.
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 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Pollutant characterisation. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assignment 1, Assignment 2, and Assignment 3, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 500 |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Data Assessment. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assignment 1, Assignment 2, and Assignment 3, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assignment 3 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Pollution Management Report. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assignment 1, Assignment 2, and Assignment 3, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 3000 |
| Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Duration: approximately 15 minutes. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Tutorials | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. To pass this unit you must attend all tutorials 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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control
ISBN: 9781849736480
Harrison, R.M., Royal Society of Chemistry 5th ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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