Course and Subject Handbook

This subject provides an introduction to environmental science and is the foundation subject for students majoring in, or with an interest in, earth science, environmental science, environmental management or physical geography. It gives an overview of the most important groups of environmental processes in terms of their operation, complexities and natural and human interactions. We focus on the status of scientific knowledge and the knowledge gaps of the particular process. Each topic provides an overview of the process, set within the context of major environmental problems related to it. We review the science needed to contribute to the understanding of the problem in finding solutions to it. Topics covered may include: the global climate system and climate change, natural hazards, water in the environment, landform development, sustainability of the earth's resources, ecosystems and biodiversity, population growth and indigenous issues relating to the environment. The practical/workshop sessions will develop themes introduced in lectures, and introduce the technical tools and methods used by practitioners in the field.