Course and Subject Handbook

This subject provides an introduction to sustainability and is one of the foundation subjects for students studying the Bachelor of Environmental Science & Management (BESM), or any student with an interest in sustainability and/or sustainable development. It explores the underpinnings of the ecological, social and economic challenges confronting humanity by considering the history, philosophy, ethics, and political developments that have shaped current interpretations of sustainability. The nature of 'wicked' problems is explored alongside sustainability principles, e.g. 'weak' and 'strong' perspectives, and concepts such as environmental justice and inter- and intra-generational equity are reviewed. Some of the challenges and solutions to meeting sustainability objectives across the so-called 'triple-bottom-line' (ecological, social and economic) are discussed. The tutorial sessions will develop themes introduced in the lectures and introduce some of the approaches and methods required to understand and consider sustainability and sustainable development, including multi-disciplinary approaches and complex systems.