91152 Contemporary Environmental Issues

6cp

This subject introduces students to elements of ecology – ecosystems, biomes and ecological interactions. It focuses on current environmental issues by focusing on the environmental impacts that are the results of anthropogenic activities, with particular emphasis on the Australian environment. It is available to students from other science and non-science degrees as an introductory subject to the general area of environmental sciences. These impacts are discussed within the framework of the physical environment – plant, animal and microbial interactions within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Among the various issues discussed are climate change, salinisation, eutrophication, and contaminant impacts. Ecosystem function and services, ecological footprint and sustainable use of resources are some of the concepts introduced in this subject. The specific topics are updated annually to include topics and examples of current concern.

Typical availability

Spring semester

Fee information

2006 contribution for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students: $872.38
2006 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,190.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2006 for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Other students (such as postgraduate students and international students) should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.