| Overview and Aims of the Program |
Environmental managers work in diverse and challenging professional roles at the interface between human societies and their environments. The Major in Environmental Management develops students’ professional literacy across environmental science and geography by building knowledge and skills in applied environmental studies in both the biophysical and social domains. The core program integrates scientific and social understanding in the context of sustainability, connectivity, conservation and management. This interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to environmental management recognizes the interdependence of humans and the environment, and the role of humans in influencing and managing environmental issues in a changing world.
The general aims of this program are:
• to establish a set of core concepts that are fundamental to research and professional practice in environmental management
• to develop an understanding of the need for interdisciplinary, collaborative, integrated and adaptive approaches to environmental management
• to develop skills in examining, analysing, interpreting and integrating scientific information, critically evaluating data from various primary and secondary sources and using this data to inform decision making and management in environmental systems
• to demonstrate the usefulness and application of both social and scientific thinking and information to the process of environmental decision making and management
• to develop appropriate knowledge and skills to enable professional and effective participation in a relevant environmental career and to foster Life Long Learning. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. demonstrate a coherent understanding of environmental management by explaining the role and relevance of environmental management and scientific research in society (K, C, E)
2. apply an appropriate depth and breadth of knowledge of environmental management and major environmental issues using principles of sustainability, connectivity, conservation and other core concepts in environmental management (K, A)
3. explain how environmental science and geography can be integrated in environmental management and in environmental, legal and policy frameworks (K, A)
4. evaluate the interdependence of humans and the environment in the context of historical and current human impacts on the environment, and the role of humans in managing environmental issues (K, A, C, E, S)
5. describe how environmental issues and approaches to environmental management change over time and with geographical location, and explain how collaborative research and open perspectives on environment and society lead to adaptation in environmental management (K, A, P, I, C, E, S).
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
6. demonstrate the ability to examine, analyse, interpret and integrate scientific information from various primary and secondary sources (K, A, P)
7. apply the skills of critical thinking, data analysis, evaluation and interpretation to environmental issues and environmental management problems (K, A, P, I, C)
8. identify the need to address environmental issues by ethical means and by applying appropriate interdisciplinary, collaborative, integrated and adaptive research approaches to environmental management (K, A, P, E, S, J)
9. communicate to specialist and non-specialist target audiences in a range of formats, including through text, visual and oral mediums (K, I, C, S)
10. apply principles of independent and team-based learning and inquiry, including the ability to match environmental management approaches to appropriate problems and settings (K, A, P, I, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Major in Environmental Management is designed to build students’ knowledge and to develop abilities and skills that can be applied to real-world environmental problems in a range of career paths. Learning and teaching methods rely on individual and team-based approaches, meaning that graduates are equipped to gather and analyse information and report their findings in a professional manner independently, and as part of a team.
All core units in this major link background concepts and knowledge with applied environmental studies in the classroom, and occasionally in the field. Most units use a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, together with online activities. Some units combine field work with classroom activities, and field trips go to locations on and around campus in the Sydney area. Practical components involve deriving, assessing and analysing environmental data in relation to real-world environmental management strategies, programs and policies. Students learn both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis across a spectrum of environmental science and social science. Core units also develop student’s skills in presentation and communication of scientific information in a range of media formats appropriate to environmental management.
Most of the core units are offered in internal and external mode, which allows a highly flexible approach to learning and teaching so that delivery of the program can be tailored to students’ needs. External units still have a face-to-face component and provide greater opportunities for self-directed and independent learning within the program. A key final year unit within the major is designated a Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) unit where students can apply their skills in projects conducted with partners outside the University. |
| Assessment |
Our assessments are designed to test students’ discipline-specific knowledge and skills as well as their ability to integrate and analyse information to solve real-world problems. Assessments are spread throughout semester to enable students to gain feedback as they learn. Assessment tasks are also scaffolded from first year to final year to build skills and confidence.
The program incorporates both formative and summative feedback. Formative feedback is that which is received whilst students are working on a task, often during practical and tutorial sessions or field work. Summative feedback is that received once students have completed a task. Both forms of feedback are extremely important and provide students with information and guidance on their development and progress. Feedback may be provided in written form or simply in discussion with peers and teachers.
In recognition that students learn and communicate in different ways, assessment methods are diverse, with at least three different types of assessment in every unit. Assessment methods include, but are not limited to, exams and quizzes, written assessments (such as reports, professional portfolios, research projects, critiques of the scientific and popular literature), and oral presentations. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Career opportunities for graduates with a major in Environmental Management include:
• government and community-based research and monitoring roles
• government and community-based environmental and resource management
• environmental consultancy
• environmental education
• environmental field and laboratory roles
• environmental policy
• environmental planning
• environment and heritage administration.
Potential employers of graduates with a major in Environmental Management include:
• environmental businesses and industry
• community environment groups
• community relations sector of business and industry
• national and international conservation agencies
• consultancy firms
• environment protection authorities
• state and federal government environment departments
• local councils
• education programs
• foreign aid projects
• heritage bodies
• mining and other resource industries
• national parks and wildlife services. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
