ENS5320 - Climate change, energy and human security

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Overview

This unit provides a fundamental understanding of the science, policy and regulatory frameworks relating to the nexus between climate change, renewable and non-renewable energy resources. The physical science, climate models, projections and impacts are discussed along with national and international climate change policy and regulatory aspects. The unit will develop … For more content click the Read More button below. The unit will involve site visits to both renewable (solar arrays and wind farms) and non-renewable energy generation facilities. To facilitate these understandings visits will also be made, for example, to local government authorities in Victoria dealing with climate change vulnerabilities and assessments. The critical links between climate change, climate change impacts and human security are emphasised throughout the unit.

The unit will develop skills and understandings to translate the best contemporary climate change science into appropriate decision-making to preserve the physical, biological and economic systems upon which human security depends. You will also gain understanding of climate change scenario development, vulnerability assessment and mitigation and adaptation responses at organisational, community and national levels.

The unit will involve site visits to both renewable (solar arrays and wind farms) and non-renewable energy generation facilities. To facilitate these understandings visits will also be made, for example, to local government authorities in Victoria dealing with climate change vulnerabilities and assessments. The critical links between climate change, climate change impacts and human security are emphasised throughout the unit.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-BLOCK-ON

Rules

Enrolment Rule

PREREQUISITE: This is a specialist core unit for the Environmental Security specialisation. Non-cognate students in this specialisation must complete preparatory studies (Part B) or ENS5010 prior to undertaking this specialist unit. If you are undertaking this unit as an elective within other specialisations you must consult with the unit coordinator about assumed foundational knowledge and preparatory material.

Students enrolled in S6004 Master of Food Science and Agribusiness will require manual enrolment.

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Ailie Gallant

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Ailie Gallant

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Articulate the fundamental scientific principles and issues related to climate change, including the differences between mitigation and adaptation policies, to a multidisciplinary audience.

Critically analyse contemporary issues and debates in climate change science and demonstrate a practical understanding of the outputs, assumptions and limitations of climate change modelling, especially as it relates to scenario development.

Demonstrate the ability to research, construct and deliver professional scientific evidence-based proposals, technical reports, articles and policy documents.

Identify appropriate strategies and tools for climate change planning, management and impact assessment.

Apply effective communication skills to collaborate across academia, government and non-governmental and corporate organisations and negotiate diverse perspectives on relevant topics.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Assessment

1 - Assessment task 1: Reflective pieces (individual)

2 - Assessment task 2: Whole class debate (group)

3 - Assessment task 3: Mini quizzes (individual)

4 - Assessment task 4: Vulnerability assessment case study (group)

5 - Assessment task 5: Research paper (individual)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Master of Environment and Sustainability Moodle Home: This is a central location for general course news, events, discussions, support services, Part D information, and resources: http://moodle.vle.monash.edu/course/view.php?id=33086

Textbooks: You are not required to purchase any textbooks for this unit. All resources, such as readings, are provided online as part of the weekly pre-work with new materials introduced week by week.

Research and Learning Online: This contains modules, which you can use as needed and when needed, to develop study skills for academic success. This includes example assignment structures for different disciplines and other useful materials to get your assignments done. Access the website via: https://www.monash.edu/rlo

Availability in areas of study

Environmental security