Students
BIOL876 – Climate Change Impacts
2019 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Dr Jessica Boomer
Contact via 9850 7998
E8A 375, 14 Eastern Road
Co-Convenor
Distinguished Professor Lesley Hughes
Contact via 9850 8195
E8A Rm 276, 14 Eastern Road
Caitlin Kordis
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or GradCertConsBiol or MEnv or MEnvPlan or GradDipEnv or MMarScMgt or MSusDev or GradDipSusDev or MSc or MPlan or MSocEntre or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSIA or MScInnovation
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores the impacts of climate change on the biosphere, and adaptation options. Topics include biodiversity and conservation, invasive species and their management, impacts on agriculture and urban ecosystems, and the consequences for human health and well-being in both developed and developing countries. Students will explore what is projected to happen if the international target of restricting global temperature rise to no more than 2 degree Celcius is not met, and why even this target will have critical impacts. Students will meet guest scientists and government and industry experts who are at the forefront of solving the immense challenge that climate change brings to the biosphere.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
General Assessment Information
Students must attempt all assessments to qualify for passing this unit.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 21% | Yes | Week 5; Week 9; Week 13 |
| Oral Presentation | 15% | Yes | On-going |
| Impacts & adaptation | 24% | Yes | 09/09/2018, Week 7 |
| Adaptation Plan | 40% | Yes | 08/11/2018, Week 13 |
Quiz
Due: Week 5; Week 9; Week 13
Weighting: 21%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Throughout the semester you will undertake three quizzes (worth 7% each), based on lectures, tutorials and recommended readings. The quizzes in Week 5 and 9 will be online, while the final quiz will be in class. As these quizzes are a hurdle assessment, each quiz must be attempted in order to pass the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Oral Presentation
Due: On-going
Weighting: 15%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The ability to identify scientifically sound information on climate change and to communicate this to others are prerequisites for advocacy, action and environmental literacy. At some point in the semester, each student will be expected to given an oral presentation on some aspect of that week’s topic. Between 3-4 students will be presenting each week.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Impacts & adaptation
Due: 09/09/2018, Week 7
Weighting: 24%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
You will explore an Australian system that has already been impacted by climate change, develop a report outlining these impacts and likely adaptation strategies (~1200 words), and an A3-page infographic summarising your report for a non-science audience.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Adaptation Plan
Due: 08/11/2018, Week 13
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Adaptation assessments are useful tools to identify actions that can be undertaken now or in the near future to anticipate the impacts of climate change and reduce vulnerability. For this assessment, you will select an area of interest and follow one of several formats to develop an Adaptation Plan. The assessment will be approximately 3000 words in length.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Delivery and Resources
Required and recommended texts and/or materials
There is no recommended text for this unit. However, readings will be provided for each lecture.
Unit web page
PowerPoint slides, lecture recordings, unit readings, copies of all unit hand-outs and helpful resources for completion of assessments will be available through iLearn. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that you interact with the BIOL876 online unit regularly. To access the online unit, go to https://iLearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/ and type in your Macquarie OneID Username and password.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
Assessment tasks
- Oral Presentation
- Adaptation Plan
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Assessment tasks
- Quiz
- Oral Presentation
- Impacts & adaptation
- Adaptation Plan
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Assessment tasks
- Quiz
- Oral Presentation
- Impacts & adaptation
- Adaptation Plan
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Utilise research skills to identify impacts of climate change on a given sector
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Assessment tasks
- Quiz
- Oral Presentation
- Impacts & adaptation
- Adaptation Plan
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills to develop adaptation strategies that increase resilience to climate change
- Identify areas of scientific uncertainty and complexity with regards to different sectors, and account for this in adaptation strategies
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
- Transfer knowledge and skills regarding adaptation planning to industries/sectors beyond your personal experience
Assessment tasks
- Oral Presentation
- Impacts & adaptation
- Adaptation Plan
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, critique and synthesise knowledge about the impacts of climate change on a broad range of sectors, and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Identify barriers and challenges to implementing adaptation responses
Assessment tasks
- Quiz
- Oral Presentation
- Impacts & adaptation
- Adaptation Plan
Changes from Previous Offering
The participation score from the 2018 offering of this unit has been removed.