Students
ENVS8229 – Sustainable Cities
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance, On location at placement
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Co-convenor
Katherine Dafforn
Contact via 0298507979
Rm 518, 12 Wallys Walk
By Appointment
Co-convenor
Peter Davies
Rm 435, 12 Wallys Walk
By Appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnv or MSc or GradDipEnv or GradCertEnv or MEnvPlan or MPlan or MConsBiol or MPH or MMarScMgt or MScInnovationEnvSc or MSusDev
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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 examines scientific and technical principles related to the management of sustainable cities. Major themes include city biodiversity and blue-green infrastructure (e.g. green walls and living seawalls), waste management (e.g. scientific innovation to support a circular economy and smart sensing technologies), air, land and water pollution (e.g. regulation and reduction through water sensitive urban design), and resource management (e.g. urban agriculture and vertical farming). The challenges for sustainable cities in a changing climate will be explored through each major theme. Different local, national and international case studies will be explored to demonstrate key concepts in the science and management of sustainable cities. The unit includes a field trip where students will apply their knowledge to enhance sustainability in an urban context. |
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:
- ULO1: demonstrate an understanding of the socio-technical principles affecting the planning and management of sustainable cities
- ULO2: apply your understanding of sustainable cities to critically evaluate relevant case studies
- ULO3: identify and assess the interests, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in making cities sustainable
- ULO4: demonstrate individual and group writing and research skills for different target audiences
General Assessment Information
Assessment Criteria
Assessment at Macquarie University is standards-based, as outlined in the Assessment Policy. This means that your work will be assessed against clear criteria, and these criteria (e.g. in a rubric) will be made available when the assessment tasks are released to you on iLearn.
Submission of Assessments
All assessments must be submitted online through Turnitin unless otherwise indicated. Links for the submission of each assessment will be available on iLearn.
You should always check that you have uploaded the correct file. If you have a problem, please email the Unit Convenor with your correct file. You must also keep a copy of your assessments until the end of semester in case there is a problem with your submission. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can provide a copy of your assessment if requested.
Marking of Assessments
Assignments will usually be marked through Turnitin with grades provided through Gradebook on iLearn. Please do not submit your assessments via email or in hard copy unless requested (e.g. a sketch or drawing).
We aim to return your assessment grades and feedback within two to three weeks of the date that you submitted it. We appreciate your patience and will advise you through iLearn when your marked assessments and feedback are available for viewing.
Penalties for Late Assessments
The penalty for late submission of assessments in this unit is ten percent (10 %) of the assessment value per day, calculated from the due time and date. This means that if the assignment is worth a total of 30 marks (or 30 % of the unit) you will lose 3 marks for each day it is late. This is a hefty penalty designed to make you aware of the importance of organising yourself around assessment due dates. The penalty will be applied over weekdays and weekends unless you have been granted an extension prior to the due date.
Extensions for Assessments
To obtain an extension for an assessment task, you will need to follow the formal process as outlined in the Special Consideration Policy, and you must provide appropriate supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate - see advice for Special Consideration requests). The final decision regarding the granting of an extension lies with the unit convenor. Permission for extensions must be sought before the due date unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please let us know of problems in advance or as soon as possible, not after the event. We are likely to be much more sympathetic and able to accommodate your circumstance if you follow this advice.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| In class quizzes | 20% | No | Weeks 5 and 12 |
| Data report | 30% | No | Weeks 7 and 8 |
| Group practical exercise | 50% | No | Week 11 |
In class quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: Weeks 5 and 12
Weighting: 20%
Multiple-choice quizzes and short answer questions in class to assess knowledge of theoretical frameworks and curent policy and practical approaches in sustainable cities.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the socio-technical principles affecting the planning and management of sustainable cities
Data report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Weeks 7 and 8
Weighting: 30%
Collection and evaluation of physical or social science data related to sustainable cities.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the socio-technical principles affecting the planning and management of sustainable cities
- apply your understanding of sustainable cities to critically evaluate relevant case studies
- demonstrate individual and group writing and research skills for different target audiences
Group practical exercise
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 50%
In groups, critically evaluate sustainable city plans or strategies drawing on both theory and practice and develop a sustainable city plan. This will have individual and group contribution with group work moderated via Sparkplus.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the socio-technical principles affecting the planning and management of sustainable cities
- apply your understanding of sustainable cities to critically evaluate relevant case studies
- identify and assess the interests, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in making cities sustainable
- demonstrate individual and group writing and research skills for different target audiences
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Unit iLearn
This unit has an iLearn page that can be accessed through ilearn.mq.edu.au. It contains important information and other materials relating to the unit, including details and links for assessments.
Communication
The unit iLearn is the primary way that we communicate with you. Please check it regularly for announcements and posts. You are encouraged to use the Discussion Board on iLearn to post questions and generate discussion with other students. Please only email the convenor with private matters – all other questions should be posted on iLearn.
Unit Organisation
This unit is delivered in modules. The organisation of these is outlined in a detailed unit schedule which is available on iLearn.
Students have the option of engaging with the unit fully online via live workshops or by joining Face to Face workshops.
Classes
The class timetable for this unit can be found through the Timetable portal. You should also check the unit schedule as some weeks may have other instructions or locations.
Workload
The expected workload for this 10-credit point unit is 150 hours of activity, comprising lectures, workshop preparation and activities, in-situ or virtual fieldwork, and assessment tasks.
Requirements to complete this unit satisfactorily
To complete this unit satisfactorily, you must:
1. Participate in all scheduled classes;
2. Complete all assessments; and
3. Achieve a pass grade or higher.
The descriptions for grades common to all coursework units offered by Macquarie University are outlined in Schedule 1 of the Assessment Policy.
Technology Used and Required
This unit will use iLearn and Echo360. See the Instructions on how to log in to iLearn and the iLearn quick guides for students which will help you:
- Getting started - Find out how to navigate and familiarise yourself with the iLearn environment
- Activities - Learn how to effectively complete the activities required of you in iLearn
- Assignments and Gradebook - Find out how to submit assessments and view your grades using iLearn
- Online study tips - Studying online is a unique experience, learn how to navigate it here
- Discussion forums - Explore the different types, and features of discussion forums in iLearn
- Lecture recordings - Find out how to access lectures online, as well as the features available to you
Unit Schedule
Please see iLearn for details
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.)
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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.
Changes from Previous Offering
This unit has been re-designed to shift the focus from pollution control and waste management towards the more holistic scientific and technical principles for managing sustainable cities. All of the lecture content, workshop and fieldwork activities are newly developed to complement this updated focus.