GEOG 5011EX - Introduction to Climate Adaptation

External - Semester 1 - 2014

This unit will introduce students to what climate change adaptation is, the legal and policy requirement for professionals working in the field, and the science underpinning it. The unit aims to develop student skills in accessing and synthesising the most up to date information on law, policy and science relevant to climate change adaptation. The unit will also equip students with an understanding of the concepts used in the field of climate change adaptation.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 5011EX
    Course Introduction to Climate Adaptation
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Contact Participation in the set online tutorials, 3 hours per week of self-directed study, 3 hours per week of research and assignment preparation.
    Prerequisites A Bachelor degree or equivalent demonstrated skills as endorsed by the Head of School
    Course Description This unit will introduce students to what climate change adaptation is, the legal and policy requirement for professionals working in the field, and the science underpinning it. The unit aims to develop student skills in accessing and synthesising the most up to date information on law, policy and science relevant to climate change adaptation. The unit will also equip students with an understanding of the concepts used in the field of climate change adaptation.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    1. Evaluate and transmit the science and history of climate change
    2. Critically Analyse and apply the law and policy relevant to climate change adaptation
    3. Critically analyse and differentiate the concepts and terms in the field of climate change adaptation 
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2, 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There is no formal requirement to purchase any particular text and a full suite of resources will be available to you on MYUNI under the readings folders each week.
    Recommended Resources
    As this area is very dynamic, we will upload each semester a suite of supporting and relevant resources. 
    Online Learning
    This course is 100% online. However, you will still have assignments to submit and weekly activities to complete. 
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is 100% online. Students will be given opportunities to contact staff and other students via blogs, post, and wiki activities. Students will have a skype or phone tutorial at least once each semester. 
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

      
    This is a 100% online course, so there are no prescribed workoad activities per se, as the course is based on independent learning methods. However, it is assumed that students will spend the equivalent of the following:

    3 hours a week @ 14 weeks doing the online activities: 42 hours

    4 hours a week @ 14 weeks reading : 56 hours

    2 hours a week @ 12 weeks completing assessments: 24 hours

    2 hours a week doing @ 12 weeks research for the major assignments: 24 hours

    4 hours tutorial preparation and presentation: 4 hours

    Total: 150 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
    Week 1: Introductory readings, go through introductory ppts
    Week 2: Describing key concepts and Understanding the science
    Week 3: Weather and Variability, Direct and indirect effects , Observed and predicted impacts, ppm
    Week 4: Uncertainty and Finding credible sources
    Week 5: Economic impacts
    Week 6: Justice and fairness in adaptation
    Week 7: Climate justice and adaptation L Week 8: The law and climate change - international context, The coast, climate change and law Tutorial preparation
    Week 9: Litigation and Climate change adaptation: Major Tutorial Activity
    Week 10: Law and adaptation in Australia
    Week 11: AustLII
    Week 12: Overview of initiatives, course
    Weeks 13 - 14: Final assessment
    Specific Course Requirements
    None
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Impacts assessment :15%


    Study guide and online activities : 40%


    Final essay: 30%


    Attendance and participation in the major interactive tutorial: 15%


    Total: 100% 
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must have access to a computer and internet in order to do this course.
    Assessment Detail
    Assignment 1: Completion of impacts assessment: 15%
    Students must write a summary of the IPCC report and other resources provided, and describe the key impacts of climate change are world wide. Second, students choose a location, whether and write a detailed description of what the impacts will be for that place.

    Assignment 2: Online and study guide activities 40%
    As this unit is online, students will be undertaking a series of interactive exercises that act both as learning activities as well as constituting the assessment activities.

    Assignment 3: Essay, 2000 - 2500 words 30%
    Topic:  Write an essay on the subject "A day in my life in 2050"

    Assignment 4: Major interactive tutorial 15%
    Details are sent to student as course progresses
    Submission
    Information available on enrolment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.