GEOG 5014EX - Adaptation Options for Management

External - Semester 2 - 2015

An effective response to climate change includes mitigation and adaptation. This unit aims to introduce the student to the wide array of adaptation options that are being implemented globally. This includes mitigation programs as one end of the adaptation continuum but the unit focuses on adaptation in the broader sense. Theoretical, technical, policy, sector based and many other types of adaptation will be covered. The unit also by drawing on student skills built in Modules 1 and 2, will assist them to develop adaptation strategies based on a diversity of scenarios.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 5014EX
    Course Adaptation Options for Management
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 2
    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
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites A Bachelor degree or equivalent demonstrated skills as endorsed by the Head of School
    Course Description An effective response to climate change includes mitigation and adaptation. This unit aims to introduce the student to the wide array of adaptation options that are being implemented globally. This includes mitigation programs as one end of the adaptation continuum but the unit focuses on adaptation in the broader sense. Theoretical, technical, policy, sector based and many other types of adaptation will be covered. The unit also by drawing on student skills built in Modules 1 and 2, will assist them to develop adaptation strategies based on a diversity of scenarios.
    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. Scrutinise and interpret the theory of adaptation
    2. Demonstrate understanding of the difference between strategic and on ground adaptation options
    3. Appraise a range of case strategies and examples of adaptation in practice
    4. Demonstrate understanding of how to develop a climate change adaptation strategy
    5. Demonstrate ability to access and evaluate adaptation examples in the literature and on the web 
    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, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 4, 5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2, 3, 4
    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, 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 2, 3, 4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1, 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. 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.
  • 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.

    3 hours online activities per week 36 hours per semester
    4 hours reading/research per week 48 hours per semester
    4 hours assignment preparation per week 48 hours per semester
    2 hours tutorial preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week 1: Introductory readings/video sessions
    Week 2: Defining adaptation, Finding adaptation resources
    Week 3: What does adaptation look like? Theory of adaptation
    Week 4: Work on essay assignment, prepare for tutorial
    Week 5: Types of adaptation
    Week 6: Adaptation in action
    Week 7: Technological adaptation
    Week 8: Sector based adaptation
    Week 9: Analysing adaptation, barriers to adaptation
    Week 10: Resilience in adaptation
    Week 11: Fairness and justice in adaptation
    Week 12 - 4: Final assessment preparation
    Specific Course Requirements
    Students must have access to a computer to complete course requirements
  • 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
    Adaptation and mitigation essay:                20%

    Study guide assessments:                          40%

    Adaptation Plan:                                        25%

    Attendance and participation
    in major interactive tutorial:                       15%

    Total:                                                        100% 
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must have access to a computer to complete assessments
    Assessment Detail
    Assignment 1: Completion of critical reflection essay

    Using relevant case studies, and peer reviewed literature, write an essay that discusses the differences between mitigation and adaptation.

    Assignment 2: Participation and contribution to tutorial session

    The topic will be advised in term

    Assignment 3: Online and study guide activities

    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 4: Adaptation Strategy, 2000 - 2500 words

    Using the wizard and drawing on the adaptation plans/strategies they have analysed throughout this course (including elements 1 – 7) students write a basic adaptation strategy
    Submission
    Submission dates will be advised once each semester commences.
    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.