UNIT OUTLINE ZAS118 SUSTAINABILITY Semester 2, 2021 Dr Brigid Morrison NOTICE: This Unit Outline refers to the Unit Outline Essential Information resource which includes information, policies and requirements relevant to this unit. You must read the Essential Information resource as it is considered part of this Unit Outline. CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B CONTACT DETAILS Course Coordinator – Applied Science Dr Robin Katersky Barnes (Launceston Campus) Email: robin.barnes@utas.edu.au Phone: 03 6324 3539 Room location and number: Z219 Course Coordinator – Diploma of Sustainable Living Anna Flittner Email: anna.flittner@utas.edu.au Unit Coordinator Dr Brigid Morrison (Launceston Campus) Email: brigid.morrison@utas.edu.au Experiential Education Coordinator: Dr Cherie Hawkins (Cradle Coast Campus D2.10) Email: Cherie.Hawkins@utas.edu.au Academic Coach: Melissa Finnen (Cradle Coast Campus, D2.08) Email: Melissa.finnen@utas.edu.au Other Teachers/Tutors Dr Robin Katersky Barnes Email: robin.barnes@utas.edu.au Dr Mike Kidd Email: M.Kidd@utas.edu.au Page 2 ZAS118 Sustainability CONTENTS WHAT IS THIS UNIT ABOUT? 4 UNIT DESCRIPTION 4 PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO LEARNING AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE 4 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES 5 ALTERATIONS BASED ON STUDENT FEEDBACK 5 HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? 5 ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE 6 ASSESSMENT DETAILS 6 WEEKLY CONTENT, TUTORIALS AND WORKSHOPS 10 RESOURCES 11 UNIT SCHEDULE 12 Page 3 ZAS118 Sustainability WHAT IS THIS UNIT ABOUT? Unit Description In this unit, you will learn approaches to make a difference in the workplace, community or at home by drawing on a framework that assembles the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into 6 organised groups. The framework is in line with the latest global efforts and will help you contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and a just, and sustainable world by 2050. You will identify environmental, social, and economic implications of contemporary production systems, and communicate approaches to sustainability and to aid decision-making. This deeply interdisciplinary unit explores transformation across education, health, energy, sustainable food production, land, water and oceans, sustainable cities and communities. Digital transformation and circular design underpin all of these transformations. You will learn why we need to rethink and redesign the way we make and consume things, while examining success stories along the way. As immediate and ambitious action is necessary to achieve a sustainable future, you will explore, ‘how are we going to get there?’ as well as your own role in contributing to change. This unit also introduces learning through practice by exposing you to authentic learning experiences. These experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment, so you have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to respond to industry, community and/or global needs. You will be introduced to: - a range of methods, tools, techniques and approaches to practice - principles and perspectives such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership in real world scenarios - reflection and deliberative thinking as a means of developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations - ways of understanding problems and developing solutions through active inquiry. Practical Approaches to Learning at University College The University College is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage in practical learning experiences. Every unit is therefore driven by at least one approach that is problem or project-based, or that involves work-integrated learning. In this unit, you will participate in finding local level ways to contribute to a new global framework to organise the Sustainable Development Goals and accelerate progress toward a sustainable world. In this way you will gain skills in unpacking complex structural transformations and make global concepts scalable for local impact. You will explore challenges and innovations and consider yourself in the context of work or personal practice. Page 4 ZAS118 Sustainability These activities allow you to develop discipline-specific skills, knowledge and behaviours, alongside a range of employability skills and professional attributes. Some of these include, for example, communication, social, cultural, and ethical responsibility, planning and critical reflection. You will evidence the development of these discipline and professional skills, knowledge and behaviours in your Practice Manual1, with the support of Academic Coaches2, teachers and tutors. To find more information on the University College’s approach to teaching and learning, click here to view in the Unit Outline Essential Information resource. Intended Learning Outcomes On completion of this unit, you will be able to: 1. Identify and assess the environmental, social and economic implications for a sustainable world 2. Describe approaches to sustainability that allow us to rethink and redesign production and consumption 3. Communicate information to support decision-making for sustainable outcomes and propose solutions or innovations 4. Reflect on your own role and approaches to practice that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals Alterations Based on Student Feedback Based on both staff and student feedback, changes have been made to improve the content and delivery of the unit over the past few years, and include: 1. Revision of the unit description, ILOs and assessments to link to the Diploma of Sustainable Living and an online delivery. 2. Revised assessment tasks to allow for more self-directed, active inquiry and assessments for learning The Practice Manual contains all portfolio requirements for the course, including the Professional Development Plan (PDP). The PDP is for recording and monitoring goals and progress. 2 The Academic Coaches mentor students in personal, academic and professional development and ‘evidencing’ this. 1 Page 5 ZAS118 Sustainability HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment Schedule Assessment Task Date Due Percent Weighting Links to Intended Learning Outcomes Engagement Tasks: Engagement Task 1: Unit Outline Declaration Week 2 25/7/2021 0% - Engagement Task 2: Welcome Discussion Post Week 2 25/7/2021 0% - Assessment Task 1: Environmental Scan (E-Scan) Week 3, 1/8/2021 11:59pm 20% ILOs 1, 3, 4 Assessment Task 2: Photographic Essay Week 6, 22/8/2021 11:59pm 35% ILOs 2, 3, 4 Assessment Task 3: Poster Week 11, 3/10/2021 11:59pm 45% ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4 Assessment Tasks: Assessment Details Engagement Task 1 Task description Unit outline declaration 1. Read this Unit Outline. 2. Go to the ZAS118 MyLO page. Find the ‘Quizzes’ section in MyLO and follow the instructions and complete the activity by the due date Engagement activities provide opportunities to explore and learn, and receive early feedback. These tasks are significant to the learning experience and often provide the basis for some assessment tasks. We therefore highly recommend that you complete them. Format N/A Due Date Week 2, Sunday 25 July 2021 11:59pm Page 6 ZAS118 Sustainability Engagement Task 2 Task description Welcome Padlet Post 1. Go to the ZAS118 MyLO site 2. Go to ‘Content’ and in the ‘getting started’ section. Find the Welcome to ZAS118 module. 3. At the bottom of this page, you will see a Padlet Board titled Introduce yourself. 4. Briefly Introduce yourself and include the following information: a. Where you are taking this unit from (i.e. Tasmania, Queensland etc) b. Why you enrolled in this unit. Engagement activities provide opportunities to explore and learn, and receive early feedback. These tasks are significant to the learning experience and often provide the basis for some assessment tasks. We therefore highly recommend that you complete them. Format N/A Due Date Week 2, Sunday 25 July 2021 11:59pm Assessment Task 1 Task description Environmental Scan (E-Scan) E-Scans are a useful way of garnering insight into contemporary challenges within sectors and across societal groups and how these issues may be perceived. For this assessment, you will be using the E-Scan approach to explore sustainability issues within your discipline and how these issues are portrayed through the lenses of academia; government; advocacy groups/NGOs; and the media. You will list the sustainability issues related to your topic selected from the following list: •Salmon •Beer •Plant based meat alternative •Mobile phones •Bitcoin •Computer networks •Face masks •Wheat Page 7 ZAS118 Sustainability You will review a range of sources, that will be discussed during tutorials, to compile the list. The information should be presented succinctly using mainly dot points that are supported by diagrams, tables, or maps. The information should be organised by way of headings and fit onto two A4 sheets. You will be provided with examples during the Tutorial. See assessment instructions in MyLO for detailed information. This will be made available at least two weeks before the due date. Format Two A4 pages Criterion Descriptor Criterion 1 Use evidence from literature and industry sources to support descriptions and evaluations of contemporary issues 30 1, 3 Criterion 2 Analyse information to support decisionmaking, problem solving or innovation for sustainable outcomes 30 1, 3 Criterion 3 Communicate ideas and information using E-scan format 20 1, 3 Criterion 4 Reflect on contributions to achieving the sustainable development goals 20 4 Task length Two A4 pages Task Weight 20% of the overall mark for the unit Due by date Week 3, Sunday 1 August 2021 11:59pm Weighting Links to Intended Learning Outcomes: Assessment Task 2 Task description Photographic Essay You will design and produce a photographic essay that illustrates your understanding of sustainability, by identifying a production process in an emerging economy. The selected photos and your annotations will highlight the specific challenges that developing economies face, compared to developed economies. The selection and formatting of images must be logically set out and collectively establish a theme. You will give explanation to the images by way of captions, that contain both descriptive and explanatory information. See assessment instructions in MyLO for detailed information. This will be made available at least two weeks before the due date. Format Photographic Essay Page 8 ZAS118 Sustainability Criterion Descriptor Criterion 1 Identify sustainability issues in an emerging economy 40% 3, 4 Criterion 2 Differentiate sustainability issues between emerging and developed economies 40% 2, 3 Criterion 3 Assess and communicate ideas and information in visual representations 20% 2, 3, 4 Task length 4-6 images in total, each with ~100-word annotation per image. 4-5 images for the emerging economy 1-2 images for the developed economy Task Weight 35% of the overall mark for the unit Due by date Week 6, Sunday 22 August 2021 11:59pm Weighting Links to Intended Learning Outcomes: Assessment Task 3 Task description Poster You will identify and investigate a circular-design product from your specialisation or an industry of your choice and create a poster that explains and depicts: a. what is meant by the term ‘circular economy’ b. how it is different to a ‘linear economy’ c. the key elements of circular design with reference to your example, d. the circular design example, and e. the key challenges for broad adoption of a circular economy and how you can personally encourage and engage in it (reflection) In-text citations must be included in the poster body-text in Harvardstyle. A full reference list in Harvard style must be provided on a separate A4 sheet. See assessment instructions in MyLO for detailed information. This will be made available at least two weeks before the due date. Format Poster (A3) + reference list Criterion Descriptor Criterion 1 Use evidence to compare a circular economy with a linear economy Weighting Page 9 30% Links to Intended Learning Outcomes: 1, 3 ZAS118 Sustainability Criterion 2 Analyse and evaluate an existing example of a circular design 30% 1, 2, 3 Criterion 3 Communicate ideas and information using prescribed formats and styles 20% 2, 3, 4 Criterion 4 Reflect on assessment task outcomes and personal responses 20% 4 Task Length A3 Poster with reference list Task Weight 45% of the overall mark for the unit Date Week 11, Sunday 3 October 2021 11:59pm Weekly Content, Tutorials and Workshops This program is delivered in blended mode through a combination of online instruction and activities, and tutorials; you are expected to engage in all activities, and participate in tutorials. Online: All digital content is delivered online through MyLO. Content is uploaded weekly and you can work through it at your own pace during the week. However, we recommend you take the advice of course and unit coordinators to ensure you follow any specific unit guidelines. There may also be practical activities, engagement tasks or other work that helps you to connect theory with practice. Tutorials: Attendance at tutorials is highly recommended as these experiences often provide opportunities to apply theory in practice; network with industry experts; engage in activities that are practiced in industry; visit organisations to observe and learn about practices and processes; participate in project work; collaborate with peers and teaching staff; give and receive feedback, and prepare for assessment tasks. Tutorials are a particularly important component of the learning experience as they include regular opportunities for practice-based activities, group work and discussion, questions, and meaningful exercises that prepare you for assessment. If you are unable to attend tutorials, please contact the Unit Coordinator to plan a way forward. PLEASE NOTE: Attendance at tutorials (online) are required for this unit, if you are unable to attend tutorials, they will be recorded so you can revisit them at a time that is convenient to you. Tutorials: Time TBC Assessment Tasks: To be considered for a passing mark in any unit, ALL assessment tasks must be attempted and submitted. Engagement Activities: Engagement activities provide opportunities to explore and learn, and receive early feedback. These tasks are significant to the learning experience and often Page 10 ZAS118 Sustainability provide the basis for some assessment tasks. We therefore highly recommend that you complete them. PLEASE NOTE: In this unit, both engagement tasks are non-assessed but highly recommended. Refer to the program schedule below for dates. For more information on student expectations please click here. Resources Required Readings All required readings are available online and accessed via the online content and activities through MyLO. Recommended Readings All recommended readings are available online and accessed via the online content and activities through MyLO. Reading Lists You can access the Reading List for this unit from the link in MyLO, or by going to the Reading Lists page on the University Library website. Page 11 ZAS118 Sustainability Unit Schedule WEEK DATE BEGINNING TOPIC/ MODULE/ FOCUS AREA ASSESSMENT DUE ACTIVITIES 1 12/7/2021 Introduction & Sustainability in Industry 2 19/7/2021 What does transformation mean? Engagement Task 1 & 2 due Online content (Week 2 on MyLO) 3 26/7/2021 Transformation 1 Education, gender, and inequality Assessment Task 1 due Online content (Week 3 on MyLO) Online content (Week 1 on MyLO) Tutorial Transformation 2 4 2/8/2021 9/8/2021 6 16/8/2021 Transformation 4 Sustainable food, land, water, and oceans 7 23/8/2021 Transformation 5 Sustainable cities and communities 5 Online content (Week 4 on MyLO) Health well-being and demography Transformation 3 Energy, decarbonisation, and sustainable industry Tutorial Online content (Week 5 on MyLO) Tutorial Assessment Task 2 due Online content (Week 6 on MyLO) Online content (Week 7 on MyLO) Tutorial Mid-semester break 30 August-5 September, 2021 8 6/9/2021 Transformation 6 Digital revolution for sustainable development 9 13/9/2021 Circularity and decoupling Online content (Week 9 on MyLO) 10 20/9/2021 Circularity and decoupling Online content (Week 10 on MyLO) 11 27/9/2021 Leave no one behind 12 4/10/2021 Review 13 11/10/2021 Poster session Online content (Week 8 on MyLO) Tutorial Assessment Task 3 due Online content (Week 11 on MyLO) Tutorial Online content (Week 12 on MyLO) Tutorial Page 12 ZAS118 Sustainability