Environmental Postgraduate Coursework
School of Geography and Environmental Studies
Environmental Management
Environmental Planning
Applied Science
COURSE GUIDE
Semesters 1 and 2, 2010
Environmental Management and Environmental Planning Coordinator
Dr Michael Lockwood
Master of Applied Science Coordinator
Dr Kevin Kiernan
School of Geography and Environmental Studies
Faculty of Science Engineering and Technology
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Environmental Postgraduate Coursework
School of Geography and Environmental Studies
Contact details
Environmental Management
and Environmental Planning
Coordinator
Dr Michael Lockwood
Campus and Location
Hobart Geography-Geology Building, Room 426
Email:
Michael.Lockwood@utas.edu.au
Telephone:
(03) 6226 2834
Fax:
(03) 6226 2989
Master of Applied Science
Coordinator
Dr Kevin Kiernan
Campus and Location
Hobart Geography-Geology Building, Room 441
Email:
Kevin.Kiernan@utas.edu.au
Telephone:
(03) 6226 2461
Fax:
(03) 6226 2989
Contents
Overview
Component Units
Fees and how to apply
Course descriptions and structures
Environmental management
Environmental planning
Applied science
Distance Education
Academic Staff
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2
4
6
7
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Note: The School of Geography and Environmental Studies also offers postgraduate courses in the
following areas, as described in the corresponding course guide.
Geography and Environmental Studies Science Honours Course Guide
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (S4E)
Bachelor of Science (Natural Environment and Wilderness Management) (Honours) (S4L)
Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies (Honours) (S4T)
Geography and Environmental Studies Arts Honours Course Guide
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (R4A)
Geography and Environmental Studies Spatial Information Postgraduate Course Guide
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (S5A)
Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science with Honours (N6Y)
Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences with Honours (N4N)
Geography and Environmental Studies Higher Degree Research Course Guide
Master of Science by Research, Master of Science Studies (S7E)
Master of Environmental Studies by Research (S8C)
Master of Science (S8F)
Doctor of Philosophy (S9F)
Overview
The School of Geography and Environmental Studies offers five environmental postgraduate
courses in three streams:

Environmental Management (Graduate Diploma and Masters)

Environmental Planning (Graduate Diploma and Masters)

Applied Science (Masters).
The particular features of each course are outlined on pages 2 to 6 of this guide.
Component Units
Each course comprises a number of units. Each unit has a:

Unit Code and Title

Unit Weight – the percentage of a full-time year of study required by the unit

Unit Guide – this details the unit content, teaching pattern and assessment

Unit Coordinator – the academic staff member responsible for the unit.
For details of all the Units referred to in this guide, see the corresponding Unit Guide,
available from the School Office or Unit Coordinator. The name of the Unit Coordinator and a
short overview of each Unit are given in the University Handbook, see:
http://courses.utas.edu.au/portal/page?_pageid=53,32663&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Fees and how to apply
Domestic students
Places in the courses are Commonwealth Supported. HECS-HELP is available for eligible
candidates - for details see:
http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/FeesLoansAndScholarships/Postgraduate/Comm
onwealthSupportForYourPlaceAndHECS-HELP/Default.htm
Candidates pay the Student Contribution. Postgraduate coursework fees for domestic
students are given at:
http://www.studentcentre.utas.edu.au/fees/domestic/dom_unit_costs.html
You can apply for admission to the courses either on-line or by post, using the application
forms available from:
http://www.studentcentre.utas.edu.au/admissions/
International students
Postgraduate coursework fees for international students are given at:
http://www.international.utas.edu.au/static/courses/graduateDiploma.php
For intending International Students, detailed information on the content of these and other
UTAS courses, campuses, facilities, fees, refund policy, Rules of Admission and
Assessment,, the ESOS framework and an overview of the local Tasmanian environment,
please visit the UTAS International Students website on: http://www.international.utas.edu.au/
You can apply for admission to the courses either on-line or by post, using the application
forms available from:
http://www.international.utas.edu.au/static/ApplicationForms.php
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Environmental Management
Degree Levels
Course Codes:
Location:
Distance Study:
Part-time:
Intakes:
Entry requirements:
Graduate Diploma, Masters
Graduate Diploma (K6B), Masters (S7D)
Hobart
Available for some units (see page 7)1
Available2
February, July
Australian Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably
at credit level or better, or other tertiary qualifications
deemed by the University to be equivalent
Candidature for the Masters is provisional, and will be
confirmed on completion of two Level 5 coursework units
with scores of 65% or above. Candidates failing to be
confirmed will be transferred into the Graduate Diploma
These two courses encourage postgraduate students to apply their existing skills
to environmental problems and aspirations and to develop new skills and modes
of thought. Students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of
natural and cultural values; approaches to managing ecosystems; the social,
cultural and institutional contexts in which environments are managed; and
methods used to address issues associated with biodiversity conservation and
sustainability. Emphasis is placed on integrating contributions from the biophysical and social sciences.
Graduate Diploma of Environmental Management (K6B)
(100% total weight, all coursework)
Structure
Full time*
Semester 1 2010
KGA517 Protected Area Management (25%)
KGA516 Ecosystem Conservation (25%)
Semester 2 2010 Two out of:
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
KGA515 Values, Politics and Environmental Practice (25%)
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change (25%)
Suggested
Structure
Part time*
Semester 1 2010
KGA516 Ecosystem Conservation (25%)
Semester 2 2010
KGA515 Values, Politics and Environmental Practice (25%) OR
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change (25%)
Semester 1 2011
KGA517 Protected Area Management (25%)
Semester 2 2011
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
With the approval of the Course Coordinator, one of these units may be replaced by another
25% unit or 2 x 12.5% units
1
Not available to International Students. Please speak to your Course Coordinator regarding distance
learning.
2
Not available to International Students.
2
Master of Environmental Management (S7D)
(150% total weight: 100% coursework, 50% thesis)
Suggested
Structure
Full time
Semester 1 2010
KGA516 Ecosystem Conservation (25%)*
KGA517 Protected Area Management (25%)*
Semester 2 2010 Two out of:
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)*
KGA515 Values, Politics and Environmental Practice (25%)*
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change (25%)*
Semester 1 2011
KGE840 Research Project Thesis (50%)
Suggested
Structure
Part time
Semester 1 2010
KGA516 Ecosystem Conservation (25%)*
Semester 2 2010
KGA515 Values, Politics and Environmental Practice (25%)* OR
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change (25%*)
Semester 1 2011*
KGA517 Protected Area Management (25%)*
Semester 2 2011
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)*
Semester 1 2012
KGE841 Research Project Thesis (part time) (25%)
Semester 2 2012
KGE841 Research Project Thesis (part time) (25%)
*With the approval of the Course Coordinator, one of these units may be replaced by another
25% unit or 2 x 12.5% units
3
Environmental Planning
Degree Levels
Course Codes:
Location:
Distance Study:
Part-time:
Intakes:
Entry requirements:
Graduate Diploma, Masters
Graduate Diploma (S6L), Masters (S7U)
Hobart
Available for all core units (see page 7)3
Available4
February, July (part-time only for S6L)
Australian Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably
at credit level or better, or other tertiary qualifications
deemed by the University to be equivalent
Candidature for the Masters is provisional, and will be
confirmed on completion of two Level 5 coursework units
with scores of 65% or above. Candidates failing to be
confirmed will be transferred into the Graduate Diploma
These courses are designed for graduates seeking a professional qualification in
planning with accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia. They address
the central role of environmental planning in achieving environmental, social and
economic sustainability. Essential planning theory is integrated with
understandings drawn from biophysical, social, cultural, legal and public policy
disciplines. Urban, regional and rural environments are considered and emphasis
is placed on planning across all land tenures at catchment and landscape scales.
Extensive use of case studies provides students with practical examples of major
environmental planning issues. On successful completion of the Graduate Diploma
or Master of Environmental Planning, and relevant work experience, graduates
are eligible to apply for membership with the Planning Institute of Australia.
Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning (S6L)
(100% total weight, all coursework)
Suggested
Structure
Full time
Semester 1 2010
KGA511 Planning Theory, Process and Applications (25%)
KGA512 Planning for Sustainable Land Use Outcomes (25%)
Semester 2 2010 Two out of:
KGA513 Professional Placement (25%)*
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change (25%)
Suggested
Structure
Part time
Semester 1 2010
KGA511 Planning Theory, Process and Applications (25%)
Semester 2 2010
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
Semester 1 2011
KGA512 Planning for Sustainable Land Use Outcomes (25%)
Semester 2 2011
KGA513 Professional Placement (25%)* OR KGA518 Planning and Managing
for Climate Change (25%)
*Compulsory for candidates with no prior professional planning experience
3
4
Not available to International Students. Please see the Course Coordinator regarding distance learning.
Not available to International Students.
4
Master of Environmental Planning (S7U)
(150% total weight, all coursework)
Suggested
Structure
Full time
Semester 1 2010
KGA511 Planning Theory, Process and Applications (25%)
KGA512 Planning for Sustainable Land Use Outcomes (25%)
Semester 2 2010 Two out of:
KGA513 Professional Placement (25%)*
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
Semester 1 2011
KGA519 Planning Project (25%)
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change (25%)
OR
KGE840 Research Project Thesis (50%)
Suggested
Structure
Part time
Option 1
Semester 1 2010
KGA511 Planning Theory, Process and Applications (25%)
Semester 2 2010
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
Semester 1 2011
KGA512 Planning for Sustainable Land Use Outcomes (25%)
Semester 2 2011
KGA513 Professional Placement (25%)* OR KGA518 Planning and Managing
for Climate Change (25%
Semester 1 2012
Elective(s) approved by Course Coordinator (25%)
Semester 2 2012
KGA519 Planning Project (25%)
Suggested
Structure
Part time
Option 2
Semester 1 2010
KGA511 Planning Theory, Process and Applications (25%)
Semester 2 2010
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
Semester 1 2011
KGA512 Planning for Sustainable Land Use Outcomes (25%)
Semester 2 2011
KGA513 Professional Placement (25%)* OR KGA518 Planning and Managing
for Climate Change (25%
Semester 1 2012
KGE841 Research Project Thesis Part-time (25%)
Semester 2 2012
KGE841 Research Project Thesis Part-time (25%)
*Compulsory for candidates with no prior professional planning experience
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Applied Science
Degree Level and Code Masters (S7P)
Location:
Hobart
Distance Study:
Available for some units (see page 7)5
Part-time:
Available6
Intakes:
February, July
Entry requirements:
Australian Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably
at credit level or better, or other tertiary qualifications
deemed by the University to be equivalent
This course is designed for graduates seeking a two year Masters study program
that provides:
(i)
opportunity to undertake a bridging program in language skills;
(ii)
foundational training in Geography and Environmental Studies for those
coming into the course from other disciplinary backgrounds; and
(iii)
a range of environmental topics and research opportunities.
It is particularly suitable for international students. The structure of the MAppSc
is necessarily flexible to cater for the varied backgrounds of students entering the
course. An individual program of study will be agreed between each student and
the Course Coordinator. Topics that may be addressed include environmental
sustainability, ecosystem management, spatial information systems, and
management of natural, rural and urban environments. The MAppSc comprises:
 A three to six week bridging component (0% weight) in English language skills
[which will be waived for candidates with demonstrated proficiency].
 A one semester consolidation component comprising 50% of undergraduate
geography and environmental studies units with no level 1 units permitted and
a maximum of 25% at level 2 [Note: this component can be either (i) waived
by the Course Coordinator for candidates with demonstrated proficiency in
these areas gained at an English-speaking University; or (ii) with the approval
of the Course Coordinator, modify it to comprise level 4 and 5 units].
 A 100% (two semesters) advanced component comprising 75% level 4 and 5
units, and a 25% project. On approval of the Course Coordinator, the 25%
project may be replaced with a further 25% coursework at level 4 or 5.
 A 50% thesis.
Example structure for a full-time student - many variations are possible
Master of Applied Science (S7P)
(150-200% total weight: 100-150% coursework, 50% thesis)
Semester 1 2010
KGG240 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (12.5%)
KGA327 Conservation Geomorphology (12.5%)
KGA515 Environmental Values (25%)
Semester 2 2010
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management (25%)
KGA223 Environmental Management (12.5%)
KGA381 Environmental Impact Assessment (12.5%)
Semester 1 2011
KGA808 Master of Applied Science Thesis (25%)
KGA516 Ecosystem Conservation (25%)
Semester 2 2011
KGA808 Master of Applied Science Thesis (25%)
KGA517 Protected Area Management (25%)
5
Not available to International Students. Please speak to your Course Coordinator regarding distance
learning.
6
Not available to International Students.
6
Distance Study (not available to International Students)
The following units can be studied by Distance Mode:











KGA511 Planning Theory, Process and Applications
KGA512 Planning for Sustainable Land Use Outcomes
KGA513 Professional Placement
KGA514 Sustainable Environmental Management
KGA516 Ecosystem Conservation
KGA517 Protected Area Management
KGA518 Planning and Managing for Climate Change
KGA519 Planning Project
KGE840 Research Project Thesis (50%)
KGE841 Research Project Thesis (part time) (25%)
KGA802 Master of Applied Science Thesis.
At the beginning of the semester, each Distance Mode student will be mailed one or
more of the following:
 a printed unit outline that includes: contact procedures, any study school
requirements, suggested study schedule and assignment details; and
 a CD ROM of readings and resources.
In addition, most units also incorporate one or more of the following components:
o
o
o
o
a printed set of the notes and readings that form the basis of the unit
content;
a Study School based at the Hobart campus that may incorporate
seminars, workshops and field trips;
web-based resources and interaction such as lecture and seminar
recordings, references, links to relevant sites and documents,
discussion board and notice board; and
teleconference discussions and tutorials.
The maximum Study School duration (per 25% unit) is 4 days. Students are required
to cover their own travel, food and accommodation costs associated with Study
School attendance.
Distance Mode students are entitled to normal use of all University facilities, such as
the library (which also makes some special provisions for remote students), email,
University and School websites.
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Academic Staff
Dr Aidan Davison is a lecturer in Human Geography and Environmental
Studies. He joined the school in 2003 after 12 years studying and teaching at
Murdoch University. Aidan's research interests range from the philosophical to
the practical and centre on the intersections of questions of nature, technology
and sustainability in the context of issues to do with environmentalism,
environmental management, social development and everyday life.
Prof. Jamie Kirkpatrick works on providing a scientific basis for the
reservation and conservation management of plant species and communities.
This work has influenced the configuration of reserves in Tasmania, the
management regimes adopted within them and national policy development
related to biodiversity and world heritage. A current project aims to develop a
model of vegetation dynamics incorporating the reciprocal interactions between
fire regimes and grazing regimes.
Dr Lorne Kriwoken has research interests in ocean policy and law, marine
protected areas, World Heritage Areas, sustainable Antarctic tourism,
environmental impact assessment and waste management. He has published in
international and national journals including Marine Policy, Ocean and Coastal
Management, Polar Record, Australian Journal of Environmental Management,
Maritime Studies, Impact Assessment & Project Appraisal, Waste Management
and Research and Austral Ecology.
Dr Michael Lockwood is a natural resource social scientist. He is Deputy Head
of School and coordinates the school’s postgraduate coursework programs. His
research engages with four interrelated themes: understanding and documenting
people’s values for nature; identifying best practice management for protected
areas; understanding and improving environmental governance; and developing
methods to inform environmental decision-making.
Dr Peter McQuillan works in the areas of conservation biology of
invertebrates. He has published widely on these topics and has over 10 years
experience in teaching and consulting. His current research includes
conservation biology of rare invertebrates, relationships between insects and
plants, biogeography of the southern hemisphere, and the systematics of
Lepidoptera and Coleoptera.
Dr Emma Pharo is a plant ecologist, with special expertise in bryophytes
(mosses and their relatives) and lichens. Her research interests centre on the
management of natural resources, in particular forest ecology and the effect of
landscape fragmentation. Current projects include understanding the effect of
landscape fragmentation by examining vegetation diversity, understanding
bryophyte and lichen distribution in wet sclerophyll forests, and urban ecology.
Associate Professor Elaine Stratford works in the interstices of cultural
geography and political ecology with particular emphasis on island studies,
sustainability and community and the use of qualitative methods. She is Head of
School, and coordinates the UTas Community Place and Change theme area. A
principal researcher in the Sustainable Communities Research Group, Elaine's
work focuses on cultural geography and the geopolitics of islands; sustainability
and community; the sense of identity in place.
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