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Study undergraduate online with University of Tasmania through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

The Diploma of Sustainable Living aims to link participants’ lived experience as an individual, consumer and citizen with learning for sustainability at a range of scales; regional, nationally and globally. The curriculum is structured around six narratives that are linked with selected UN Sustainable Development goals and include: sustainability at home; sustainability in the environment; sustainability as a social enterprise; sustainability to empower transformative change; sustainability and justice; and, sustainability and human health.Throughout this program, students learn practical knowledge about sustainability, and how to apply it to in their home, community, business and/or social enterprise.

Think about your experiences as an individual, consumer and citizen in terms of sustainability at a range of scales; regional, nationally and globally. Discover tools to bring sustainability to life. Consider social justice, equity and diversity.  

Diploma of Sustainable Living

The world needs passionate change leaders, now more than ever. Whether you choose to protect natural resources, protect the world’s most vulnerable, lead emergency response teams or participate in foreign aid, becoming a ‘justice practitioner’ starts with a Bachelor of Justice Studies.Learn about justice issues affecting the places where you live, work, play and study and how they connect to wider regional, national and international concerns. You will be exposed to interdisciplinary expertise and world leading experts in a unique program that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to improve justice policy and practice. Prepare yourself to address perceived injustice issues that cross a range of societal, criminal, indigenous and environmental areas.Discover the nature of justice, harm and morality, and consider the efficacy of formal (laws, regulation, policing) and informal (organised protest, community, non-profit and volunteer organisations, online platforms) channels for achieving justice. Turn your passion into action with research-led learning experiences across different justice scenarios. Learn to interrogate a range of complex justice issues including domestic and international crime, environmental threats such as climate change, domestic violence, international terror, humanitarian crises, and species extinction. Throughout the degree you will be asked to consider ethical issues related to the representation of Indigenous communities, histories and events. You will explore issues important to Indigenous people and produce analytical and fair work that pursues social justice for all Indigenous experiences, both in terms of how these experiences are represented in and by criminal and social justice.In an environment where government and non-government organisations are now partnering together to overcome justice problems, as a graduate you will be prepared for a diverse choice of career options. Gain experience and network through work-integrated learning opportunities and exchange programs across more than 100 locations globally. Develop your skills to work in and across national government agencies, international government and non-government organisations, and the non-profit volunteer and community sector.Imagine working for an international organisation like the United Nations, Amnesty International, Australian Human Rights Commission, and Australian Red Cross, within the Police, Department of Justice or Correctional Services. Develop your research, analytical and communication skills through presentations, essays and report writing. You will be able to assess justice scenarios such as IRAQ reports and community resilience audits and reflect on the learnings of work-placed activities with offenders and in the juvenile justice settings.Available fully online across Australia, and on-campus from Hobart. Our degree works with you, your family, your career, and your lifestyle.

Work towards a career in social, environmental, or criminal justice systems. Consider laws and ethics beyond national borders. Explore justice concepts and theory. With problem solving skills you’ll be prepared to make changes for a better world.

Bachelor of Justice Studies

As the global human population grows, increasing pressure is placed on the natural world. Humans are altering the world’s climate and natural systems in an unprecedented manner. Living in a way that supports all life on Earth, now and into the future, is a complex challenge that is increasingly in the forefront of our minds. From local to global, we can all contribute to living more sustainably. This Certificate in Sustainable Living will provide students with foundational skills and knowledge in sustainability that can be applied to local, national and global contexts. Through studying the core subject, and three electives, students will develop the ability to:<ul><li>Compare and contrast divergent perspectives and knowledges of sustainability by reflecting on a local sustainability solution</li><li>Explain how contemporary sustainability approaches can augment day-to-day behaviours and activities of individuals, organisations and communities</li></ul>The Undergraduate Certificate aims to link students’ lived experience as an individual, consumer or citizen with learning for sustainability at regional, national and global scales.All students study an introductory subject on sustainability to provide a foundation to their study in the discipline, and three elective subjects that integrate their learning to build literacy of sustainability at a geopolitical level. The Certificate also provides the required foundation from which to progress to the Diploma of Sustainable Living, for those interested in undertaking further study in this area.

Explore sustainability within economic, social and ecological contexts. Learn how to promote green solutions in the community and the workplace. Choose from electives that cover gardening skills, climate change, sustainable design and more.

Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Living

This is a shell program used for the administration of four-year Double Degree programs. Students will enrol in the shell program and complete the requirements of both constituent programs. program content, rules and entry requirements are those for the constituent programs. Constituent programs include all those with 300 credit points, of which at least 100 credit points are electives.Bachelor of BusinessGet a real-world advantage with our Bachelor of Business. As the only university in the state, we’ve formed close connections with local industry.In our Bachelor of Business you will:<ul><li>Get a hands-on experience with corporate internships (<a href="https://www.utas.edu.au/corporate-internship-program/student-information" target="_blank">https://www.utas.edu.au/corporate-internship-program/student-information</a>), guest lectures from local business leaders, and current case studies from businesses in Tasmania and around the world.</li><li>Learn from the best with industry experts and teaching staff recognised as international leaders in their field.</li><li>Gain a qualification recognised by all the major professional bodies in business and economics.</li></ul>In our Bachelor of Business you can follow your passion, with the opportunity to build a degree from your choice of majors. You’ll also be able to cross-skill by undertaking electives or a second major from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics or another area of the University.Bachelor of ScienceIf you enjoy pursuing your curiosity and understanding the world around you, consider yourself an innovator, and are passionate about shaping the world from our living laboratory, our Bachelor of Science provides a gateway to an exciting world of rewarding careers.The University of Tasmania’s science degree provides you with a foundation of core skills in science, analysis, and rational thinking. You have options to focus your study in one or more scientific disciplines and learn the methods to apply your skills and knowledge to the practical needs of industry, business, and government in both scientific and non-scientific roles.In choosing a Bachelor of Science you can:<ul><li>Select one or two science majors from our 21 exciting options, plus expand your educational experience and study subjects of your choice from across the University.</li><li>Explore a range of study options through your choice of electives, discovering potential new areas of interest even after you start studying</li><li>Learn through hands-on practical experience including laboratory work, field trips, field-based subjects, and research projects.</li><li>Enjoy being mentored by highly qualified staff, many of whom are national and world leaders in their field.</li></ul>Our curriculum offers flexibility and choice in how your degree is structured. We provide a wealth of practical experience, access to world class facilities and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a local and interconnected scientific community.

Explore hypotheses and understand the inner workings of businesses while you're at it. Graduate with the ability to work in either field or combine your expertise.

Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science

Developed by researchers at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), and climate science experts at the University of Tasmania, your studies span cross-disciplinary themes with a strong focus on climate change, marine ecosystems and ocean and Antarctic governance.The Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science will introduce you to the study of global climate change, highlighting the challenges facing society due to human impact on our marine and Antarctic environments.Tasmania is a global centre for scientific research, governance and logistical support for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. This program leverages these strengths to provide you with essential knowledge and understanding of the treaties and laws that govern Antarctica, shaping the future of our oceans and the Antarctic Region.Your studies can literally be the tip of the iceberg in this fascinating area of science, environment and law. You&#39;ll discover the values of marine ecosystems and their greatest threats, learn about current climate change impacts on biodiversity and human systems, and understand the effect of southern high-latitude regions on the Earth’s climate, oceans and weather.After completing this program, you will understand and be able to communicate the drivers and influence of climate change on society, marine ecosystems and the Antarctic.

Developed by climate experts, this course introduces students to global climate change. Exploring the future of the Antarctic Region, you’ll build an understanding of marine science and the laws of the oceans.

Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science

With world-class expertise in facets of sustainability and informed by international and local research, practice and theory, this program allows students to explore the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that underpin the development of sustainable societies and solutions.With an emphasis on student-led and problem-based learning, you will benefit from international and local research and Tasmania’s unique and globally important ecosystems.You will investigate sustainable business practices in natural resource and science reliant industries. This includes practices that promote a sustainable business model and minimise the negative impact on social, economic, environmental and cultural values. Through industry-based examples, you will identify problems and provide solutions to sustainability challenges.

Benefitting from world-class expertise in sustainability, you'll learn how to create frameworks for developing sustainable solutions in a range of fields and careers.  

Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)

This is a shell program used for the administration of four-year Double Degree programs. Students will enrol in the shell program and complete the requirements of both constituent programs. program content, rules and entry requirements are those for the constituent programs. Constituent programs include all those with 300 credit points, of which at least 100 credit points are electives.Bachelor of Psychological SciencePsychology, the study of human behaviour, impacts every environment in which humans live, work, cooperate and communicate. Whether it’s in the classroom or the courtroom, the family home or the extremes of Antarctica, in Tasmanian communities or international relations, psychology plays a role.If you want to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your personal and professional life, or your goal is to become a research scientist, counsellor or registered psychologist, the Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the perfect foundation. When you study the science of psychology you will learn about the biological and psychological principles of human behaviour, and will develop the transferable skills of critical thinking, communication and problem solving that are vital everywhere people interact. These include:<ul><li>Counselling</li><li>Criminal justice</li><li>Neuroscience</li><li>Health services support e.g. drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation</li><li>Aged, family and child services</li><li>Probation and parole services</li><li>Policy and planning</li><li>Business</li><li>Marketing</li><li>Education</li><li>Public affairs</li><li>Human resources, and numerous other areas</li></ul>Bachelor of ScienceIf you enjoy pursuing your curiosity and understanding the world around you, consider yourself an innovator, and are passionate about shaping the world from our living laboratory, our Bachelor of Science provides a gateway to an exciting world of rewarding careers.The University of Tasmania’s science degree provides you with a foundation of core skills in science, analysis, and rational thinking. You have options to focus your study in one or more scientific disciplines and learn the methods to apply your skills and knowledge to the practical needs of industry, business, and government in both scientific and non-scientific roles.In choosing a Bachelor of Science you can:<ul><li>Select one or two science majors from our 21 exciting options, plus expand your educational experience and study subjects of your choice from across the University.</li><li>Explore a range of study options through your choice of electives, discovering potential new areas of interest even after you start studying</li><li>Learn through hands-on practical experience including laboratory work, field trips, field-based subjects, and research projects.</li><li>Enjoy being mentored by highly qualified staff, many of whom are national and world leaders in their field.</li></ul>Our curriculum offers flexibility and choice in how your degree is structured. We provide a wealth of practical experience, access to world class facilities and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a local and interconnected scientific community.

Why choose one field of science when you can explore many? Specialise in psychological science while exploring the other avenues scientific study has to offer.

Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science

Geography and Environment major helps you tackle some of the most pressing problems facing humanity: climate change, biodiversity extinction crisis, sustainable cities, and resource depletion, for example. Through our subjects, you will be able to explore these challenges in an integrated way, drawing on the knowledge and skills needed to better understand and address these intractable issues.  Geography has become a much more high tech discipline over the past few decades, particularly with so much data and spatial information at our finger tips. You will learn how to combine the information from online maps and data layers with physical and social data to address environmental challenges locally and globally.  You will gain insights into the complex social-ecological systems, including understanding regulatory frameworks, ethics in science, as well as gain field skills such as vegetation and fire assessment. You will develop skills for environmental and planning jobs that require flexibility, innovative thinking and lifelong learning. You will expand your knowledge of environments and peoples, and the ways they interact from the local to the global.

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to tackle social and environmental challenges such as COVID, including being able to collect physical and social information on landscapes. 

Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)

Introduction to Sustainable Design for Houses

Living with Fire

Sustainability

Landscape Conservation and Recreation

Environmental Management

Energy Economics and Policy

Corporate Sustainability

Nature, People, Place

Ecosystem Services

Science and Policy for Energy Futures

This subject aims to develop an awareness of environmental and human health impacts of housing in order to inform critical and creative decision-making in the design and renovation of houses. You will explore how housing affects our own health and the health of the planet, and how sustainable design can reduce environmental impacts and improve wellbeing. You will also learn how to make design choices that are more sustainable in relation to your personal needs and circumstances. The subject will emphasise reflective thinking, practical knowledge and an integrated approach that relates issues of sustainability to quality design, functionality and value.

Design and renovate healthy and sustainable homes. You’ll unpack what sustainability means for dwellings. Look into designing for health and climate. Exercise your creativity. Get to know sustainable products and building materials.

Sustainability is a central concept for communities pursuing social and economic goals within ecological limits. Yet the different ways sustainability is defined, communicated and enacted reflects the wide range of underlying values, perspectives and priorities at stake. In this subject, students will explore the rich history and literature of sustainability, including the formation of the subjected Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring the concept across economic, social and ecological thinking, students will develop an ability to think critically about sustainability in their own lives, and communicate sustainability challenges and solutions to diverse audiences.Employing practical skills in stakeholder engagement, narrative and visual communication, students will develop their research and communication skills to implement a sustainability solution in their local communities.

Communicating Sustainability

In this subject, you will be introduced to the concept of sustainability starting with the transformations necessary for achieving the 17 subjected Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a way that organises them into 6 logical groups. You will examine each grouping and how collectively they form a framework for accelerating progress, in line with the latest global efforts to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and a just, and sustainable world by 2050 within safe planetary limits. This deeply interdisciplinary subject explores transformation across education, health, energy, sustainable food production, land, water and oceans, sustainable cities and communities. Along with the transformations you will identify the environmental, social, and economic implications of traditional production, processing and manufacturing systems at local and global scales and learn why we need to rethink and redesign the way we make and consume things. You will learn how decoupling, digital transformation and circular design must underpin all of these transformations. 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 subject 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.

Living with Fire is a level-100 subject offered as part of the Diploma of Sustainable Living.  Fire has shaped the evolution of the world we see around us and is fundamental to life. Yet wildfire can also be devastating to human and ecological communities. Today, more and more of us are living in fire prone areas, and wildfires are behaving in new, less predictable ways.  So how do we live with fire - as individuals, and as communities? How do we plan for fire, and how do we respond when fires happen? How do we ensure that we are using fire in a sustainable way? What are the trade-offs involved in fire management? And what might we learn from indigenous Australians, who have used fire skilfully on this continent for over 40,000 years?  Living with Fire is for anyone interested in these complex but practical and fascinating questions about fire in our lives today. You will learn what causes fire and why wildfires behave the way they do. As well as the science of fire, you will learn about the human dimensions of fire and the complex trade-offs involved in fire management between the needs of culture and society, and ecology and biodiversity. You will learn how to evaluate your own level of fire risk and what you can do to plan for fire as an individual. You will also become more empowered to participate in conversations about how we plan for and respond to fire in our local communities.

The subject explores human population growth and the impending global food crisis by introducing agriculture as a managed ecosystem, from the earliest shifting cultivation systems to the most intensive systems currently practiced today. The ecological, economic and social sustainability of these systems is considered in relation to diversity, intensity of management and productivity. The subject includes field trips to contrasting agricultural production systems in the Hobart &amp; Launceston areas to illustrate major sustainability concepts covered in the subject. Field trips are recorded and made available for flexible delivery to all students.

Sustainable Resource Management

KGA171 Global Geographies of Change introduces you to the study of Geography and Environment by integrating physical and social science inquiry. You study earth evolution, human development and their interaction, in light of questions about sustainability. You apply this knowledge to issues of vital importance around the world and in Tasmania, including climate change, population change, inequality, food security, natural hazards and globalisation. Interactive workshops enable you to explore these issues through training in mapping and fieldwork, and group projects, scenario building and class debates. Knowledge and skills developed in this subject can be applied in a wide variety of professions including environmental science and management, social policy and planning, spatial science, international development and nature conservation. Students wishing to enrol in second and third year subjects in Geography and Environment should also take KGA172 Nature, People, Place in Semester 2, which can be taken before KGA171 for mid-year entry students.Our aim in teaching KGA171 is to demonstrate how the study of Geography and Environment can contribute to the creation of a fairer and more sustainable world. We teach in the belief that rigour and passion are a powerful combination in knowing the world so as to change it for the better. Please contact staff if you have any questions or comments. We hope you find studying Global Geographies of Change relevant, interesting, challenging and exciting!

Global Geographies of Change

This subject introduces students to the idea of ecosystem services by exploring the benefits that nature provides for people. Whether these benefits are traded in markets or occur in non-market settings, the ecosystem service framework is key to sustainable management of resources into the future. Students will analyse the use of economic tools to manage key ecosystem services such as the provision of water in a dry country, air and water quality, food, fibre or habitat provision for native flora and fauna in landscapes.

This subject is an elective of the Diploma of Sustainable Living course and explores the interlinked scientific, technical, environmental, economic, social and political factors that have shaped society&#39;s energy usage and which will impact on future energy policy and decision making.Energy science, technology, usage and energy policy affect almost all facets of modern life. Energy is the single most traded commodity in the global economy, it is a significant factor that affects political decision making at global, national, state and local levels, and a major determinant of economic and social wellbeing. Ensuring future responsible, equitable, access to affordable energy for both developed and developing societies is one of the most significant challenges currently facing humanity. Critical and wide-ranging examination of this issue is a major focus of this subject.This subject will facilitate active and informed student participation in the ongoing debate regarding current and future global energy policy and alternatives. Students will learn about conventional, alternative and potential future energy sources and then set this knowledge in the context of important economic, environmental, social and political factors that affect energy policy.

Energy

Earth is a lively and dynamic planet that is undergoing rapid changes wrought by the activities of humans. In what ways are these changes impacting on us and other species? Are we precipitating another mass extinction; the 6th major mass extinction since life exploded on Earth some 500 million years ago? How will the way humans formulate and apply international and national policies continue to drive change? What are our own values regarding change and how does that colour our perceptions of Earth Shaping? This subject will explore some dilemmas of Earth Shaping through the prisms of science, philosophy and governance. Online content investigates the scientific theories of modern Earth and life systems, along with practicals and quizzes, delves into the rock record to understand some mechanisms of past extinctions. A short essay provides the opportunity to express your own values and recognise those of others. Discussions with tutors and peers will engender debate on how values and human governance impacts go beyond local solutions to help us shape a planet we want to call home. The final design project will mesh Earth systems, human impacts and questions of governance. It will provide a launching point for discussions between peers. Time is allocated for modification of individual projects and reflection on final submissions. More than ever before humans are a force of nature that can reprogram the planet. Understanding our abilities means that we are probably the first ever species to consider limiting our activities. Overviews in science, philosophy and policies will equip participants to better understand our unique position and impacts as human Earth shapers.

Humans: Earth Shapers

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean – valued, protected, understood. This mantra was coined originally by the Australian Antarctic Division (the government department with responsibility for Australian activities in the Antarctic) and was also adopted, with modification, by Antarctica New Zealand (New Zealand’s government department). It reflects the vision of these two countries, and the ideological approach they have to their interests in the Antarctic. It is simple, descriptive and informative. It is what this subject is all about. “Protecting Antarctica” integrates the natural and social sciences to give context to contemporary Antarctic environmental issues. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of the management and regulation of uses of the continent and surrounding marine environment of the Southern Ocean from the point of view of protecting the natural environment and its values. It includes a series of lectures on geography and environmental sciences, physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences and humanities. “Protecting Antarctica” incorporates the theme of multiple use management of a globally important region, wherein management involves commercial marine living resource extraction, scientific research, logistics, and tourism and other non-extractive commercial activities. Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are subject to a unique legal regime including an environmental protocol to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, and this instrument has become the basis upon which all human activity in Antarctica is judged. Completing the subject will equip students from a wide variety of fields with the ability to view the Antarctic from a more holistic perspective. Your new knowledge will assist you to understand the various values of the region, how they – and the areas they apply to – become known, then valued, then protected.

Governing Antarctica

University of Tasmania

Sustainability is a central concept for communities pursuing social and economic goals within ecological limits. Yet the different ways sustainability is defined, communicated and enacted reflects the wide range of underlying values, perspectives and priorities at stake. 

In this subject, students will explore the rich history and literature of sustainability, including the formation of the subjected Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring the concept across economic, social and ecological thinking, students will develop an ability to think critically about sustainability in their own lives, and communicate sustainability challenges and solutions to diverse audiences.

Employing practical skills in stakeholder engagement, narrative and visual communication, students will develop their research and communication skills to implement a sustainability solution in their local communities.

In this subject, you will be introduced to the concept of sustainability starting with the transformations necessary for achieving the 17 subjected Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a way that organises them into 6 logical groups. You will examine each grouping and how collectively they form a framework for accelerating progress, in line with the latest global efforts to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and a just, and sustainable world by 2050 within safe planetary limits. 

This deeply interdisciplinary subject explores transformation across education, health, energy, sustainable food production, land, water and oceans, sustainable cities and communities. Along with the transformations you will identify the environmental, social, and economic implications of traditional production, processing and manufacturing systems at local and global scales and learn why we need to rethink and redesign the way we make and consume things. You will learn how decoupling, digital transformation and circular design must underpin all of these transformations. 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 subject 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.

Living with Fire is a level-100 subject offered as part of the Diploma of Sustainable Living.  

Fire has shaped the evolution of the world we see around us and is fundamental to life. Yet wildfire can also be devastating to human and ecological communities. Today, more and more of us are living in fire prone areas, and wildfires are behaving in new, less predictable ways.  

So how do we live with fire - as individuals, and as communities? How do we plan for fire, and how do we respond when fires happen? How do we ensure that we are using fire in a sustainable way? What are the trade-offs involved in fire management? And what might we learn from indigenous Australians, who have used fire skilfully on this continent for over 40,000 years?  

Living with Fire is for anyone interested in these complex but practical and fascinating questions about fire in our lives today. You will learn what causes fire and why wildfires behave the way they do. As well as the science of fire, you will learn about the human dimensions of fire and the complex trade-offs involved in fire management between the needs of culture and society, and ecology and biodiversity. You will learn how to evaluate your own level of fire risk and what you can do to plan for fire as an individual. You will also become more empowered to participate in conversations about how we plan for and respond to fire in our local communities.

The subject explores human population growth and the impending global food crisis by introducing agriculture as a managed ecosystem, from the earliest shifting cultivation systems to the most intensive systems currently practiced today. The ecological, economic and social sustainability of these systems is considered in relation to diversity, intensity of management and productivity. The subject includes field trips to contrasting agricultural production systems in the Hobart & Launceston areas to illustrate major sustainability concepts covered in the subject. Field trips are recorded and made available for flexible delivery to all students.

KGA171 Global Geographies of Change introduces you to the study of Geography and Environment by integrating physical and social science inquiry. You study earth evolution, human development and their interaction, in light of questions about sustainability. You apply this knowledge to issues of vital importance around the world and in Tasmania, including climate change, population change, inequality, food security, natural hazards and globalisation. Interactive workshops enable you to explore these issues through training in mapping and fieldwork, and group projects, scenario building and class debates. Knowledge and skills developed in this subject can be applied in a wide variety of professions including environmental science and management, social policy and planning, spatial science, international development and nature conservation. Students wishing to enrol in second and third year subjects in Geography and Environment should also take KGA172 Nature, People, Place in Semester 2, which can be taken before KGA171 for mid-year entry students.

Our aim in teaching KGA171 is to demonstrate how the study of Geography and Environment can contribute to the creation of a fairer and more sustainable world. We teach in the belief that rigour and passion are a powerful combination in knowing the world so as to change it for the better. Please contact staff if you have any questions or comments. We hope you find studying Global Geographies of Change relevant, interesting, challenging and exciting!

This subject introduces students to the idea of ecosystem services by exploring the benefits that nature provides for people. Whether these benefits are traded in markets or occur in non-market settings, the ecosystem service framework is key to sustainable management of resources into the future. Students will analyse the use of economic tools to manage key ecosystem services such as the provision of water in a dry country, air and water quality, food, fibre or habitat provision for native flora and fauna in landscapes.

This subject is an elective of the Diploma of Sustainable Living course and explores the interlinked scientific, technical, environmental, economic, social and political factors that have shaped society's energy usage and which will impact on future energy policy and decision making.

Energy science, technology, usage and energy policy affect almost all facets of modern life. Energy is the single most traded commodity in the global economy, it is a significant factor that affects political decision making at global, national, state and local levels, and a major determinant of economic and social wellbeing. Ensuring future responsible, equitable, access to affordable energy for both developed and developing societies is one of the most significant challenges currently facing humanity. Critical and wide-ranging examination of this issue is a major focus of this subject.

This subject will facilitate active and informed student participation in the ongoing debate regarding current and future global energy policy and alternatives. Students will learn about conventional, alternative and potential future energy sources and then set this knowledge in the context of important economic, environmental, social and political factors that affect energy policy.

Earth is a lively and dynamic planet that is undergoing rapid changes wrought by the activities of humans. In what ways are these changes impacting on us and other species? Are we precipitating another mass extinction; the 6th major mass extinction since life exploded on Earth some 500 million years ago? How will the way humans formulate and apply international and national policies continue to drive change? What are our own values regarding change and how does that colour our perceptions of Earth Shaping?




This subject will explore some dilemmas of Earth Shaping through the prisms of science, philosophy and governance. Online content investigates the scientific theories of modern Earth and life systems, along with practicals and quizzes, delves into the rock record to understand some mechanisms of past extinctions. A short essay provides the opportunity to express your own values and recognise those of others. Discussions with tutors and peers will engender debate on how values and human governance impacts go beyond local solutions to help us shape a planet we want to call home.




The final design project will mesh Earth systems, human impacts and questions of governance. It will provide a launching point for discussions between peers. Time is allocated for modification of individual projects and reflection on final submissions.




More than ever before humans are a force of nature that can reprogram the planet. Understanding our abilities means that we are probably the first ever species to consider limiting our activities. Overviews in science, philosophy and policies will equip participants to better understand our unique position and impacts as human Earth shapers.

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean – valued, protected, understood. This mantra was coined originally by the Australian Antarctic Division (the government department with responsibility for Australian activities in the Antarctic) and was also adopted, with modification, by Antarctica New Zealand (New Zealand’s government department). It reflects the vision of these two countries, and the ideological approach they have to their interests in the Antarctic. It is simple, descriptive and informative. It is what this subject is all about. “Protecting Antarctica” integrates the natural and social sciences to give context to contemporary Antarctic environmental issues. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of the management and regulation of uses of the continent and surrounding marine environment of the Southern Ocean from the point of view of protecting the natural environment and its values. It includes a series of lectures on geography and environmental sciences, physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences and humanities. “Protecting Antarctica” incorporates the theme of multiple use management of a globally important region, wherein management involves commercial marine living resource extraction, scientific research, logistics, and tourism and other non-extractive commercial activities. Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are subject to a unique legal regime including an environmental protocol to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, and this instrument has become the basis upon which all human activity in Antarctica is judged. Completing the subject will equip students from a wide variety of fields with the ability to view the Antarctic from a more holistic perspective. Your new knowledge will assist you to understand the various values of the region, how they – and the areas they apply to – become known, then valued, then protected.

Course results for University of Tasmania Undergraduate Sustainability Subjects

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