Humans: Earth Shapers
UndergraduateTAS-XBR1122023
Course information for 2023 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Humans: Earth Shapers
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- Outline the current scientific theories of how Earth’s natural systems change through time.
- Describe the impacts of humans on Earth’s natural systems.
- Identify the values held by you and others in relation to human impacts on natural systems.
- Explain the role of governance on shaping human impacts on Earth’s natural systems.
- Week 1 Welcome and earth systems-subject wide discussions
- Week 2 Philosophy and the rock record-subject wide discussions
- Week 3 Philosophy and earth systems exchanges-subject wide discussions and start virtual field trip
- Week 4 Philosophy, ecology and evolution-subject wide discussions, Virtual Field Trip tutorial and AT1a Quiz
- Week 5 Philosophy and extinctions-subject wide discussions
- Week 6 Philosophy and early humans-subject wide discussions, Values Essay tutorial and AT1b Quiz
- Week 7 Philosophy and governance-subject wide discussions and AT2 Essay
- Week 8 The Anthropocene-subject wide discussions and AT3a Quiz
- Week 9 Philosophy and the Anthropocene-subject wide discussions, governance tutorial and AT3b Quiz
- Week 10 Governance and 6th Mass extinction-subject wide discussions, infographic tutorial and AT3c Quiz
- Week 11 Philosophy and geoengineering-subject wide discussions infographic tutorial and draft infographic submission
- Week 12 Synthesis-subject wide discussions, peer reviews of draft infographic submission
- Week 13-Finalising infographic
- Week 14-Infographic submission
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.
- Peer review (20%)
- Test or Quiz (10%)
- Test or Quiz (10%)
- Test or Quiz (15%)
- Values Essay (20%)
- Assignment (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)
UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)
UndergraduateTAS-SCG-DEG
UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DIP
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-BBS-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Psychological Science)
UndergraduateTAS-PSS-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-PSC-DEG
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