ENVMGT 744 : Resource Management

Science

2020 Semester Two (1205) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A review of advanced principles, concepts and approaches to the sustainable management of natural resources. Case studies emphasise the need for conflict resolution, equitable allocation, and decentralised decision-making to address the social and environmental impacts of resource utilisation.

Course Overview

This course exposes students to different theories, principles and concepts that underpin approaches to sustainable resource management.  The focus is on examining complex social-environmental problems to understand how decisions about resource management are made and by whom. Case studies from Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas are used to explore: the role of science and knowledge in influencing decisions about, and the management of resources; the challenges to accommodating different values and knowledge systems (including Indigenous values and knowledges); the influence of power relationships on participatory and collaborative approaches; and, the challenges posed by the interconnectedness of social and biophysical systems across multiple scales. 

Upon successful completion, students will have a critical understanding of how social, economic, cultural and political factors influence resource management practices, and an appreciation of the need for, and challenges to implementing inclusive resource management approaches.

Please note: this course is not about the Resource Management Act 1991.  

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify how knowledge is produced and subsequently used to inform resource management. (Capability 1)
  2. Distinguish different resource management approaches and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each. (Capability 1)
  3. Evaluate existing academic research and distinguish relevant information to support an argument. (Capability 2)
  4. Apply academic theories and concepts to analyse 'real world' examples (Capability 2)
  5. Write critically and analytically (Capability 4)
  6. Propose ways to enable inclusivity in resource management and decision-making processes. (Capability 3)
  7. Analyse complex problems and prioritise recommendations based on social, economic, political, environmental and cultural considerations. (Capability 3)
  8. Describe how Māori worldviews and knowledge (mātauranga) could contribute to enacting sustainable futures in Aotearoa New Zealand. (Capability 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Coursework 40% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 60% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Coursework
Final Exam

Learning Resources

Course texts: there is NO set textbook for this course. All readings are electronically available through Reading Lists on Canvas. The required reading should be completed after the relevant lecture. 

Lectures provide a comprehensive introduction to the topics to be examined but your grade will be greatly enhanced by reading widely and critically. You are urged to take personal responsibility for your own learning, and increase your understanding and appreciation of the subject by following up lecture material with your own study programme.
At a minimum, you are expected to complete the required readings as part of your course workload (additional readings can be recommended upon request). Best practice is to attend the lecture first then read the required reading. Try to do this as close to the lecture time as possible when the information is still fresh. You should be spending about 1 hour per reading (less time for shorter readings). 

Special Requirements

No special requirements.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course of 150 hours in total per semester. The course is made up of lectures, tutorials, self-directed reading, and assessment.  Please see the Course Guide on Canvas for a breakdown of the 150 hours.  

At a University level students must manage their own workload. Please be aware that poor time management is a key cause of student anxiety. There are key crisis points when assessment due dates often overlap in multiple courses. Please try and be proactive and plan to avoid this by completing your course work as early as possible. 

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 14/07/2020 09:56 a.m.