GLOBAL 101/101G : Global Issues, Sustainable Futures

Engineering

2022 Semester One (1223) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

The basis for sustainability – social issues such as population and consumption, environmental issues such as climate change, limited resources and environmental degradation. Discusses the roles that various disciplines (law, business, engineering and urban planning) will play in developing solutions, including consideration of human rights and good governance, new concepts in economics and business management which will lead to sustainable businesses, developments in science and technology which will change how we manage resources and new visions for cities and communities which will support sustainable ways of life.

Course Overview

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory, science, and practice of sustainability. It aims to provide them with an understanding of the ethical and philosophical grounding of sustainability and its relevance across society. The basic science that underpins sustainability such as climate change, resource availability, and environmental degradation will be presented and the debate which surrounds some of these issues will be discussed. Legal frameworks that have been established internationally and within New Zealand to incorporate sustainability into society will be introduced, including the Resource Management Act. The complex and dynamic nature of sustainability will be illustrated through a multi-disciplinary approach, addressing the roles and implications of social and cultural practices, current governance, economic and business models, planning, design and management of the built environment, product and technology manufacturing and life cycles and increasing technological dependence. The roles of various professionals and disciplines in contributing to achieving sustainability through a multi-disciplinary approach will be identified, using both case studies and panel discussions.

Course Requirements

Restriction: GENED 101G

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 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of of the major issues which are posing risks to the future of society across the globe (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problems (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)
  3. Describe and explain the roles that professionals in various disciplines who will need to engage in to develop solutions for resolving and mitigating these risks (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
  4. Explain how solutions are being developed at various levels which will contribute to achieving sustainability (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)
  5. Provide rational discussions on the global issues and rational debate on proposed solutions (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)
  6. Develop solutions and approaches to achieving sustainability (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Quizzes and Assignments 50% Group & Individual Coursework
Final Exam 50% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Quizzes and Assignments
Final Exam

Students must sit the exam to pass the course. Otherwise, a DNS (did not sit) result will be returned.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 36 hours of lectures, 42 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 72 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities to receive credit for components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities will not be available as recordings.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning 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.

All reading materials will be available on the Talis Reading List on Canvas.

Health & Safety

Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Health and Safety section of the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester 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 and respond with summaries and actions.

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

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

None

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.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

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 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.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

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 students may be asked to submit 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. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 23/12/2021 02:39 p.m.