Key facts

UNE unit code: EM312

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

With environmental impact assessment becoming increasingly important across many sectors involved in the planning and management of Australia's natural resources, equip yourself with practical skills and knowledge that is in demand.

Studying this unit, you will be introduced to the key principles and philosophies, processes and constraints of impact assessment in Australia today.

You will discuss impact assessment relevant to different settings, including mining and processing, water resources, nature conservation and biodiversity, agriculture and infrastructure development, along with appropriate methods and techniques for assessment.

Delving into current policy, legislative and administrative features, you will also explore issues at the local, state and federal government levels.

Practical work offers you hands-on experience with the preparation and review of environment impact statements for resource development, using real-world scenarios.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
08 April 202410 April 20243 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsThe Intensive School is mandatory for both online and on campus students.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
72cp or for BEngTech and BUrbRegPlan: ENGT237 or ENVE237 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
EM512

Notes

On campus and online students must attend the three-day mandatory intensive school in April. All seminars will be made available on the EM312 website as audio podcasts. It is expected that on campus and online students will access and utilise these podcasts. On-campus students will attend a combined weekly seminar, some of which are presented by guest lecturers who are recognised specialists in their topic.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Lisa Lobry De Bruyn
Lisa Lobry De BruynAssociate Professor in Soil Health and Knowledge Sharing - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. understand the concepts and philosophies for environmental impact assessment (EIA) and how they are applied in the Australian context at local, state and federal government levels;
  2. identify and critically evaluate methods and techniques for EIA and understand how they are applied to major natural resource sectors;
  3. apply the EIA requirements to critically evaluate the quality of an industry standard Environmental Impact Statement;
  4. understand and explain the strengths and weaknesses of EIA; and
  5. identify and understand future trends in the use and application of EIA.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Practical BookYes45%All offerings

No. Words: 3500

QuizzesYes10%All offerings

2 x quizzes @ 5% each

No. Words: 500

Final ExaminationYes45%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Environmental Impact Assessment in Australia

ISBN: 9781862879454

Thomas, I. and Elliott, M., Federation Press 6th ed. 2013

Text refers to: All offerings

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au

I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.

Claire Haiek, graduate, Pathways Enabling Course (photo: kidspot.com.au)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.