Code
ENST3000
Credits
25
Graduate Attributes
Introduction
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an area where science intersects with society and politics - and idealism intersects with reality. EIA is the formal process of identifying and evaluating the likely environmental outcomes of project proposals, schemes and strategic plans for changing land use and development - and recommending whether the projects can go ahead. It sounds pretty dry on the surface, but as we dig into the process, case studies, and implications during semester, you'll discover that this is a crucial area of environmental science (as well as a major employment area!) that governs how we as resource consuming humans live with our natural environment, and to what extent we are able to protect critical ecosystems. During the unit you'll learn the framework for EIA in Western Australia, the Commonwealth and overseas, but much more than that you'll discover a world of difficult decisions; prioritising competing needs; wicked problems; and compromises - and you'll be pushed to develop skills to deal with those as future scientists working in government, industry or the environmental sector. In the assignments you will work individually (assignment 1) and in a group (assignment 2) to evaluate hypothetical and real world examples, and produce assessments and recommendations that integrate science with social and economic impacts
Lecture
1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Tutorial
1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Unit Learning Outcomes
- 1 critically evaluate the environmental issues faced locally, nationally and globally and the value of environmental impact assessment (EIA) as a tool to address these, GC4, GC5
- 2 explain in detail the legislative framework surrounding " Environmental Impact" in Western Australia and the Commonwealth, GC2, GC1
- 3 critique the principles of Strategic EIA as a planning and management tool, GC2, GC4
- 4 work collaboratively and professionally to design and produce an Environmental Review Document, GC3, GC6
- 5 communicate scientific and legal concepts and language to a non-technical audience, GC3, GC6
Course Learning Outcomes
- 3 Make decisions related to the design and implementation of solutions to engineering problems in a safe, ethical, and climate-responsible manner adhering to legal and professional standards and through respectful partnerships with local First Peoples and other diverse cultures as globally responsible citizens
- 4 Apply systems thinking for innovative solutions to global environmental engineering challenges, discern knowledge and undertake applied research in a discipline of environmental engineering
- 5 Select and use current and emerging technologies to develop and communicate effective and innovative engineering solutions to complex problems
Assessment Breakdown
Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback
Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff. Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback. No major changes have been made in 2025, as student feedback for 2024 was extremely positive.