ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
Faculty of Science
ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2020
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 5 tasks
This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ENS5320
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ENS5320
No unit lists ENS5320 as a prerequisite in the 2020 handbook.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: This is a specialist core unit for the Environmental Security specialisation. Non-cognate students in this specialisation must complete preparatory studies (Part B) prior to undertaking this specialist unit. If you are undertaking this unit as an elective within other specialisations you must consult with the unit coordinator about assumed foundational knowledge and preparatory material. Approval from the unit co-ordinator is required.
Students enrolled in S6004 Master of Food Science and Agribusiness will require manual enrolment in this unit via Science Student Services.
Overview
This unit provides a fundamental understanding of the science, policy and regulatory frameworks relating to the nexus between climate change, renewable and non-renewable energy resources. The physical science, climate models, projections and impacts are discussed along with national and international climate change policy and regulatory aspects.
The unit will develop skills and understandings to translate the best contemporary climate change science into appropriate decision-making to preserve the physical, biological and economic systems upon which human security depends. You will also gain understanding of climate change scenario development, vulnerability assessment and mitigation and adaptation responses at organisational, community and national levels.
The unit will involve site visits to both renewable (solar arrays and wind farms) and non-renewable energy generation facilities. To facilitate these understandings visits will also be made, for example, to local government authorities in Victoria dealing with climate change vulnerabilities and assessments. The critical links between climate change, climate change impacts and human security are emphasised throughout the unit.
Offerings in 2020
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Assessment task 1: Reflective pieces (individual)15%
- Assessment task 2: Whole class debate (group)15%
- Assessment task 3: Mid-course take home quiz (individual)15%
- Assessment task 4: Vulnerability assessment case study (group)20%
- Assessment task 5: Research paper (individual)35%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Articulate the fundamental scientific principles and issues related to climate change, including the differences between mitigation and adaptation policies, to a multidisciplinary audience.
- 2
Critically analyse contemporary issues and debates in climate change science and demonstrate a practical understanding of the outputs, assumptions and limitations of climate change modelling, especially as it relates to scenario development.
- 3
Demonstrate the ability to research, construct and deliver professional scientific evidence-based proposals, technical reports, articles and policy documents.
- 4
Identify appropriate strategies and tools for climate change planning, management and impact assessment.
- 5
Apply effective communication skills to collaborate across academia, government and non-governmental and corporate organisations and negotiate diverse perspectives on relevant topics.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops48 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Contact hours equivalent to 4-hours per week including 16 hours of experiential activity (field trips/site visits).
Additional requirements include at least 8-hours of independent pre and post class work.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Master of Environment and Sustainability Moodle Home: This is a central location for general course news, events, discussions, support services, Part D information, and resources: http://moodle.vle.monash.edu/course/view.php?id=33086
Research and Learning Online: This contains modules, which you can use as needed and when needed, to develop study skills for academic success. This includes example assignment structures for different disciplines and other useful materials to get your assignments done. Access the website via: https://www.monash.edu/rlo
Textbooks: You are not required to purchase any textbooks for this unit. All resources, such as readings, are provided online as part of the weekly pre-work with new materials introduced week by week.
Where it fits
ENS5320 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2020 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Nigel Tapper
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Nigel Tapper
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ENS5320?
ENS5320 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ENS5320 offered?
In 2020, ENS5320 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does ENS5320 have an exam?
No. ENS5320 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include ENS5320?
ENS5320 is part of Atmospheric science, Earth science and Environmental security.