SCI1800 Introduction to environmental sustainability
Faculty of Science
SCI1800 Introduction to environmental sustainability is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Summer A at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Summer A
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 5 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before SCI1800
No prerequisites or corequisites.
After SCI1800
1 unit list SCI1800 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
Humans have had an enormous impact on the world's resources to such an extent that our survival is in jeopardy. In this unit, you will investigate the potential of recent sustainability research with focus on a science perspective to understand these problems and to think of ways to ameliorate them - via protection of the environment to ultimately enhance the quality of life. You will undertake several assessments related to supporting sustainability of our planet. The aim of the unit is to raise awareness on climate change among students and learn ways to make a difference – starting from the individual.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester A | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Reading assignmentWritten20%
- Group preseatationPresentation35%
- Tutorial business caseWork integrated5%
- Mid-semester quizQuiz / Test15%
- End of semester quizQuiz / Test25%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of sustainability and sustainable development;
- 2
Demonstrate knowledge of the Earth's physical, chemical and biological resources and their role in human survival;
- 3
Demonstrate understanding of the ethical responsibility and impact of humans on the Earth's resources;
- 4
Critically evaluate research into human impacts and sustainability and demonstrate knowledge and develop ideas as to how the impacts can be reversed or ameliorated;
- 5
Design, analyse and communicate a research project relating to sustainability of the Earth;
- 6
Demonstrate competence in information technology, scientific writing, problem solving, communication skills and team work.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures48 hours
- Tutorials12 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
This is a seven week summer unit consisting of:
- Scheduled learning activities consisting of 4 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial work per week
- Independent study consisting 15 hours of private study/associated reading/preparation for scheduled activities/group work per week
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Newton, A. & Cantarello, E. (2014) An Introduction to the Green Economy: Science, Systems and Sustainability. London : Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN: 9780415711609. Monash library: HC79.E5 N56 2014
Seuss, Dr. (1971) The Lorax. Monash library: PZ7.S49 L86 1971
Robertson, M. (2014) Sustainability principles and practice. New York : Routledge. ISBN: 1135035970. Available at Monash ebook library.
Juniper, T. (2013) What has Nature ever done for us? London : Profile. ISBN: 9781846685606. Monash library: QH541.15 J95 2013.
TED talks about sustainability (many of these are relevant): www.ted.com/talks/sustainability
Where it fits
SCI1800 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Foo Su Chern
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Foo Su Chern
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for SCI1800?
SCI1800 has no prerequisites.
What can I take after SCI1800?
SCI1800 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including ENV2726.
When is SCI1800 offered?
In 2026, SCI1800 runs in Summer A at Malaysia.
Does SCI1800 have an exam?
No. SCI1800 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include SCI1800?
SCI1800 is part of Tropical environmental biology.