Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit examines key concepts in environmental protection law in Western Australia in its national and international contexts. It focuses on the law relating to pollution control and environmental impact assessment. The unit analyses a range of legal techniques and principles applied to environmental protection through six key themes: (1) the key definitions, institutions and objectives, (2) policy and information instruments, (3) controls on particular activities, (4) environmental impact assessment, (5) criminal liabilities, and (6) civil liabilities

“No prior knowledge of the details of the subject matter of the unit is assumed.”

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) critically analyse the key concepts of 'environment', 'environmental harm', 'pollution', and 'ecologically sustainable development'; (2) explain the institutional structures of environmental governance; (3) apply the principal legal techniques of regulating environmental harm and pollution; (4) critically analyse the ethical and legal issues that arise in environmental protection law and in environmental decision-making in the public and private sectors; (5) apply skills of professional legal judgement to evaluate contemporary environmental law problems and propose resolutions of them; and (6) demonstrate professional legal skills to communicate (both orally and in writing) legal knowledge, analysis and problem solving to legal and non-legal audiences..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) pre-class short podcast; (2) pre-class case note; and (3) post-class research Paper. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Alex Gardner
Contact hours
offered intensively
Text

Reading materials designed for the unit are made available through LMS.

Statutes

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)

National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 (Cwlth)

Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)

Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 (WA)

Recommended
reading

Bates, G. Environmental Law in Australia, 10th edn: LexisNexis Butterworths 2019

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.