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

The ocean provides many opportunities for sustainable development but is negatively impacted by some human activities. These problems and opportunities are complex and finding the solutions involves collaboration across fields such as science, engineering, psychology, economics, law and international relations. This unit introduces students to the value of working across disciplines, broadening boundaries of knowledge and methodologies, and developing new insights and problem solving skills. Key issues are explored including communication and terminological differences, the scientific method, legal problem solving and research methodologies. The unit examines the concepts of multi-, inter-, cross- and trans-disciplinarity and how they can be applied to address the many challenges facing the oceans. Using a combination of approaches, students learn to work in teams drawn from different fields, and how to apply different disciplinary approaches and ways of thinking to current issues of local and global importance. Ultimately, this unit enables students to assess a line of enquiry in the context of ocean leadership and navigate towards a solution, using critical thinking across a wide range of disciplines.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate a clear understanding of the meaning of multi-, inter-, cross- and trans-disciplinarity in the context of ocean leadership; (2) evaluate an ocean-based issue and identify the range of disciplinary approaches that may be used to resolve complex problems; (3) critically assess the need to employ an approach involving multiple disciplines and practically apply such an approach; (4) understand and identify the appropriate ways in which to work in a multi-disciplinary context taking into account opportunities and challenges; (5) employ new tools, methodologies and knowledge to ocean-based problems and differentiate between local, regional and global solutions; and (6) synthesise, critically appraise and distil information from a range of disciplines and clearly present this information to an informed audience.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group exercises; (2) critical appraisal of case studies; and (3) presentation. 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)
Dr Maryam Abdolahpour
Unit rules
Prerequisites
prior approval of unit coordinator
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
3-day/ 2-night field camp in Albany – includes food, accommodation. (estimated cost - 330).
Contact hours
lectures and turorials: 65 hours
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.