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

Recently the world's urban population reached 50 per cent of the world's total, and by 2050 this will likely increase to two-thirds. While cities are hubs of innovation and culture, they also use over two-thirds of global energy and produce around 70% carbon emissions, as well as other forms of air pollution. Cities also use vast quantities of fresh water and materials which in turn creates solid, liquid wastes, airborne pollution, affecting human health and destroying natural systems. This unit seeks to: convey an advanced level of understanding of the sustainable development challenges facing humanity in general, and cities in particular, including energy and climate change, resource depletion, water scarcity; and prepare students to apply theories and tools to manage the transition to sustainable urban development.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1OnlineOnline timetabled
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) interpret the impact on urban theory of the body of literature related to environmental awareness and sustainable development; (2) demonstrate an advanced appreciation of cities as complex urban systems; (3) demonstrate a critical awareness of the challenges of growth in a world constrained by climate change, resource scarcity and biodiversity loss; (4) evaluate the sustainability performance of buildings and precincts; and (5) apply the principles of sustainability and resilience to the urban design process.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) reports; and (3) seminar presentations. 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)
Adjunct Professor Bill Grace
Contact hours
1 hour lecture
2 hours tutorial per week
Note
This unit is taught by the Australian Urban Design Research Centre.
  • 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.