Introduction to Environmental Science

This course offers a general introduction to environmental science in an interdisciplinary context. The ENVR 101 course aims to build a knowledge platform and exposes students to the environmental problems and solutions of the modern era. Using an integrated approach across the chemical, biological, cultural and values/ethics aspects of environmental science, students will consider the problems and solutions across key topics including: Feeding the planet (Kai whenua and Kai Moana), Sustainable resource use and waste management, powering the planet, human health and environment, sustainable cities, and sustainable tourism. Students will learn through a combination of lectures and tutorials/workshops. Assessment will be via assignment, on-line quizzes and an exam.

15 points

Science, Society and Me

In this foundational course, we examine stimulating questions such as what science is, who does science, how is science practiced, how do science, culture and society interact and how science is communicated to differing audiences. This course will draw on a variety of historical and contemporary case-studies, leading edge research, ethical challenges and controversial issues. Students will gain an understanding of the civic roles, responsibilities and influence of science in our Maori, New Zealand, and global communities. Students will learn how to work effectively as a team and communicate successfully to communities and end-users. Students will learn what it means to be a successful scientist in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the world in the 21st century.

15 points

Introduction to the Principles and Concepts of Sustainability

Sustainability is a popular but contested concept. At its most basic it refers to the maintenance of systems, processes, and/or practices over time. This foundation course introduces students to transdisciplinary ways of understanding the contested history of ideas about sustainability in diverse fields of socio-ecological politics, and philosophy, Indigenous knowledge and environmental law, governance and leadership, and economics and environmental management. Taught through four modules, the course will include a one day Marae field trip and small group field work. A pastoral emphasis supports cohort building and communication skills for advocacy and analysis.

15 points

Global Environmental Change

An exploration of major environmental changes happening at the global scale. With a particular focus on climate, ice, freshwater, and ocean processes, we investigate how geospatial monitoring and other tools are used to address global environmental challenges. We look at how human activities are interacting with Earth systems, and aim to empower people to improve environmental and societal resilience at a range of scales.

15 points

GEOG103