PUN465 Environmental Protection
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PUN465 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | PUN363 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | PUN620 and PUN363 is assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $2,976 |
| International unit fee | $4,236 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | PUN465 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PUN363 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | PUN620 and PUN363 is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Natalie MacGregor | natalie.macgregor@qut.edu.au |
Overview
A pollutant is defined as 'a particular chemical or form of energy that can adversely affect the health, survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms' (Miller 2000). Pollutants in the form of solids, liquids, gases or energy emissions enter our environment by natural or anthropogenic means. With the potential for pollution to severely impact the life support system of humans and other organisms, it is necessary to implement a variety of approaches to protect the environment and ensure its sustainability. This unit builds on the environmental health concepts covered in PUN620 and the legal concepts of environmental protection covered in PUN363.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Argue the rationale for environmental protection and sustainability with respect to environmental health and environmental management;
- Explain the characteristics, sources, impacts and management strategies for air and water pollutants, environmental noise, waste, contaminated land and acid sulphate soils;
- Measure environmental pollutants and interpret the results;
- Manage environmental protection issues using the environmental protection and sustainable planning legislation;
- Apply assessment and management strategies to businesses/industries that can impact on the environment.
Content
A variety of environmental protection topics will be covered including:
- an introduction to environmental protection, environmental management principles and sustainability
- air pollution
- noise pollution
- water pollution
- contaminated land
- waste management
- acid sulphate soils
- assessing environmental and development applications
- an introduction to environmental auditing, environmental management systems and corporate environmental compliance.
Learning Approaches
To maximise your engagement with the learning materials in this unit, a combination of face to face (for internal students) lecture and regular Canvas Collaborate sessions will be used. Lectures and Canvas Collaborate sessions will be recorded to enable flexibility in the location, time and mode of study, with respect to work and life commitments. This Unit is available in both internal and online modes and all taught sessions are recorded for asynchronous access.
You are expected to undertake self-directed learning and should pace your study in line with the schedule provided on the online platform. Links to a range of readings/resources that expand on the material in the study modules will be provided.
Active participation and discussion in the taught sessions is strongly encouraged to allow for the exchange of ideas between staff and peers and to expand upon the theory and knowledge undertaken within the study modules.
The unit hosts guest lecturers from the industry and promotes diverse interpretations and perspectives in informing organisational policies based on legal requirements. You will be expected to participate in a 2 day workshop that involves work integrated learning (WIL). This workshop is designed to support students to develop practical skills and knowledge in environmental monitoring, environmental auditing, applying the environmental protection and planning legislation. To enable the completion of the first assessment item, students who do not attend the workshop will be responsible for arranging environmental monitoring under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced environmental health/environmental protection professional. The knowledge gained during these sessions will assist you to complete the assessment items in this unit.
You will have access to various resources, including the Student Success Group and Library. Class and individual consultations with the unit coordinator and formative and summative feedback during the course and on the assessments are offered to support learning.
The unit embeds opportunities to demonstrate and improve industry relevant digital capabilities, including locating relevant literature and navigating data bases; sourcing, collating and critically analysing scholarly research related to EH; communicating with peers, colleagues, community members and senior managers through digital platforms; negotiating with internal systems to access, upload and download materials, etc.
You will need to allocate on average 10 hours per week to successfully meet the learning outcomes in this unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
This unit may use text matching software that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations to determine and avoid possible instances of plagiarism.
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.
Assessment
Overview
There are three (3) assessment items. Your assessment items are designed to measure your attainment of the learning outcomes stated above. The assessment items are intentionally practical in nature to enable you to connect theory with practice.
Each assessment type in this unit will be subject to internal /external moderation, such as cross-unit discussions and regular meetings of assessors, to ensure that marks awarded by different teaching staff are internally consistent and meet appropriate academic standards.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Environmental Noise Assessment
This is a Real world task that will require you to submit a technical report researching, synthesising and analysing a scenario that an environmental health professional would be tasked with. You will be required to undertake environmental monitoring in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines, interpret the results and report on the findings. You will also be required to explain the characteristics and sources of the relevant environmental pollutant, critically analyse the impacts of the pollutant on human health and/or the environment, and identify strategies used to manage environmental pollutants.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Assessment: Report
This is a Real world task that will require you to submit a technical report researching, synthesising and analysing a scenario that an environmental health professional would be tasked with. The report will need to present findings and options and summarise the recommendations. You will be required to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with a mock development application. Your detailed assessment will consider potential air and water pollutants, environmental noise, waste, contaminated land and other environmental management issues. After identifying the sources of potential pollutants, their characteristics and potential impacts, you will use the environmental protection and sustainable planning legislation to manage the identified environmental protection issues. You will justify your decisions in the context of the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Assessment: Examination (theory)
Your knowledge of the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development; the characteristics, sources, impacts and management strategies associated with air and water pollutants, environmental noise, waste, contaminated land and acid sulphate soils; the environmental protection and sustainable planning legislation; and assessing and managing the environmental impacts of various activities will be examined in a written theory examination.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
There is no required text for this unit. You will be required to access relevant legislation and other resources online, therefore internet access is essential.
Risk Assessment Statement
As noted above, assessment for this unit may involve a workplace-based assignment. You should be aware of and abide by the health and safety requirements of the workplace and you are expected to undergo any induction or other training provided in the workplace for employees or visitors to the workplace as appropriate. It will be necessary to wear appropriate clothing (e.g. long sleeves and pants) and enclosed flat-soled footwear, and consider personal sun protection options (e.g. sunscreen, hats) while on field trips for this unit.
In addition, substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU67 Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health
- Apply advanced knowledge of environmental health science, public health principles and policies, recent developments in global political and economic events to the management of the health of the environment.
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory) - Apply independent critical and creative thinking, problem solving, reflective decision-making and technical skills to evaluate and generate solutions to complex problems in the field.
Relates to: Report, Examination (theory) - Interpret and enact culturally safe communication styles and strategies to inform diverse audiences about complex knowledge and ideas.
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report - Work independently and within teams with integrity, ethically, objectivity and impartiality in the planning and management of research and other projects and in dissemination of knowledge
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory)
PU80 Master of Health, Safety and Environment
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of an advanced body of theoretical and practical knowledge and emerging challenges within the fields of occupational and environmental health/management
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory) - Demonstrate advanced skills and abilities to describe, appraise and apply the major tools and systems of OHS and EH practice and research to identify and manage complex problems
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report - Integrate and synthesise complex knowledge and apply critical and reflective thinking to advance the discipline’s body of research.
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report - Work independently and in teams to interpret and communicate complex scientific, legal and psychosocial data and present it in a format that is easy to understand
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory) - Enact and apply ethical, culturally safe, socially inclusive principles with self, people, and organisations in diverse contexts.
Relates to: Report, Examination (theory)
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Online
| Unit code: | PUN465 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PUN363 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | PUN620 and PUN363 is assumed knowledge. |
Overview
A pollutant is defined as 'a particular chemical or form of energy that can adversely affect the health, survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms' (Miller 2000). Pollutants in the form of solids, liquids, gases or energy emissions enter our environment by natural or anthropogenic means. With the potential for pollution to severely impact the life support system of humans and other organisms, it is necessary to implement a variety of approaches to protect the environment and ensure its sustainability. This unit builds on the environmental health concepts covered in PUN620 and the legal concepts of environmental protection covered in PUN363.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Argue the rationale for environmental protection and sustainability with respect to environmental health and environmental management;
- Explain the characteristics, sources, impacts and management strategies for air and water pollutants, environmental noise, waste, contaminated land and acid sulphate soils;
- Measure environmental pollutants and interpret the results;
- Manage environmental protection issues using the environmental protection and sustainable planning legislation;
- Apply assessment and management strategies to businesses/industries that can impact on the environment.
Content
A variety of environmental protection topics will be covered including:
- an introduction to environmental protection, environmental management principles and sustainability
- air pollution
- noise pollution
- water pollution
- contaminated land
- waste management
- acid sulphate soils
- assessing environmental and development applications
- an introduction to environmental auditing, environmental management systems and corporate environmental compliance.
Learning Approaches
To maximise your engagement with the learning materials in this unit, a combination of face to face (for internal students) lecture and regular Canvas Collaborate sessions will be used. Lectures and Canvas Collaborate sessions will be recorded to enable flexibility in the location, time and mode of study, with respect to work and life commitments. This Unit is available in both internal and online modes and all taught sessions are recorded for asynchronous access.
You are expected to undertake self-directed learning and should pace your study in line with the schedule provided on the online platform. Links to a range of readings/resources that expand on the material in the study modules will be provided.
Active participation and discussion in the taught sessions is strongly encouraged to allow for the exchange of ideas between staff and peers and to expand upon the theory and knowledge undertaken within the study modules.
The unit hosts guest lecturers from the industry and promotes diverse interpretations and perspectives in informing organisational policies based on legal requirements. You will be expected to participate in a 2 day workshop that involves work integrated learning (WIL). This workshop is designed to support students to develop practical skills and knowledge in environmental monitoring, environmental auditing, applying the environmental protection and planning legislation. To enable the completion of the first assessment item, students who do not attend the workshop will be responsible for arranging environmental monitoring under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced environmental health/environmental protection professional. The knowledge gained during these sessions will assist you to complete the assessment items in this unit.
You will have access to various resources, including the Student Success Group and Library. Class and individual consultations with the unit coordinator and formative and summative feedback during the course and on the assessments are offered to support learning.
The unit embeds opportunities to demonstrate and improve industry relevant digital capabilities, including locating relevant literature and navigating data bases; sourcing, collating and critically analysing scholarly research related to EH; communicating with peers, colleagues, community members and senior managers through digital platforms; negotiating with internal systems to access, upload and download materials, etc.
You will need to allocate on average 10 hours per week to successfully meet the learning outcomes in this unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
This unit may use text matching software that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations to determine and avoid possible instances of plagiarism.
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.
Assessment
Overview
There are three (3) assessment items. Your assessment items are designed to measure your attainment of the learning outcomes stated above. The assessment items are intentionally practical in nature to enable you to connect theory with practice.
Each assessment type in this unit will be subject to internal /external moderation, such as cross-unit discussions and regular meetings of assessors, to ensure that marks awarded by different teaching staff are internally consistent and meet appropriate academic standards.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Environmental Noise Assessment
This is a Real world task that will require you to submit a technical report researching, synthesising and analysing a scenario that an environmental health professional would be tasked with. You will be required to undertake environmental monitoring in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines, interpret the results and report on the findings. You will also be required to explain the characteristics and sources of the relevant environmental pollutant, critically analyse the impacts of the pollutant on human health and/or the environment, and identify strategies used to manage environmental pollutants.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Assessment: Report
This is a Real world task that will require you to submit a technical report researching, synthesising and analysing a scenario that an environmental health professional would be tasked with. The report will need to present findings and options and summarise the recommendations. You will be required to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with a mock development application. Your detailed assessment will consider potential air and water pollutants, environmental noise, waste, contaminated land and other environmental management issues. After identifying the sources of potential pollutants, their characteristics and potential impacts, you will use the environmental protection and sustainable planning legislation to manage the identified environmental protection issues. You will justify your decisions in the context of the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Assessment: Examination (theory)
Your knowledge of the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development; the characteristics, sources, impacts and management strategies associated with air and water pollutants, environmental noise, waste, contaminated land and acid sulphate soils; the environmental protection and sustainable planning legislation; and assessing and managing the environmental impacts of various activities will be examined in a written theory examination.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
There is no required text for this unit. You will be required to access relevant legislation and other resources online, therefore internet access is essential.
Risk Assessment Statement
As noted above, assessment for this unit may involve a workplace-based assignment. You should be aware of and abide by the health and safety requirements of the workplace and you are expected to undergo any induction or other training provided in the workplace for employees or visitors to the workplace as appropriate. It will be necessary to wear appropriate clothing (e.g. long sleeves and pants) and enclosed flat-soled footwear, and consider personal sun protection options (e.g. sunscreen, hats) while on field trips for this unit.
In addition, substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU67 Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health
- Apply advanced knowledge of environmental health science, public health principles and policies, recent developments in global political and economic events to the management of the health of the environment.
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory) - Apply independent critical and creative thinking, problem solving, reflective decision-making and technical skills to evaluate and generate solutions to complex problems in the field.
Relates to: Report, Examination (theory) - Interpret and enact culturally safe communication styles and strategies to inform diverse audiences about complex knowledge and ideas.
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report - Work independently and within teams with integrity, ethically, objectivity and impartiality in the planning and management of research and other projects and in dissemination of knowledge
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory)
PU80 Master of Health, Safety and Environment
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of an advanced body of theoretical and practical knowledge and emerging challenges within the fields of occupational and environmental health/management
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory) - Demonstrate advanced skills and abilities to describe, appraise and apply the major tools and systems of OHS and EH practice and research to identify and manage complex problems
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report - Integrate and synthesise complex knowledge and apply critical and reflective thinking to advance the discipline’s body of research.
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report - Work independently and in teams to interpret and communicate complex scientific, legal and psychosocial data and present it in a format that is easy to understand
Relates to: Environmental Noise Assessment, Report, Examination (theory) - Enact and apply ethical, culturally safe, socially inclusive principles with self, people, and organisations in diverse contexts.
Relates to: Report, Examination (theory)