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Course Outline
Effective management of coastal resources requires
an understanding of ecological processes influencing coastal ecosystems,
as well as an understanding of the policy framework and political
pressures that influence development and human activity in coastal
environments.
This field-based course examines the impact of human activities
on coastal ecosystems, and how to manage these impacts in order
to ensure sustainable resource use and ecosystem function.
The course examines local and international case studies and a hypothetical
development that students assess against real-time environmental
and socioeconomic conditions.
Course Objectives
On completion of this course, you should:
- Have an understanding of coastal environments
and linkages between the physical, ecological and social components
of these environments
- Be able to describe how a broad range of
human activities affects coastal environments
- Have developed an understanding of the
multi-disciplinary nature of the management of coastal environments
- Be aware of and be able to use a range
of tools for coastal planning and management
- Have an appreciation of the essential skills
for undertaking research as well as for interacting with stakeholders
and coastal resource managers
- Appreciate the need for and methods of
achieving integrated management of coastal environments
- Improve essential communication, problem
solving and research skills.
Course Experience
Coastal Resource Management provides a thought-provoking
and intellectually stimulating experience closely reflecting the
real world of coastal resource management. A large component of
the course involves interaction with coastal stakeholders and coastal
resource managers; people who are actively involved in the local
study environment.
Students will participate in lectures, seminars and fieldwork which
involves the collection of both biophysical and socioeconomic information.
With the mentoring support of staff, students are given the opportunity
to explore their own perspectives and to test these within the framework
of determining the best options for a proposed development.
Collaboration
The course brings together a wide and diverse
range of expertise in coastal resource management ranging from leading
scientists such as Assoc. Prof. Ron Johnstone and Dr Tony Chif?ngs,
as well as practitioners and policy development experts. This includes
individuals from government organizations such as the Queensland
EPA, local industry and tourism operators, as well as indigenous
communities and other community groups.
Course Assessment
Course assessment consists of .... (To be announced).
Assessment Criteria
Course Pre-requisite
Suitable undergraduate courses in either biophysical
aspects of aquatic environments or in the socio-economic, legal,
or cultural aspects of coastal communities. A rudimentary understanding
of coastal ecosystems would be an advantage but is not essential.
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Coastal Resource Management
