Outline

Overview

ENVI2122 Environmental Governance and Assessment introduces students to the legal, economic and impact assessment tools that play an important role in regulating human impacts on the environment. This unit builds on conceptual understandings of the environment, environmental issues and critical thought developed in first year to explore environmental regulation in an Australian context. It navigates environmental and ecological economic thought and connects this to impacts. In the latter part of the semester the concept of impact assessment is introduced to build on the legal and economic knowledge and investigate the history, strengths, weaknesses and potential of various forms of assessment to achieve improved environmental outcomes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	GEOS1X01 or GEOS1X02
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENVI2922
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jo Gillespie, josephine.gillespie@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Exam A 2 hour exam, individual assessment	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Tutorial Leadership Students individually or in pairs (depending on numbers) lead the tutorial	15%	Ongoing	40 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial Participation Students are assessed on attendance, participation and contributions	10%	Ongoing	12 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Early Feedback Task Multiple Choice Quiz Multiple choice quiz in class. #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 10:00	50 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Environmental Regulation Essay A 2500 word individual essay.	30%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Oct 2025	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

This unit of study includes one environmental law essay (35%), tutorial leadership in one week of the semester (15%), ongoing tutorial participation (10%) and an exam (40%).

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The penalties for lateness are 5% of the total marks for each day the assessment is overdue.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Environmentalism in Australia: Lake Pedder and Franklin Dam	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmentalism in Australia: Lake Pedder and Franklin Dam	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 2 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Federalism and the environment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Federalism and the environment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 3 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Role of ENGOs (environmental non-government organisations)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Role of ENGOs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 4 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Global Environmental Governance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Global Environmental Governance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 5 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Caring for Country	Lecture (1 hr)
	Caring for Country	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 6 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Self-directed Studies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Self-directed studies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	History and Scope of Impact Assessments	Lecture (1 hr)
	History and Scope of Impact Assessments	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 8 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Let's look at an Impact Statement!	Lecture (1 hr)
	Let's look at an Impact Statement!	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 9 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Public Participation in IAs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Public Participation in IAs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 10 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Cumulative IA	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cumulative IA	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 11 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Extractivism	Lecture (1 hr)
	Extractivism	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 12 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Climate Change	Lecture (1 hr)
	Climate Change	Lecture (1 hr)
	Based on week 13 lecture topics	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture and tutorial attendance is expected in this unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please be guided by detailed information through Canvas and lectures.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. To acquire an understanding of approaches to environmental governance, with an introduction to Australian environmental law.
LO2. To understand the key tenets of and differences between various environmental and ecological theories.
LO3. To learn the history, rationale and key steps in various forms of impact assessment.
LO4. To synthesise and critique various legal,and assessment approaches and practices.
LO5. To evaluate various scenarios and ascertain which legal and impact assessment processes may produce desirable environmental outcomes.
LO6. To communicate environmental studies knowledge developed in this unit and relate it to professional career prospects.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We continue to refine ENVI2x22 with practical updates and insights.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENVI2122: Environmental Governance and Assessment

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links