Outline

Overview

This unit of study is designed with domestic students in mind. The aim of the unit of study is to provide an introduction to the framework, concepts, sources and techniques of pollution control law and corporate environmental liability. The history and framework of international laws regulating pollution will be examined before exploring a range of legal and regulatory measures for pollution control and corporate environmental liability at both the Commonwealth level and within New South Wales. An overarching theme will be the need for effectiveness in implementation and enforcement of pollution control and governance measures that have been developed to prevent harm and promote ecologically sustainable development. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ed Couzens, ed.couzens@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 6 November 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Out-of-class Quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 28 Oct 2026 at 23:59	5 Multiple-Choice Questions task	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral Presentation (20%) Oral presentation	20%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59	10 minutes, in class or via Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Presentation - Written Component (20%) Written Work	20%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Nov 2026	1500 words / 3 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay Outline (0%) Written Work	0%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Nov 2026	400 words / 4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay (60%) Written Work	60%	Week 08 Due date: 07 Dec 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Dec 2026	6000 words / 6 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%) Students will complete a 5-question multiple-choice task designed to provide early feedback on their understanding of foundational concepts introduced in the first day of classes. Instructions and access to the task will be release on the unit Canvas site at 9:00AM on Saturday 24 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time), and the task must be completed by 11:59PM on Wednesday 28 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). This assessment evaluates students' ability to identify and apply key introductory concepts, legal frameworks, and thematic issues relating to pollution control, corporate environmental risk, and environmental governance. It supports the early engagement with the unit learning outcomes by requiring students to engage with core concepts and begin applying them to the legal and regulatory context of the unit.

Oral Presentation (20%) Students will deliver a 10-minute oral presentation on a topic of their choice focused on the practical implementation of pollution law and policy or corporate responsibility, either in class (subject to availability) or submission to Canvas. The presentation may include supporting materials such as PowerPoint slides, videos, or references to websites. Instructions will be released on the unit Canvas site on the first day of classes at 9AM on Thursday 22 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time), and the presentation must be submitted by 11:59PM on Sunday 8 November 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Students presenting in class may, but do not need to, upload their presentation; or they may submit a revised version to Canvas, along with their written materials. This assessment evaluates the students' ability to analyse legal and policy issues, synthesis relevant material, and communicate arguments clearly and persuasively in oral form. It addresses the unit learning outcomes by requiring students to examine topical issues in pollution law, corporate responsibility, and governance, and to present a balanced and critical account of their chosen topic.

Presentation - Written Component (20%) Students will submit an approximately 1500-word written component accompanying their presentation topic. Word count: approximately 1500 words (excluding references). Instructions will be released on the unit Canvas site on the first day of classes at 9AM on Thursday 22 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time), and the Written Component must be submitted via Canvas by 11:59PM on Sunday 8 November 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). This assessment evaluates students' capacity for structural legal and policy analysis, written communication, and the development of coherent and supported arguments in relation to pollution law, corporate liability, or corporate governance. It supports the unit learning outcomes by requiring students to critically engage with relevant legal frameworks and communicate their analysis in a clear, balanced, and scholarly written form.

Research Essay Outline (0%)
Students who choose a self-selected research essay topic will submit a 400-word outline of the proposed essay topic for approval via Canvas. Word count: 400 words. Instructions will be released on the unit Canvas site on the first day of classes at 9AM on Thursday 22 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time), and the Research Essay Outline must be submitted via Canvas by 11:59PM on Sunday 22 November 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). This assessment evaluates students' ability to formulate a viable research topic, define a legal or policy issue, and plan a focused line of argument on a topic substantially relevant to the unit. It supports the unit learning outcomes by fostering independent engagement, preliminary research planning, and the development of analytically sound lines of inquiry.

Research Essay (60%): Students will complete a 6000-word research essay on either a set topic or an approved self-selected topic substantially relevant to the unit, drawing on independent research to develop a coherent, critical, an scholarly argument. Word count: 6000 words (excluding references). Instructions and/or essay topics will be released on the unit Canvas site on the first day of classes at 9AM on Thursday 22 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time), and the Research Essay must be submitted by 11:59PM on Monday 7 December 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). The assessment evaluates students' ability to conduct advanced legal and policy research, critically analyse complex issues, develop persuasive and balanced arguments, and communicate in a clear and scholarly manner. It addresses the unit learning outcomes by requiring students to engage independently with pollution law, corporate liability, and corporate governance issues, evaluate relevant legal frameworks and sources, and produce sustained written analysis informed by research.

Word limit : the word limit is advisory only. There will be no penalties for exceedances.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit. Use of AI in completing assessment tasks must be in accordance with University policy and, if AI is used, a declaration must be made about how AI has been used in completing the assessment.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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 late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 30 minute grace period.

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: history of pollution control; the common law; 2. Legislation and policy; federal/state jurisdiction; the regulatory authorities and their various roles;	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 01	The PEOA; general scheme of control; integration with planning controls; tools for regulators; 2. Investigation and enforcement; investigative powers of officers; environment protection orders; 3. Offences; enforceable undertakings; criminal prosecution; sentencing; 4. Pollution in practice with the EPA	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 02	Contaminated land management in NSW; 2. Waste and the Circular Economy - Federal and State; 3. Focus on different waste streams - packaging, textiles, plastics	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 02	International law: Chemicals and hazardous waste; 2. Carbon pollution and offsets; 3. Corporate governance and social responsibility	Seminar (6.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

For units offered in Intensive mode, participation in all scheduled sessions may be expected by a Unit Coordinator in order to satisfy the requirements of the 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Learning Guide, available on Canvas. Relevant chapters of Bates: Environmental Law in Australia (12th ed 2026) will be useful as a supporting text.

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. Analyse the nature, causes and legal significance of pollution problems, corporate environmental risks, and corporate environmental wrongdoing.
LO2. Evaluate the application of international legal principles, regimes and institutions to selected contemporary pollution issues.
LO3. Critique the political, regulatory, institutional and policy influences shaping Australian laws on pollution, corporate liability and corporate governance.
LO4. Analyse relevant sources of law and compare regulatory approaches used to prevent, control and remedy pollution and related corporate harm.
LO5. Assess the framework, operation and effectiveness of laws governing pollution, corporate liability, corporate governance, and the disclosure of environmental risk.
LO6. Conduct independent legal research on topical issues in pollution, corporate liability and corporate governance, and communicate balanced, scholarly and persuasive arguments supported by relevant authority.

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.

Assessments have been updated.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

LAWS6065: Pollution, Corporate Liability and Govern

Intensive October - November, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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