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Unit outline_

SUST5004: Sustainable Development and Population Health

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit introduces students to the extremely close nexus between human health, demographic change and environmental sustainability issues. This relationship is examined within the context of the three pillars of sustainable development with a focus on achieving equitable outcomes. This unit explores the extent to which environmental changes influence population demographics and health, and the extent to which demographic and secular changes impact on the physical environment. The influence of migration, conflict, food insecurity, droughts, flooding, heat stress, emerging and re-emerging infections and chronic health problems on poverty, ageing and dependency, physical, mental and social health and economic sustainability will be analysed alongside the elements needed to preserve the diversity and functioning of the ecosystem for future human survival. International models and policies for mitigating and/or adapting to the negative consequences of globalisation, urbanisation, overconsumption, and resource depletion will be analysed for their potential benefits and harms to sustainable population growth, optimal health and equitable distribution of essential resources.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Science Faculty
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Edward Jegasothy, edward.jegasothy@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Alexandra Barratt, alexandra.barratt@sydney.edu.au
Edward Jegasothy, edward.jegasothy@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Responses to discussion forums
Short answer question
20% Multiple weeks 250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3
Tutorial quiz End of module quiz
MCQ quiz
25% Multiple weeks 30 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment Critical thinking ssay
Written essay
25% Week 05
Due date: 04 Sep 2022 at 23:59
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Health and environmental impact assessment
Defined task
30% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2022 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO4

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction and Exploring the nexus of health and sustainability Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 COVID-19 (And other case studies) and sustainability Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Sustainable physical environment and health Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Case study of fish consumption, sustainability and health Forum (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Physical activity and mental health Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Sustainable social environment and health Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Discussion forum: Working from home policies Forum (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Sustainable economic environment and health Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Fiscal strategies Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Addressing health and sustainability issues Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Discussion forum: Single use medical devices Forum (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Bringing it all together Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  1. Be present and participate actively in a minimum of 9 of the 12 online sessions workshops
  2. Log on and participate in all 4 online discussion fora (unless specific permission has been granted)
  3. Contribute to all class or group discussion sessions

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

Various texts recommended on Canvas.

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.

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

  • LO1. describe and explain the various dimensions of health and the pillars of sustainable development
  • LO2. analyse and assess the close relationships between sustainability issues with health and demographic changes
  • LO3. interpret and explain the balance between social needs, the physical environment and economic activity with health and wellbeing of communities
  • LO4. assess and explain the relative merits of policy and governance options for reversing, mitigating and/or adapting to current sustainability imperatives for populations and the planet
  • LO5. formulate approaches to help maintain the balance between sustainable development and health outcomes in communities.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         

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

Study dates update, otherwise no changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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.