Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Sensors and Data: Framework to Policy

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ENVI1236

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Lily van Eeden

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: lily.van.eeden@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course/s before you commence this course: 

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer. 

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience. 


Course Description

Why do we conduct environmental science and how is environmental data used to inform decision-making in society? This course introduces you to the science-policy interface, exploring how environmental science influences society and governance, and conversely, how society, policy, and legislation shape environmental science research and practice. Australian and international policy and legislative reporting requirements will frame how we address environmental and related issues. You will critically evaluate the policy and socio-political systems that shape environmental science practice in and by industry and government to explore whether and how they may (or may not) achieve desirable social and environmental objectives.  

You will consider the various approaches to data acquisition that contribute to enhanced understanding of our environment. You will engage with the formal and informal mechanisms of reporting to government and assess how this influences our environmental health outcomes.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs: 

BP192P23 - Bachelor of Environmental Science  

PLO1 Apply an interdisciplinary knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts, and practices in the environmental sciences  
PLO2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence through research with reflection on the role, relevance and significance of environmental science  
PLO3 Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools, and techniques relevant to environmental science to solve problems informed by evidence-based decision making.  
PLO4 Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practice relevant to the fields of environmental science to diverse audiences utilising a variety of modes employing integrity and culturally safe practices  
PLO6 Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental science and exhibit safe and ethical conduct  
PLO7 Collaborate and contribute within di- verse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide 


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:   

  1. Articulate results, analysis, and synthesis of data through a range of appropriate media.
  2. Analyse evidence to inform decision-making in government and industry.
  3. Synthesize the bidirectional relationship between science and policy within environmental contexts.
  4. Critically evaluate concepts, practices, and policy relevant to environmental sciences with consideration of diverse cultures and worldviews.
  5. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and collaborate in a team environment. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a mix of self-directed online and timetabled, face-to-face learning activities (lectures, tutorials, practicals, etc.). Prior to attending the timetabled, face-to-face sessions you will be expected to have completed the specified activities. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Socio-ecological system mapping exercise 
Weighting (10%)  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2   

Assessment Task 2: Communicating science written assessment 
Weighting (30%)  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4  

Assessment Task 3: Policy analysis report  
Weighting (20%)  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4  

Assessment Task 4: Case study presentation and report 
Weighting (40%)  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5  

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.