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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

312111 v.1 Master of Science (Sustainability)

MSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 068954K
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Introduction

Sustainable development is about forms of progress that bring quality of life for all, without jeopardising the natural resource base on which all life on earth ultimately depends. Although sustainable development is now widely accepted as the inspirational goal for business, public sector and community development, both locally as well as globally, there is not yet a widespread understanding of its implications. This course deals with the challenges posed by the global quest for more sustainable development and the opportunities this presents to businesses, governments and communities alike, locally, nationally and globally. It also equips decision makers in the private and public sectors with the tools and skills to analyse sustainability issues, and plan, evaluate and manage organisational change to improve the organisation's economic, environmental and social performance.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary education institution in an appropriate field of study, for example business, environmental science, engineering, health or arts and a minimum of three years relevant work experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course requires three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study. The core units within the course are offered in a modular format. Each core unit is taught in four (three hour) modules, separated by three-week intervals. The modules are sequenced so that full-time students will participate in at least one module per week. The timing of the specialist units will depend on the specialisation chosen. International onshore students are required to undertake the course full-time and toattend additional weekly contact periods for the duration of the semester/trimester. They are also expected to complete the specialisation or dissertation in the third semester.

Course Organisation

Students undertake eight core coursework units and one set of specialisation units or a research dissertation. Each of the core coursework units are delivered using four contact periods (held on a three weekly basis) for three hours in the evening and followed by distance learning. Four of the units run concurrently so that the core units can be completed over two semesters. The specialisation units can be completed simultaneously or after completion of the core units. In case of the dissertation options, this would normally be done over the summer or short period after completion of the core units.

Career Opportunities

This course provides opportunities to extend professional development into the area of sustainable development, and enable leadership roles in transitioning their organisations to benefit from the opportunities presented by sustainability issues, locally, nationally and globally.

Additionl Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
306831 v.5   Eco-Efficiency 603 3.0 25.0
312218 v.1   Global Sustainability Studies 603 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
13286 v.8   Environmental Studies 603 3.0 25.0
312220 v.1   Industrial Ecology 603 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2
312112 v.1   Sustainability Management Major (Master of Science) 200.0
  OR  
312113 v.1   Cleaner Production Major (Master of Science) 200.0
  200.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.