ENVS3781 Population and Environment

2017

4.5

1 x 120-minute lecture weekly
2 x 3-hour seminars per semester
5 x 60-minute project works per semester

PPHR9742 has been successfully completed

This topic introduces demographic concepts and measures, sources of population data, theories of population change and basic methods of population projections. The topic continues with basic concepts and analysis of ecosystems and the inter-relationships between population and environment including the relationship between environment and health within the context of development issues and policies. It deals with resource depletion and management, land use and agricultural systems related to population pressure, population mobility, population policies, urbanisation and the environment, and introduces integrated approaches to population-environment planning.

The aim of the topic is to introduce participants to the basic concepts of demography and measurement of demographic parameters, basic concepts and analysis of ecosystems and the inter-relationships between population, environment and health within the context of development issues and policies. It will examine demographic issues of particular relevance to present day Australia but with a perspective based on global population issues.

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand how demographic data are collected, presented and interpreted
2. Identify the main processes of population dynamics and population behaviour influencing the environment
3. Understand how these processes lead to both positive and negative human and ecosystem outcomes
4. Understand how development pressures arise and how land use and population tensions may be addressed