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UOW is committed to meaningful education about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We integrate sustainability education opportunities across our curriculum.
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SDG subjects and courses
UOW is committed to meaningful education about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We integrate sustainability education opportunities across our curriculum.
UOW's commitment to to SDGs: a brief history
In 2015, 194 United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, identifying 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an urgent call to action to protect the planet and improve the lives of all people. The 17 SDGs encompass the need to provide all citizens of the world with a sustainable planet and everyday necessities with a deadline of 2030.
In 2019, UOW signed the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Higher Education Commitment, joining an innovative group of Australian and New Zealand Universities. UOW is actively working towards incorporating these vital Global Goals into our educational offerings. This will ensure that our students are well informed global citizens that can continue to contribute to realising sustainable development throughout their studies and careers by being proactive, responsible and educated in relation to how realising the Global Goals will better the world.
Our course and subject offerings for the SDGs within each faculty are provided below.
Subjects for the SDGs (Science, Medicine and Health)
- BIOL103 - Molecules, Cells and Organisms
- BIOL104 - Evolution, Biodiversity and Environment
- BIOL251 - Principles of Ecology
- MEDI150 - Fundamental Concepts in Food and Nutrition
- MEDI151 - Healthy Ageing
- MEDI231 - Measurement of Diet and Health Promotion
- MEDI355 - Nutrition and Food Innovation
- MEDI363 - Community and Public Health Nutrition
- MEDI955 - Nutrition and Food Innovation
- MEDI963 - Community and Public Health Nutrition
- SNUG107 - Primary Health Care
- CHEM214 - Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
- CHEM814- Contemporary Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM337 -Environmental and Atmospheric Chemistry
- CHEM994 - Environmental Chemistry and Climate Change
- EESC101 - Planet Earth
- EESC102- Earth's Interconnected Spheres
- EESC203 - Biogeography and Environmental Change
- EESC331 - Changing Global Environments
- MARE200 - Introduction to Oceanography
- SCII101- Global Challenges in Science
- SCII210- Climate Change
- SCII310 -Remote Sensing
- SNUG307 - Capstone
Subject description
This subject provides an introduction to the topic areas of cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology and immunology. During this subject you will look closely at the links between structure and function in cells and important biological molecules whilst investigating cellular division and mechanisms to control the cell cycle and prevent cancer. You will hear about techniques in genetic engineering and break throughs in biotechnology. You will learn about different microorganisms and their role in human, animal and/or plant health and explore the physiology of the immune system. Through engagement in group research projects you will develop skills in effective research and communication, teamwork, self-reflection and peer assessment whilst developing your digital literacy skills in presenting your research through PowerPoint (or similar tools) and generation of an electronic Portfolio. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
All 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar)
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Bionanotechnology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Bionanotechnology (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar)
- Bachelor of Neuroscience
- Bachelor of Pre-Medicine Science and Health
- Bachelor of Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
- Bachelor of Science Education
- Bachelor of Science Education (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science -SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science -Physics
- Bachelor of Science Advanced -Physics (Honours)
Subject description
This subject aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to whole organism biology, from species to populations, communities and ecosystems. Specifically, the subject explores the identity, anatomical and life-history characteristics of the main groups of organisms, their patterns of diversity across Earth, the processes of evolution and speciation, ecology and conservation biology. In addition, through a series of practical classes, the subject equips students with an understanding of the scientific process, ways in which experiments are designed and implemented, the processes of data collection and analysis and hypothesis testing. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science Education
- Bachelor of Science Education (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Factors and processes influencing the distribution, abundance and diversity of organisms. Population ecology: growth and regulation. Species interactions. Natural and anthropogenic disturbance. Community structure and dynamics in space and time. Sampling methods and techniques in ecology. Design and statistical analysis of sampling programs and experiments. Communicating science. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives,
- Bachelor of Environmental Sciences,
- Bachelor of Environmental Sciences (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Sciences (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science Education
- Bachelor of Science Education (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject incorporates an overview of fundamental concepts in food and nutrition, as they relate to human health. This subject introduces students to the role of nutrition for health, including key components which may constitute a healthy diet, as well as methods to evaluate dietary intakes. Students will discuss the role of factors which may influence intake including interaction of biological, lifestyle and sociocultural aspects of human behaviour; changes in the nature of the food system; role of government and professional groups; and consumer interest. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health
- Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
Subject description
This subject examines fundamental principles of human movement, considers nutritional demands and exercise responses to encourage a healthy lifestyle and highlights common issues and chronic conditions that can compromise health throughout the lifespan. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
Subject description
Health Promotion is the process of enabling people to take control of and improve their health through behaviour change. This subject introduces students to the concept of health promotion, including existing theories and models, and demonstrates how these can be applied in particular settings (e.g. health services, work sites, schools and communities). Health promotion programs that target dietary change (ie. nutrition promotion) require measurement of dietary intake, for both planning and evaluation thereof. This subject examines the various methods used to measure dietary intake in populations and healthy individuals, as well as how to assess these measurements against national and international standards, for the purpose of developing appropriate health promotion strategies. Topics covered include validity and reliability of different dietary assessment methods and the use of different food composition databases for nutrient analyses, as well as the analysis of body composition and estimation of energy requirements, and interpretation of national survey data for monitoring and surveillance of the nutritional status of populations. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject introduces students to innovation frameworks, relevant to contemporary Australian food systems, which aim to achieve a health outcome. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate specific case studies of product innovation, involving stakeholders across academia and food industry, to provide an understanding of the food product innovation process. Scientific principles will be applied to promote understanding of functional foods, nutrigenomics and genetic modification, issues concerning trends for new food delivery systems such as ready to eat meals, related food safety concerns, and the use of risk assessment frameworks in food regulation. The subject has particular emphasis on providing knowledge of how nutrition and sustainability act as drivers for health based food innovation. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
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Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar), Bachelor of Nutrition Science
Subject description
This subject covers the key areas of community and public health nutrition, including food and nutrition monitoring and surveillance, food and nutrition systems; food and nutrition policy; program planning, development and evaluation; and principles of nutrition promotion. Issues related to advocacy for policies and programs to address public health nutrition priorities will be introduced. Current issues in Public Health Nutrition in Australia and elsewhere will be reviewed. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar), Bachelor of Nutrition Science
Subject description
This subject introduces students to innovation frameworks, relevant to contemporary Australian food systems, which aim to achieve a health outcome. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate specific case studies of product innovation, involving stakeholders across academia and food industry, to provide an understanding of the food product innovation process. Scientific principles will be applied to promote understanding of functional foods, nutrigenomics and genetic modification, issues concerning trends for new food delivery systems such as ready to eat meals, related food safety concerns, and the use of risk assessment frameworks in food regulation. The subject has particular emphasis on providing knowledge of how nutrition and sustainability act as drivers for health based food innovation. As a 900 level subject, students will also be provided with an opportunity to provide critical analysis of the impact/s of product development on different points along the Australian food supply chain. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
Subject description
This subject covers the key areas of community and public health nutrition, including food and nutrition monitoring and surveillance, food and nutrition systems; food and nutrition policy; program planning, development and evaluation; and principles of nutrition promotion. Issues related to advocacy for policies and programs to address public health nutrition priorities will be introduce. Current issues in Public Health Nutrition in Australia and elsewhere will be reviewed. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
Graduate Certificiate in Nutrition, Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
Subject description
This subject introduces students to concepts and principles of Primary Health Care, Health Promotion and Health Education including contexts and strategies for implementing Primary Health Care. Professional roles in the delivery of care within a Primary Health Care framework will be explored, including highlighting cultural safety concerns and public health initiatives for countries and population groups for poverty alleviation. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Bachelor of Nursing
Subject description
This subject is an introduction to analytical chemistry and its application to environmental and biological systems. It provides an excellent introduction to the separation and quantification of various compounds through the application of a range of current analytical techniques. It will provide an understanding of sample compositions, sample preparation and analysis, and data interpretation using statistics. The material will be presented in lectures, workshops, and laboratory exercises. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours),
- Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science Education (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science (Biomolecular Physics)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science -SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject provides students with an introduction to applying the techniques of analytical chemistry to environmental and biological systems. Techniques that will be covered in lectures, workshops and laboratory classes including chromatographic, spectroscopic, spectrophotometric and titrimetic methods of analysis. CHEM814 will also provide students with an understanding of the importance of sample preparation to the success of an analytical procedure, as well as approved methods of recording data and using statistics to determine the accuracy and precision of a set of analytical results. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Master of Medicinal Chemistry
Subject description
The environment depends on complex interactions of chemical, physical and biological processes. These can be both natural and anthropogenic in origin. In this subject the chemistry of the environment is highlighted in a series of modules. The analysis of datasets of environmental composition will also be investigated. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science- Physics
- Bachelor of Science Advanced - Physics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor of Environmental Sciences (Honours)
Subject description
The environment depends on complex interactions of chemical, physical and biological processes. These can be both natural and anthropogenic in origin and change with time. In this subject the chemical aspects are highlighted in strands including: atmospheric chemistry, aquatic chemistry and soil chemistry. A particular focus of this subject is the drivers of atmospheric change that leads to changes in climate. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Master of Research
Subject description
The science of how the solid Earth works is essential to overcome great challenges presently facing our society: monitoring and mitigating climate change, protecting the natural environment and sustainably resourcing our future. This subject provides an introduction to Earth science by considering topics related to the solid Earth: deep time, our place in space, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, crystal growth, groundwater, palaeoenvironments, volcanic eruptions and magmatic plumbing systems, earthquakes, mountain building, mass extinctions, critical minerals required for a low-carbon future, landscape evolution, and archaeology. This subject consists of two parts. In the first half of this subject you will learn to ‘read’ minerals and rocks to understand the evolution of landscapes, unravelling thousands to billions of years of Earth’s history. In the second half of this subject you will apply this knowledge to conduct your own fieldwork, creating a map and technical field report to discover what the Illawarra region looked like millions of years ago. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science Education
- Bachelor of Science Education (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject enables students to explore the complex interactions between Earth’s spheres and the ways these interactions have changed over time. Using guided activities, students will develop and apply skills to analyse creatively real environmental problems using computational techniques, culminating in the construction and interpretation of an environmental model. In lectures, tutorials and practicals, concepts from Earth Systems Science will be used to examine topics including cycling of energy and carbon between spheres; the past record of global change; natural forcing and feedbacks in the Earth system; and human forcing of the Earth system. Students will also be introduced to modern methods used to understand past, present, and future global change. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science Education
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science -Physics
- Bachelor of Science Advanced -Physics (Honours)
Subject description
The present environment of Australia is the legacy of interactions between geological, biological and hydrological processes and human impacts. This subject links the biogeographical study of the distribution of plants and animals and their interaction with the physical environment to long-term environmental change using combined geospatial and field Set within the context of long-term geological and climate change, topics include: the origins of Australian flora and fauna, adaptations related to climatic variability, anthropogenic effects on biota, and the response of landscapes to disturbances such as fire. The framework of the subject can be summarised as evaluating long-term controls on landscapes in conjunction with short-term dynamics to support biogeographic theory as an underpinning to learning. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Science, Medicine, and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject will examine the drivers, feedbacks and responses to global change over the past c. 2 million years. It will examine major drivers of global climate change/variability and feedbacks between these drivers and other components of Earth’s systems (e.g. climatic/atmospheric, oceanic hydrologic and biologic). It will also examine recent changes to Earth’s systems and put them in context on long term variability. In addition, the subject will examine the methods by which past climates/earth surface processes reconstructed and in doing so will identify key knowledge and data gaps. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar), Bachelor of Marine Science, Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar), Bachelor of Science
Subject description
The world’s oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, they regulate the global climate system, and they sustain rich ecosystems that support humankind. This multidisciplinary subject introduces the fundamentals of physical oceanography, ocean chemistry and marine biology to explain and assess key inter-related ocean processes, including through developing field, laboratory, computational and communication skills. The subject integrates ocean knowledge to evaluate solutions to major threats to the oceans from, for example, the impacts of climate change, marine pollution and ocean acidification, and including those related to UN Sustainable Development Goal #14 ‘Life below water’. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Marine Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Every major challenge of modern life, such as ensuring energy, food, health and water security in a sustainable world has complex science and technology underpinnings that span beyond geographical barriers whilst being dependent upon often complex political and financial structures. Students in Global Challenges in Science will investigate projects related to such modern challenges in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Student learning in this subject is facilitated through engaging online material, in combination with face-to-face lectures and workshop classes. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject broadly explores the complex topic of climate change. Within the subject, we will examine the physical and chemical processes that influence Earth’s climate and energy balance and the impact of anthropogenic green- house gases. The evidence of climate change within Earth’s physical and biological systems will be investigated. We will then examine the impacts/threats of climate change to human systems, such as to infrastructure and food production. The human behaviours that have driven climate change will be explored, including energy production, agriculture, resources use and population. We will also examine how society has responded to climate change science, that is, how societies adopt or ignore scientific evidence and evaluate how we can manage and adjust to future climate conditions. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science Education
- Bachelor of Science Education (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Remote sensing uses sensors mounted on satellites, planes, or drones to collect spectral data for earth observation. Sensors ‘see’ information well outside the range of the human eye. Applications you may be familiar with include weather, forest health, fisheries monitoring, glacial melt, habitat destruction, natural disasters, and human refugee displacement. Newer applications are constantly emerging, with some less well-known uses including cemetery inventories, tax-evasion (unapproved construction), insurance compliance (swimming pool fences), tracing disease outbreaks (population and transport patterns in Wuhan before Oct ’19), monitoring oil levels in storage tanks linked to the stock exchange, and journalists using satellite data as source and proof for stories. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science- SMAH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This capstone subject will provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge, skills and attributes required for safe, competent practice as beginning registered nurses. Students will explore global issues in healthcare and how they can impact local change as registered nurses. Students will propose and complete a capstone learning project through which they demonstrate their abilities to integrate, analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge and skills relevant to their professional interests. The project will focus on a relevant scholarly, professional or practice issue \that impacts their local community utilising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework. Students will complete a critical reflection of the work undertaken during their degree that includes their state of readiness to undertake the role of a registered nurse within the workplace and how they may impact local and global challenges within this role. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
All 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Degrees
Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing (Conversion)
SDGengage
UOW's new online short course, SDGengage, explains the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their history and impact, how they are implemented and how they are relevant to you. Open to all community members.
Learn more
Subjects for the SDGs (Business and Law)
- COMM101 - Principles of Responsible Business
- BUS200 - Innovation for Global Goals
- ACCY200- Financial Accounting
- ACCY201 - Advanced Financial Accounting
- ACCY211 - Management Accounting
- ACCY231 - Information Systems in Accounting
- ACCY305 - Financial Accounting III
- ACCY312 - Advanced Management Accounting
- ACCY342- Auditing and Assurance
- ECON316 - History of Economic Thought
- ECON215 -Microeconomic Theory and Policy
- ECON222 - Mathematics for Business
- ECON305 - Economic Policy
- ECON339 - Applied Financial Modelling
- FIN 222 - Corporate Finance
- FIN 223- Investment Analysis
- FIN 226 - Financial Markets & Institutions
- FIN 322 -Advanced Corporate Finance
- FIN 323 - Portfolio Analysis
- FIN 324- Financial Statement Analysis
- FIN 351 -International Finance
- MGNT201- Organisational Behaviour
- MGNT205 - Recruitment & Selection
- MGNT206- Managing Human Resources
- MGNT207 -Employment Relations
- MGNT311 -Management of Change
- MGNT314- Strategic Management
- MGNT321 - Workplace Health and Safety Management
- MGNT322- Learning and Development in Organisations
- MARK205 - Marketing Research and Consumer Insights
- MARK217- Consumer Behaviour
- MARK233 - Marketing & Digital Communication
- MARK310- Marketing Effectiveness
- MARK344 -Marketing Strategy & Innovation
- OPS 216 -Operations Management
- OPS 256- Systems Thinking
Subject description
The subject explores responsible and ethical business in contemporary organisations as they relate to business practice and sustainable development. It provides students with theoretical and philosophical understandings of ethics to critically evaluate individual and organisational responses to sustainable development in organisational decision-making. The topics covered will include a focus on ethical and social responsibility in business. Key challenges addressed include the environment and climate change, human rights, bribery prevention and governance, sustainable development, globalisation and technology. Students will examine these challenges in contemporary organisational contexts from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Subject description
This subject gives students the tools and frameworks to understand, create and action unique innovative ideas to super wicked problems using the globally-recognised United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through the use of systems thinking principles, students will apply an interconnected approach to tackling societal, biosphere and economic global challenges. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with University students from across UOW to brainstorm ideas, workshop ideas with industry professionals and pitch ideas to experts. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
All 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
ACCY200 builds on the knowledge and skills students have acquired in both ACCY121 and ACCY122. In this subject, students will apply accounting standards and the conceptual framework to prepare and analyse general-purpose financial reports and related disclosures. This subject also develops the skills of professional judgement required to evaluate accounting practice in the changing legal and economic environment. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Subject description
This subject builds on ACCY200 to understand and evaluate advanced accounting techniques. Students will apply critical and analytical skills to the interpretation and application of accounting standards in complex business arrangements. In this, subject students will have the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary for professional practice, including industry-based experience. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
The subject develops an understanding of the use of management accounting information for product costing, planning and control and decision-making. Students will apply a variety of quantitative tools and techniques to communicate relevant information to management. In this subject, students will apply ICT to analyse data and evaluate information for the preparation of management reports. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject introduces the students to accounting information systems and core business processes in an e-business environment. The subject addresses essential issues relating to information systems, such as the organisation, management and reporting of financial and non-financial data and information, and the internal control systems required to deal with risks, especially in core transaction cycles. The subject develops a critical understanding of the impact of new technology in transforming the value chain of business processes in relation to accounting, and the role of accountants in contemporary enterprise systems. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
In this subject, students will consolidate and integrate disciplinary knowledge to prepare for professional practice. This capstone experience will require students to critically evaluate current global developments in
accounting, evaluate risks and opportunities and apply theory to explain accounting in its broader socio- political context. Find out more.
This subject is working towards all SDGs.
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject provides an understanding of advanced management accounting techniques, in particular how they support organisational strategy, performance, management control and decision making processes. Students will develop skills to evaluate and communicate relevant information to a range of organisational stakeholders. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Subject description
This subject examines the nature and purpose of audit and assurance of general purpose financial reports and the regulatory and professional environment in which it operates. Topics include planning and risk assessment, the collection and evaluation of audit evidence and communication of a professional audit opinion. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Subject description
This subject provides a review of the evaluation of economic ideas through the development of differing schools of thought in economics. The subject focuses on issues which provide a basis for discussion of the criticism and alternatives suggested by the classical, neoclassical, behavioural, Austrian, modern institutionalists and post Keynesian schools. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
All 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject provides the theoretical foundation of modern microeconomic analysis by building upon the basic concepts covered in introductory microeconomics. Topics include the free market system and its operation under market regulation, and the imposition of excise taxes and subsidies. The theory of consumer behaviour is developed and applied to household choice problems, the index number problem, methods of taxation, and intertemporal choice. The theory of production and its costs is discussed, and used to develop models of optimal choice by producers in the long run and short run, including optimal output expansion, optimal input substitution, responses to technological change, and economies and diseconomies of scale. Models of market organization are studied with emphasis on monopoly power, oligopoly (including models of Nash, Cournot, Bertrand, and Stackelburg equilibria) and monopolistic competition. Welfare effects of market behaviour and regulation are analysed. Game theory is introduced and applied to simple problems of strategic choice in duopoly markets. The nature and consequences of asymmetric information are studied (including adverse selection, moral hazard, the principal agent problem, and signalling). Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
Subject description
This subject provides an introduction to mathematical techniques useful in business and economics. The main topics include marginal values, average values, elasticities, constrained and unconstrained optimisation, matrix algebra and the mathematics of finance. The mathematical techniques will be systematically presented and clearly illustrated in representative business and economic models. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject introduces students to some of the important microeconomic policy issues facing governments in Australia and overseas. Government policy makers face questions such as how to best respond to various forms of market failure, how to best promote a competitive national economic environment and how to design taxation policies to minimise adverse efficiency and equity effects. This subject introduces students to these issues in detail and sets out the current economic thinking with regard to such questions. Students will be required to analyse applied research from the economics literature and draw on material from related areas from other subjects in their degree. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject enables students to apply econometric modelling techniques to analyse contemporary finance and economics issues. Students will learn the fundamentals of econometric modelling and numerous modelling techniques and methods, utilise specialised econometric software to apply to real world finance and economic data, and apply various hypothesis tests of models' usefulness and adequacy. The subject covers simple and multiple linear regressions, hypothesis testing, and assumptions underpinning the classical linear regression model. It then provides an in-depth analysis of model diagnostics, time-series modelling and forecasting, dealing with stationary and non-stationary data, and modelling financial market volatility. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
Subject description
The objective of this subject is to provide an introduction to the fundamental quantitative techniques and underlying concepts and theories in investment, financing and working capital management decisions facing corporations. For students to successfully complete this subject, students are required to be able to compute, interpret and apply a range of quantitative measures in order to assist in making optimal financial decisions as well as understand the fundamental concepts and theories in finance. The main topics covered in this subject include financial mathematics, valuation of financial and productive assets, risk and return, cost of capital, working capital management, capital structure and dividend policy. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
This subject deals with investment analysis and portfolio management. The subject is both descriptive and applied, dealing with a range of securities and the markets they trade in, as well as the application of investment theories to portfolio construction and asset pricing. Topics covered include portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model, fixed income securities, market efficiency, behavioural finance and portfolio performance evaluation. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Subject description
This subject examines the history and development of financial institutions and financial markets in Australia and elsewhere. Topics covered include: the role of the financial system; functions of financial markets; money markets and capital markets; the banking and payments system; financial systems regulation; the operations of the stock exchange; corporate and government debt markets; the Euromarket; and, derivative markets. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Subject description
This subject examines advanced aspects of the financial management of corporate resources with an emphasis on issues in financial planning and strategy. Topics include firm governance and the role of shareholders and stakeholders, the management of corporate debt and equity, mergers and acquisitions, financial distress and restructuring, and financial architecture and strategies. Special attention is given to the increasing complexity of the business environment and departure from the assumptions of an ideal capital markets. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
All 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject blends portfolio theory with the practice of advanced security analysis and portfolio management. Topics include evaluation of equity securities, bonds, and derivative securities and the role they play within a portfolio. Specifically, the subject covers efficient market theory, arbitrage pricing theory, macro-analysis and micro-valuation of stock market, portfolio management strategies, derivative security analysis, organization and management of investment companies and portfolio performance evaluation. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
Subject description
This subject develops knowledge and skills in the principles and techniques of financial information analysis. Students are introduced to the language, concepts and assumptions used by accountants to prepare financial statements and then use a business analysis framework to: 1) critically evaluate financial statements as data sources for business decisions, including investment opportunities, and 2) for the extraction of decision useful information from other publicly available accounting information sources. Analytical principles and techniques are then applied to key aspects of business performance to evaluate investment opportunities in a particular business entity. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Economics and Finance
Subject description
This subject analyses financial markets in the international sphere, concentrating on the Australasian region. It explores the concepts and relationships linking international financial markets within the region and the operation of Australian firms in those markets. It covers such issues as financial decisions in a global market, international banking, the pricing of foreign exchange, foreign exchange and interest rate risk management. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Subject description
The subject examines aspects of the social and behavioural sciences that are relevant to understanding human behaviour in work organisations. The focus of the subject ranges from the behaviour and activities of individuals and groups in organisational settings, to understanding complex organisations as a whole. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject concentrates on the acquisition of human resources. It examines the processes of recruitment and selection and their internal and external environing contexts. Recruitment strategies are described and assessed from the perspective of the organisation and the individual. A range of selection techniques are considered in relation to issues of reliability, validity, fairness and applicability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of applying the principles of EEO and diversity management. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
This subject is concerned with the concepts, techniques and activities involved in managing the flow of people through work organisations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the techniques of contemporary HRM that can be applied in organisations to facilitate the acquisition and development of staff, to influence positively their job performance, and to manage the processes of staff turnover and retention. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject introduces students to the field of employment relations, the key parties, schools of thought, processes and outcomes. Prime focus is on the relationship between the key parties and understanding these through different theoretical perspectives. Students will learn about the role of regulation and institutions in the Australian context and will engage in analysis of current events, policy debates and real work cases by applying principles of social justice and productivity. The subject covers topics such as the award system, role of the state, bargaining and negotiation, employer strategy, conflict, voice and participation, and labour market outcomes. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject examines multiple approaches to managing change in organisations. Students will engage with dominant approaches and theories of change and its management as well as the application of theory to analyse change in contextualised organisational settings. A key objective is to develop an appreciation for studying change management from multiple perspectives. The subject emphasises that there is no one ‘best way’ of managing change. Rather, learning how to tailor an integrated approach enables greater flexibility in grappling with the complex and dynamic phenomenon of change management. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
The subject deals with the strategic management process and planning functions in the business enterprise. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of how the strategic management process can assist in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the business enterprise. Topics include: business mission and vision formulation; competitor analysis; industry analysis; environmental analysis; strategy and organisation; as well as Corporate and Business level strategies, as well as leadership, culture and policy. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
All 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Subject description
This subject provides students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and management practices of Work Health and Safety (WHS) in Australia. Students will learn about key WHS concepts, laws and regulations, systems, standards and guidelines, and apply models to understand incident causation. Students will develop skills to undertake the risk management process and to implement a safety management system within an organisation. Case studies and practical team-based assessments of contemporary work scenarios will be used to identify, assess and manage safety hazards and risks in workplace settings. Students will also learn about safety leadership and culture, emergency preparedness, managing injured workers, and worker wellbeing. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject provides students with an understanding of key concepts and practical approaches to the development of people in organisations. Topics include: theories and models of learning; job analysis; identification of training needs; training delivery forms and their selection; skills development and training; multi-skilling and flexibility; management development; succession planning; national and international frameworks of training; organisational learning and the learning organisation; organisational development; evaluation of training and development. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
Marketing research is the function that connects consumers and other relevant stakeholders to marketers through information that supports decision-making. Marketing research assists in the systematic and objective identification of marketing problems and opportunities, designs and implements the method for collecting information, analyses the results, and disseminates the findings and their implications. Failure to engage in marketing research activity leads to disadvantages in the competitive marketplace. Introductory Marketing Research will focus on the practice of marketing research by integrating theory and application. The subject includes the research process from problem definition to communicating the results and exposes the students to introductory qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Subject description
Consumer Behaviour involves gaining a greater understanding of the consumers as individuals by studying the influence of perception, learning and memory, motivation, attitudes and attitude change on their behaviours. Other lifestyle influences are also considered such as demographics, household structure, group influence, social stratification and cultural variance. Additionally the content of this subject focuses upon consumers as decision makers, involving an examination of the entire purchase process. All of these components are examined in relation to how they can be influenced through marketing strategies. Other areas explored include how marketing practices can be used to influence consumer behaviour for the benefit of society as a whole (social marketing) rather than purely for commercial gain. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Marketing communications whether between organisations and their stakeholders, or between stakeholders, uses a variety of different communications techniques and tools. Increasingly these are based in the digital environment. This subject examines the digital and non-digital tools and techniques that are used in marketing communications both by marketers and other stakeholders, as well as considering the opportunities and challenges associated with managing marketing communications in the digital age. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Companies are spending an increasingly significant amount of their budget on marketing initiatives to manage the customer experience and develop brands. Marketing managers are responsible for explaining and demonstrating the value of such expenditure. Organisations refer to the activities that contribute to achieving marketing effectiveness as Customer Experience Management (CX) and Brand Experience Management (BX). This subject aims to provide an understanding of the tools and approaches that can be used to measure the effectiveness of marketing activities (CX, BX), as well as an understanding of how the performance of marketing activities can be communicated to organisational decision makers. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Being able to create new markets, attack competitors and defend your market position are daily aspects of modern marketing. In this 'capstone' subject all of your prior marketing subjects are pulled together to complete your training as a marketing professional. A key component of this subject is the fine tuning of your analytical skills and diagnostic ability for the proposal, implementation and control of alternative marketing strategies and plans. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
The purpose of this subject is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the key considerations and topics in modern operations management and in a range of business contexts, with the purpose of developing essential planning, implementation, and decision-making skills. It is an introductory subject designed for undergraduate students with no previous study in operations management. The subject content and assessment components reflect both quantitative and qualitative approaches to operations management, exploring contextually relevant strategic, managerial, and ethical issues associated with operations management. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
Subject description
This subject introduces students to the idea of systems thinking and its applicability towards contemporary organisations. Philosophical ideas surrounding the concept of systems will be introduced as a way of exploring how a holistic lens can be used to understand organisations and their interactions with different stakeholders. Students will learn to apply a variety of systems lenses towards exploring complex issues such as sustainability and globalisation. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Business and Law
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Business
SDG Teaching Report
This report showcases current teaching subjects within the School of Geography and Sustainable Communities and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). All subjects align with multiple SDGs and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to local and global sustainability.
Read the SDG Teaching Report
Subjects for the SDGs (Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities)
- MAJ41925 - Environmental Humanities
- STS216 - Environmental Sustainability, Risk and Governance
- GEOG123 - Indigenous Geographies: Questioning Country
- STS302 - Climate Change Policy, Possible Futures
- HAS130 - Social Determinants of Health
- SOC 356 - Cultures of Dispossession
- GEOG121 - Life in a Globalising World
- GEOG122- Sustainability, Justice and the Environment
- GEOG221 - Population, Migration, Inequality
- GEOG222 - Society and Environment: Resources, Challenges, Futures
- GEOG224 - The Future of Food: Resilience, Communities and Policy
- GEOG241- Just and Sustainable Cities?
- GEOG337 - Policy for Environmental and Heritage Management
- GEOG338- Planning Urban Futures
- GEOG339 - Geographies of Change: International Fieldwork Intensive
- GEOG354 -Environmental Crime and Justice
- GEOG355 - Disaster Resilient Cities and Regions
Subject description
A major in Environmental Humanities equips students with the tools to analyse, critique and engage with contemporary debates about the environment. Students acquire a deep and critical understanding of the social contexts through which we experience environmental issues and problems such as climate change, species loss, adaptation, exploitation and natural disasters. They gain a clear understanding of the role of cultural forces (histories, narratives, cultural values and ethics) that influence and shape relationships to the environment. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Subject description
Making sound public policy decisions about environmental issues increasingly involves the need to weigh up conflicting scientific and technical advice and competing political visions. This subject explores a variety of different approaches to understanding how these contested visions play out, as well as some of the ways in which conflicts about current practices can be or have been resolved. The subject draws on a number of case studies to illustrate how the media, governments, technical professionals, commercial interests and a variety of different ‘publics’ contribute to shaping environmental outcomes. It draws on insights from sociology, philosophy, political economy, policy studies and science and technology studies to provide students with the conceptual tools to better understand the values and interests informing different conceptions of economic growth, environmental limits, human wellbeing, democracy, and scientific truth. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Subject description
'Indigenous Geographies' focuses on the geographic perspectives of Indigenous belonging, reconciliation politics, Indigenous land, and environmental claims and disputes. Content is framed around social and ecological change, introducing students to appropriate ethical, cultural and research skills to respond to social inequities and environmental challenges. The primary focus is Australia, with an overview of the international context. The subject includes colonial history in relation to land, legal and policy processes, and the cultural dimensions of Indigenous relationships to land and environment in urban, regional and remote contexts. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Primary Education
- Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours)
- Bachelor of Primary Education (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH
- Bachelor of Social Science - Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science - Bachelor of Social Science
Subject description
This capstone subject explores the scientific, technical, political, economic and cultural factors shaping current environmental debates as they specifically relate to climate change science and policy. It examines the evidence for and against anthropogenic climate change, the structures of international climate governance, the evidence base for greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, and the role of economic instruments in reducing emissions. In the process, it explores questions of equity, sustainability, power and justice. Students work individually and in teams to critically analyse the potential of different policies, programs and political approaches to reduce emissions and the worlds dependence on fossil fuels. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science-ASSH
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Subject description
In this subject, we will explore health within a social context to gain an understanding of how the conditions in which people live, work and age shape their health and well-being. The course will provide an introduction to key theoretical and methodological concepts that underpin the conceptualisation of health as a social concept. We will also explore some of the important insights and challenges arising from the social determinants approach. Throughout the subject, examples will explore health inequalities as experienced by some of the most vulnerable and marginalised populations and groups, with an emphasis on Indigenous experiences from Australia and internationally. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Public Health
- Bachelor of Public Health (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
SOC356 Cultures of Dispossession explores the emergence and implications of economic and political integration and rationalisation. It investigates the internal logic and social consequences of dominant forms of governance and organisation, such as bureaucratic administration and the monetisation of social and material exchange. Through a range of case studies, the subject addresses topics such as concentration of wealth and the nature of finance capital, the economic origins and implications of climate change, and the management of state borders. The subject also explores movements, perspectives and practices that critique and counter these structural problems, such as mutual aid, just transition, and food sovereignty. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Arts
Subject description
This subject adopts an interdisciplinary approach to address questions about living in a rapidly changing world. It is problem and question-centred to stimulate critical thinking across three contested domains: home, nation-state and the city. These contested domains of living in a rapidly globalising world offer possibilities to introduce various social science theories to explain race, community, gender, class and power. Key touch points include: housing affordability, fashion, food, cycling, compact cities, green cities, refugees, border protection and racism. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science - Bachelor of Social Science,
- Bachelor of Social Science - Bachelor of Laws
This subject introduces students to sustainability concepts and critiques, while developing practical skills to prepare students for careers driving positive change within organisations and communities. Urgent issues such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, disasters, sustainable energy transitions, and decarbonisation have wide ranging consequences for social and environmental justice. Responding to these challenges effectively and ethically requires critical and holistic thinking, while drawing upon evidence and respectful engagement with diverse cultural and philosophical perspectives (including Indigenous knowledges). In GEOG122, students will learn how to tailor solutions based on critical analysis of complex problems and become more effective sustainability change-makers in their respective careers. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH
Subject description
This subject is designed to introduce students to a range of demographic issues that are globally, nationally, regionally and locally significant. The lecture content is designed to enable students to critically study how geographers analyse population movements and issues. Key topics include: food insecurity, climate ‘refugees’, child labour, migration, population growth, Indigenous populations and global patterns of health and disease. In the tutorial classes, students learn tangible skills in designing a questionnaire, collecting data, analysing data and critical thinking. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science-ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject aims to provide an understanding of relations and interactions between society and environment, including impact of societies on the Earth and its processes. We examine long term and contemporary time scales, and a range of spatial scales from the global to the local. Topics include the agricultural, industrial and urban revolutions; governance of environments; Indigenous land management; climate change; sustainability; and environmental impacts in the context of the Anthropocene. Tutorial classes are designed to complement the lecture program, focusing on development of key skills including: scholarly research; critical thinking; working in groups; and developing and presenting an argument through written and oral presentation techniques. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science-ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
The production, distribution, and consumption of food shapes communities, environments, and those who eat it. Through the way we distribute and sell food, it even shapes cities and transport networks. Through the way we grow and transport food, we consume prodigious amounts of energy and finite resources, raising questions of sustainability. This subject tracks these connections - from the farmer, to the rural community, to the factory and supermarket, to the consumer, and to international trade networks. In it you will consider how and why we produce and consume food the way we do, what the consequences are of this for farmers, communities, and the environment, whether there are alternatives, and how we might foster resilient food production systems, communities, and landscapes. A full day fieldtrip to lllawarra farms and/or food processors on a weekend may form part of this subject. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
Subject description
GEOG241 will explore the patterns and processes shaping cities as places, economies, communities and potential sites of transition towards just and sustainable futures. Content is framed around the urban dynamics of social, economic and cultural change and continuity. Informed by a series of theoretical lens, the subject will unpack the changing social and economic geography of cities through the themes of urban economic transformation, changing patterns of social-spatial segregation, urban governance & policy and its implications, and transitions to sustainable urbanism. Content will draw on Australian and well as international case studies. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
his subject presents geographic and other social science perspectives on environmental and heritage management. In it students will examine environmental and cultural values and how they are identified and translated into practice to protect and manage landscapes, places, natural resources, and ecosystems at local, global and national scales. The subject will focus on developing students skills in analysing environmental and heritage issues, problems and conflicts and in applying policy and management tools and approaches to achieve sound, evidence-based, and equitable management outcomes and processes. Through topics such as urban heritage protection, World Heritage management, biodiversity conservation, forestry, water management, rural land conservation, indigenous involvement in land and heritage management, and national park management, students will learn to critically assess market-based, regulatory, community-based, and other management tools and approaches and their applications. The subject will be delivered via lectures and a mix of workshops and Wollongong area field trips. Field trips may be held on a weekend. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
Subject description
Cities are overwhelmingly the place in the future where humanity will be found. The subject draws directly on a report for the Future of Cities Project commissioned by the UK Government's Foresight Department in order to engender prescient policies for societies facing climate change and other global challenges. Students will apply various methodologies to examine different social futures. The cities the subject will focus on are sustainable, seamless, smart and secure. Using two progressive social science methodologies, namely psycho-geography and scenario forecasting, the subject will encourage students to undertake empirical research oriented towards policy and governance audiences. The scenarios will be informed by major uncertainties going forward in the extent of global mobilities and the continuation of economic growth. Six key aspects of the city guide the subject's structure: city type, infrastructure, energy system, mobility patterns, activities and aspirations and values. Students completing this subject will foster skills pertinent to policy making, town and city planning, sustainable development and urban renewal. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
- Bachelor of Geography
Subject description
Geographies of Change: International Fieldwork Intensive is an immersion field experience for Australian social science students. Content is framed around social and ecological change, introducing students to appropriate ethical, cultural and research skills to respond to social inequities and environmental challenges. Using social and environmental governance as key themes, the experience will be fundamentally cross-cultural and interdisciplinary. The field location will be determined each year. Local experts will provide lecture content and field introductions, and students will work with local researchers on specific research projects. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
In this subject, students will examine the range of human activities and behaviours that are understood to produce environmental harm and how these may be distinguished from activities which constitute environmental crime. Students will examine how environmental harm and crime are socially constructed, as well as how environmental crime is prevented and regulated. Using a justice framework, students will examine a series of case studies in climate change, fishing, timber harvesting and biodiversity management, to examine how the principles of 'social' justice might be applied and provide tools for citizen activism, engagement and policy reform. Students will also consider to what extent justice might be evaluated or achieved in the environmental context. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH
- Bachelor of Science- ASSH (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
The subject presents geographic and social science approaches to disaster resilience in cities and regions. In it, students will examine how geographical concepts of social diversity, political ecology and vernacular adaptation can enhance resilience thinking, policy and practice. The subject will focus on developing student skills in analysing disasters as linked socio-ecological systems and apply conceptual lenses and analytic tools to identify vulnerable populations and adaptive capacities shaped through relations of power. Through topics such as social vulnerability to climate change, the socio-ecological nature of bushfire risk in peri-urban zones and the gendered and racialised dimensions of intense weather events students will identify how and why disasters emerge, document their geographically uneven expression and identify opportunities for social justice in complex adaptive systems. They will also weigh-up the implications of these approaches for resilience thinking, policy and practice. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Science - ASSH
Subjects for the SDGs (Engineering and Information Sciences)
- ENGG105 - Engineering Design for Sustainability
- MECH442 -Sustainable Energy in Buildings
- ENGG378 - Sustainable Energy Technologies
Subject description
In this subject, students will draw together engineering principles covered in other subjects to develop context-appropriate solutions to engineering challenges. Students will work in teams undertaking investigation, concept development, and detailed design that demonstrates innovative and creative thinking. Students must consider the technical, social, economic and environmental aspects of a design problem to produce solutions that are likely to be workable in the real world. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
Fundamental principles of the performance of buildings with particular regard to thermal comfort and ventilation; analysis and design of conventional air conditioning systems to appropriate Australian Design Standards; passive solar design of buildings; energy conservation in buildings; embodied energy in buildings; natural ventilation systems; and refrigeration systems. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Subject description
This subject covers a number of sustainable energy technologies including the following: solar thermal systems; wind energy; hydroelectricity generation; wave power systems; biomass; photovoltaics; tidal energy; and marine current energy extraction. Find out more.
This subject is working towards:
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
Degrees
- General schedule of electives
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
UOW is a member of the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The University’s responsibility to these goals starts with our own workplaces and practices and carries through to our teaching and research and out to the communities and partners we collaborate with.