Knowledge theme clusters

The clusters in this group bring together subjects that help you develop systematic knowledge around a particular environmental topic or concern. You can draw on these clusters to help you select four or more subjects that might provide a major or minor specialisation within your program of study. Introductory subjects are suggested for each cluster - if this is a new area of study for you, consider these as starting points for exploring the field.

Food systems cluster

Learning outcomes

Interdisciplinary knowledge about food systems.

Starting points

  • FOOD90041 provides an introduction to the political aspects of food systems;
  • FOOD90039 provides an introduction to technical and scientific aspects of food systems.

Additional information

  • A specialisation in sustainable food may complement studies in planning or social change.

    Climate change cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Interdisciplinary knowledge about climate change and strategies to address this.

    Starting points

    ATOC90002 provides an overview of climate science as well as policy considerations.

    Additional information

    These subjects are all available on the existing stream in climate change, which has a broad range of electives.

    Renewable energy cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Interdisciplinary knowledge about renewable energy systems.

    Starting points

    ENEN90027 provides an introduction to energy systems across a range of contexts.

    Additional information

    Some subjects require background knowledge in engineering or law/regulation. Check these carefully and talk to the subject coordinator if you are uncertain about your eligibility.

    Sustainable forests cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Interdisciplinary knowledge about forests, their use and conservation.

    Starting points

    FRST90015 provides an introduction to major ecosystem processes in forests.

    Additional information

    • Many of these subjects are taught in intensive mode (often 10 day teaching blocks);
    • Many of these subjects are taught at Creswick campus.

    Urban greening cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Interdisciplinary knowledge about the use of plants to improve sustainability and liveability of urban environments.

    Starting points

    HORT90003 provides an introduction to the role of plants in urban environments.

    Additional information

    Indigenous peoples and the environment cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Indigenous and cross-cultural approaches to environmental and sustainability challenges.

    Starting points

    Additional information

    Biosecurity cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Interdisciplinary knowledge about global biosecurity and food safety systems.

    Starting points

    • EVSC90017 provides an overview of how the global environment is changing and the impacts it is having on civil society.
    • NRMT90002 provides an overview of the impacts of global species exchange and the systems used to manage theri impacts.
    • FOOD90008 provides an overview of food, food safety, and the global systems used to ensure consumers have confidence i the safety and quality of their food.
    • EVSC90014 provides an overview of the sorts of quantitative tools used across both biosecurity and food safety in professional practice.

    Additional information

    Risk cluster

    Learning outcomes

    Risk analysis is fundamental to modern society with learning outcomes providing skills in understanding the elements of risk, namely hazard, elements at risk and vulnerability. The area is one of the fasting growing employment markets in the services sector as companies come to terms with social and environmental risk of their extended supply chains.

    Risk analysis is contained within most disciplines to varying degrees of depth. The following list are subjects which have a focus on risk, usually from a discipline-specific perspective but with relevance to the Master of Environment.