A Beginner\'s Guide to Environmental Science: Wicked Problems and Possible Solutions
Central Queensland University
  • Start Date: 18 Jul, 2022
  • 4 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Delve into the complex and challenging environmental issues that we face today, and how we can manage or even solve them.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility

Course Description

Learn how environmental management can help address issues that impact us all


Environmental issues affect every human being, and are a truly global concern. This four-week course, presented by CQUniversity, gives a comprehensive introduction not only to the current problems and threats to the environment but also to possible solutions and effective environmental management.


Understand the science underpinning environmental issues


You’ll start by learning about the nature of environmental science, resources, the basis of the world’s ecosystem, and the concept of the triple bottom line for sustainability.


With this strong foundational knowledge, you’ll be able to look at the other issues raised over the course. Not only will you understand them, but you’ll also see how to manage them and what solutions are possible.


Explore the wicked problems facing environmental management


The term ‘wicked problems’ comes from the field of planning and policy. It refers to issues that are difficult or seemingly impossible to solve. For the rest of this course, you’ll be taking a close look at the wicked problems that sustainability and environmentalism are currently facing.


You’ll unpack global climate change, generation of waste, fossil fuel consumption, and, perhaps most challenging of all, the impact of the human population explosion. You’ll also get to explore potential solutions, such as renewable energy sources, and how environmental impacts can be lessened with effective management.


Learn from environmental science experts


CQUniversity is a hub of scientific research and meaningful projects that better the lives of all Australians. This ethos and the University’s strong academic history (as well as the world-renowned lead educator) make it the ideal place to learn about environmental issues and ways to deal with them.


This course is designed for anyone interested in learning the basics of environmental science, including the issues facing the environment and what the human race can do to help.


    • Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

    • Central Queensland University

      This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

    • You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
    • COLLABORATION POLICY

      By enrolling in a course on or through eLearnAfrica, you are joining a special worldwide community of learners. The aspiration of eLearnAfrica is to provide anyone with an internet connection access to courses from the best universities and institutions in the world and to provide our learners the best educational experience internet technology enables. You are a part of the community that will help eLearnAfrica achieve this goal. eLearnAfrica depends upon your motivation to learn the material and to do so with honesty and academic integrity. In order to participate in eLearnAfrica, you must agree to the Honor Code below and any additional terms specific to a class.

      ELEARNAFRICA HONOR CODE PLEDGE

      By enrolling in a course, program, or degree hosted on the eLearnAfrica App or Site, I agree that I will:

      • Complete all tests and assignments on my own, unless collaboration on an assignment is explicitly permitted.

      • Maintain only one user account and not let anyone else use my username and/or password.

      • Not engage in any activity that would dishonestly improve my results, or improve or hurt the results of others.

      • Not post answers to problems that are being used to assess student performance.

      • Abide by any and all requirements of the eLearnAfrica Participants as may regard the expectations of civil or academic behavior or of community standards.

      VIOLATIONS

      If you are found in violation of the Terms and Conditions or Honor Code, you may be subject to one or more of the following actions:

      • Receiving a zero or no credit for an assignment;

      • Having any certificate earned in the course withheld or revoked;

      • Being unenrolled from a course, learning program or degree program; or

      • Termination of your use of the App and/or Site.

      • Additional actions may be taken at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica and eLearnAfrica course providers. 

      No refunds will be issued in the case of any corrective action for such violations.

      Honor code violations will be determined at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica, the Partners, or Members. You will be notified if a determination has been made that you have violated this honor code and you will be informed of the corresponding action to be taken as a result of the violation.

      CHANGING THE HONOR CODE

      Please note that we review and may make changes to this Honor Code from time to time. Any changes to this Honor Code will be effective immediately upon posting on this page, with an updated effective date. By accessing the App and/or Site after any changes have been made, you signify your agreement on a prospective basis to the modified Honor Code and any changes contained therein. Be sure to return to this page periodically to ensure familiarity with the most current version of this Honor Code.

      Effective Date: September 22, 2016