Climate change course goes across disciplines
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 1, No. 12
19 August - 3 September 2007 ] By Rebecca Scott
Understanding the impacts of climate change will lead to a mix of solutions.
A new ‘depth and breadth’ program to educate students on innovative ways to address climate change and the current threats facing the planet will be offered as part of the University of Melbourne’s new Melbourne Model.
The unique course, Introduction to Climate Change, will cross disciplines including Economics, Science, Land and Food, Law and Social Sciences and foster direct engagement with industry and the community.
Faculties will work together on the development of the program and keep the curriculum open as new policies and research develops.
“Understanding climate change is not just about knowing the science,” says course coordinator Professor Rachel Webster, of the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne.
“As educators, we need to adopt a collaborative approach to addressing climate change. Research in this area is constantly evolving, politically, socially and economically. We need to provide the vehicle to enact change in the very near future. We believe this program will be able to do that,” she says.
new thinking
“We take the view that there is not one solution to climate change but a mix of many. We are facilitating that approach and helping the students to engage in new ways of thinking on the issues.
“The program focuses on understanding the impact throughout the community, such as how will our cities be planned? What food will we be consuming if water is scarce and how will we allocate resources, both locally and globally?”
Professor Webster says the first year will cover a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of climate change. In the second and third years students will partner with an external organisation such as industry, school groups and farmers.
She says the aim of the program is to explore the effects of climate change on local activities and consider possible strategies and changes which might reduce its impact.
“The University of Melbourne students, through their work within their partner organisation will make a real impact within the community.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Re-search) Professor John McKenzie says the course program aims to develop future leaders who will be able to be effective agents for change at a time when the world and the planet need it most.
“This cross-disciplinary approach reflects the new direction of the University of Melbourne under the Melbourne Model, attracting the best and the brightest to participate in learning about very real issues facing the world today,” Professor McKenzie says.
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