121-022 Development and Urban Environments

25 points of first year geography or environmental studies, or one of the following subjects: 121-021 Environmental Politics and Management, 121-018 Geomorphology.

This subject examines the impacts of development on urban environments and of urbanisation on urban hydrology, land and biological systems. This subject also covers how these impacts are manifest as problems, and the variety of ways these impacts are managed. The issues discussed include globalisation and impacts on urban environments; urban transport; urban environments and human health; pollution causes and control; urban impact on natural resources; the impact of urbanisation on hydrology, land and biological systems; how these impacts are manifest as problems; and the variety of ways these impacts are managed; cities and sustainable development. Students should gain an appreciation of the nature of cities as part of, rather than separate from, the general environment; the nature of complex interactions between social structures, natural phenomena, and built environments; and the conflicting political and policy responses to urban environmental issues.

An essay of 2000 words, practical exercises, and a 2-hour examination.