207-205 Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Mgt

This subject provides an introduction to human social and psychological processes as they relate to management of natural resources. Students should develop an understanding of the psychological and contextual factors that shape community engagement in conserving and utilising natural environments and resources. Students should develop skills and conceptual frameworks necessary for engaging with social issues in resource management.

Student understanding will be extended through interaction with guest speakers from a range of resource management professions, field trips, and through application of theory to resource management case studies.

The content includes:

• human understanding of natural systems;

• psychological benefits of nature;

• environmental aesthetics;

• environmental concern;

• environmentally significant behaviours; and

• engaging communities in resource management.

These will be examined in the context of influencing human environmental behaviour to protect natural resources or promote adoption of new technologies, designing and evaluating extension projects, dealing with conflict in resource management, planning for leisure and recreation, and interpreting natural resources.

One 3-hour examination worth 50% of final mark. Two assignments each equivalent to 3000 words and each worth 25% of final mark.