Humans: Earth Shapers
UndergraduateTAS-KEA1042025
Previously TAS-XBR112
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 13 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Price from
- $3,405
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Humans: Earth Shapers
About this subject
On completion of this subject, the student will be able to:
- Outline the current scientific theories of how Earth’s natural systems change through time
- Describe the impacts of humans on Earth’s natural systems
- Describe the values held by you and others in relation to human impacts on natural systems
- Explain the role of governance on shaping human impacts on Earth’s natural systems
- Earth Systems
- Philosophy/Rock Record
- Philosophy/Earth Systems Exchange
- Philosophy/Ecology and Evolution
- Philosophy/Extinctions
- Philosophy/Early Humans
- Philosophy/Governance
- Anthropocene
- Philosophy/Anthropocene
- Human Impacts
- Governance/6th Mass Extinction
- Philosophy/Geoengineering
- Synthesis
Earth is a lively and dynamic planet that is undergoing rapid changes wrought by the activities of humans. In what ways are these changes impacting on us and other species? Are we precipitating another mass extinction; the 6th major mass extinction since life exploded on Earth some 500 million years ago? How will the way humans formulate and apply international and national policies continue to drive change? What are our own values regarding change and how does that colour our perceptions of Earth Shaping?
This subject will explore some dilemmas of Earth Shaping through the prisms of science, philosophy and governance. Online content investigates the scientific theories of modern Earth and life systems, along with practicals and quizzes, delves into the rock record to understand some mechanisms of past extinctions. A short essay provides the opportunity to express your own values and recognise those of others. Discussions with tutors and peers will engender debate on how values and human governance impacts go beyond local solutions to help us shape a planet we want to call home. The final design project will mesh Earth systems, human impacts and questions of governance. It will provide a launching point for discussions between peers. Time is allocated for modification of individual projects and reflection on final submissions.
More than ever before humans are a force of nature that can reprogram the planet. Understanding our abilities means that we are probably the first ever species to consider limiting our activities. Overviews in science, philosophy and policies will equip participants to better understand our unique position and impacts as human Earth shapers.
This subject has weekly web pages with pre-recorded lectures and self-directed activities, weekly discussion boards and specific tutorials focus on each of the assessment items.
- Virtual Field Trip - multiple choice and short answer quiz (10%)
- Multiple Choice Quizzes x 4 (25%)
- Values Essay (20%)
- Infographic (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
TAS-XBR112 (Not currently available)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)
UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)
UndergraduateTAS-SCG-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-PSC-DEG
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-BBS-DEG
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