Setting course for the future
Students rush to take UTAS subjects
MORE than 25 years after she first graduated, Lani Gunn couldn’t envisage going back to university.
But the physiotherapist’s perspective changed when she heard about a new course being offered through the University of Tasmania.
The undergraduate certificate and diploma of sustainable living have proved to be popular for people looking to renew their studies.
To help Australians upskill during the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government is this year providing 50,000 additional Commonwealth-supported places in higher education short courses across a number of disciplines – including the sustainable living undergraduate certificate.
The course teaches students practical knowledge about sustainability and how to apply it not only in the home, but in community, business and social enterprise contexts, as well.
Units include Introduction to the Science of Climate
Change, Global Food Security, Introduction to Sustainable Design and Living with Fire. But it was the Science of Gardening and Backyard Biodiversity electives that drew Ms Gunn in.
“I was terrified about it but I thought, ‘Surely I can do these subjects’,” she said. “It has been quite refreshing because it’s not how I’ve done uni before.”
Ms Gunn, of Carrick, has three teenage children and has been undertaking the course remotely.
She hopes to receive her qualification by the end of the year and apply her newfound knowledge in work she does with Christian charity Tearfund.
David Bowman, a professor of pyrogeography and fire science at the university and one of the co-ordinators of the Living with Fire unit, said many people were scared and confused about the increasing prevalence of bushfires in Australia and that education was needed to address this.
“As we’re seeing more and more fires around the world, … what’s needed is to help people understand what’s going on,” Professor Bowman said.
“There’s a little bit of demystification. It’s helping people have the literacy so when people are reading … and hearing stories about bushfires in the world … they’ve got a much better grasp of what it all means.
“What I’m hoping is that as we build up awareness and understanding of fire, that’s also going to drive demand for more practical courses.”
UTAS chief marketing officer Craig Barling said the sustainable living course had been designed to “meet the needs of a broad range of students in a topic that is critical to Australia’s future”.
“We have seen strong interest from people seeking a career in sustainability fields to those looking to enter tertiary education for the first time,” he said.