env3aec arid ecosystem field course b

ARID ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION FIELD COURSE B

ENV3AEC

2016

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

ENV3AEC introduces students to the arid ecosystems of Australia, the ecological impacts of land use and application of field research techniques. The subject examines the soils, terrestrial plants and animal communities of arid Australia in a restoration ecology and conservation context. It is suitable for anyone interested in a career in science and the environment. The subject is conducted online and in the field. Pre-trip readings are provided online and assessed via quizzes and group assignments. The fieldwork component comprises a seven-day field trip based at Calperum Station in eastern South Australia. Students undertake team-based research projects, attend excursions and evening presentations designed to develop their understanding of arid ecosystems and their management. The trip culminates with students delivering group presentations on their research work. Post-field trip commitment involves the preparation of an individual scientific report on the field project.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorAlexei Rowles

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ENV2AEC WEM2ARZ WEM3ARZ

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Collect and analyse data in the field in order to answer various ecological questions

Activities:
field trip project
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Distinguish elements of effective teamwork and group formation and apply these to perform a group task collaboratively; critically evaluate their own and whole group behaviour

Activities:
Teamwork module and contribution to team project
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)

03. Write a scientific report related tro a field-based project in accordance with professional and ethical standards

Activities:
post-field trip written report
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Understand the concepts and practical issues associated with ecological restoration of disturbed habitats and species conservation

Activities:
field trip project, restoration plan, written report
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

05. Identify field techniques appropriate for particular tasks and employ some of those methods in the field

Activities:
field trip project
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

06. Develop a group public presentation

Activities:
group presentation of field trip research project
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

07. Demonstrate knowledge of the environments of Calperum Station and of the arid environments of Australia and identify abiotic and biotic characteristics of these areas

Activities:
Group presentation and post-field trip written report
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

08. Demonstrate knowledge of different kinds of ethical approaches to problems and apply them to analysis of disputed environmental issues. Understand the potential ethical issues inherent within biological research and develop apporaches to avoid or minimise impacts.

Activities:
Group presentation of an animal ethics application for planned research
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Albury-Wodonga, 2016, Week 20-39, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentNo

Maximum enrolment size20

Enrolment information restricted accommodation on field trip Limit student numbers

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAlexei Rowles

Class requirements

Field TripWeek: 24 - 35
One 7.0 days field trip per study period on weekdays during the day from week 24 to week 35 and delivered via face-to-face.

Scheduled Online ClassWeek: 20 - 39
One 15.0 hours scheduled online class per study period from week 20 to week 39 and delivered via online.
"4 weeks of online instruction and assessment prior to field trip."

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Three multiple choice quizzes on the content of the online modulesHurdle requirement2001, 05, 07
Group preparation of hypothetical animal ethics application for field research activities1005, 08
Teamwork activities: online & field trip assessment5% online and 5% field trip contributions1002, 06
Ecological restoration plan (group project, 1000 words)6% pre-trip preparation & 4% on-trip reflection; resubmitted at close of camp1004, 05
Group presentation (oral-illustrated) at Calperum reporting on field trip project at its conclusion1006
Scientific project report (2,000 words)Hurdle requirement4001, 03, 04, 07