Field-Based Investigation

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Field-Based Investigation
Unit ID: SCENV2500
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): (SCENV1002 or SCENV1502)
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 050900
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

Field-based Investigation develops the practical skills and experience required to undertake environmental science investigations in the field. Students learn to plan and implement field-based studies, with emphasis on relevant regulations, ethical considerations, field safety, environmental data collection, and surveys of plants, animals and other environmental values. A major component of the unit is a 5-day field trip where students undertake authentic environmental data collection, surveys and assessments. Students develop competency in applying field techniques, designing investigations, managing and analysing field data, and interpreting and communicating environmental and biological information.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Describe and apply procedures, regulations, planning requirements, and ethical considerations for field-based investigations in environmental science.

O2.

Collect, record, and manage environmental data and survey results for plants, animals, and other organisms using appropriate techniques and methods.

O3.

Analyse and interpret field-based data to evaluate environmental attributes and address issues relevant to environmental science.

O4.

Communicate scientific findings from field-based investigations effectively to diverse audiences using discipline-appropriate formats.

O5.

Demonstrate safe and responsible conduct during fieldwork, including collaboration and professional practice in environmental science contexts.

Unit Content:

This unit provides students with a consolidated field-based learning experience to develop skills in the planning and collection of field-based environment data. Students work through the various phases of a field-based investigation, including planning and preparation, implementing the field-based investigation and collating, interpreting and communicating the findings of the field-based investigation.

Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 1, 5

Complete competency and observed safety and planning activities demonstrating readiness for independent and supervised fieldwork

Quiz and competency assessment

10 - 30%

2. 1, 2, 5

Maintain a verified field logbook, and complete observed activities and data requirements to evidence fieldwork, data collection and groupwork competency

Self and peer review, competency assessment of field tasks

20 - 30%

3. 2, 3, 4

Analyse collected field data and complete a detailed report to elucidate the findings of the field-based investigation

Report

20 - 30%

4. 2, 3, 4

Create a professional standard piece of scientific communication that addresses specifications and conveys key findings and outcomes from the field-based investigation to a general audience

Scientific communication piece

20 - 30%

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency