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ENV516 - Ecosystem Function: Field Studies in North Australia

2023

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Environmental Science

(ENV504)

Unit Description

This unit introduces the tropical savanna biome and landscapes of northern Australia, while developing a range of skills in field survey and data collection, management and analysis. Central to the unit is a 10-day field program, during which students will get hands on experience investigating environmental gradients and ecosystem function by assessing landforms, soil and vegetation. Land management practices are also considered from a range of perspectives.

The 10-day field intensive involves a 1000km return journey from Darwin visiting study sites to the south (for example, Mataranka and/or Litchfield National Park). The exact sites visited and activities undertaken will depend on the research work underway at the time of the field trip.

During the field intensive participants will interact with research teams behind national research networks such as OzFlux and the Australian Supersite Network. Assessment is based on individual contribution and a group presentation during the trip, and a report to be completed afterward.

Online enrolment is not available for this unit due to the field trip requirements. Students are required to check enrolment availability with the lecturer. To enrol, Special Enrolment is required through eForms.

Please contact the School of Environment if you require further information about the intensive component of this unit: environment@cdu.edu.au

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Document and measure interactions between landform, soil, vegetation and climate across an environmental gradient
2.	Recommend land use and management actions in relation to environmental gradients
3.	Select and apply field techniques for assessing landform, soil and vegetation characteristics and investigate the use of computer aided technologies in the field
4.	Apply the concepts of scale and its impact on spatial pattern in natural environments
5.	Engage in group work and describe techniques for working effectively and collaboratively in small groups
6.	Communicate ecological information effectively in oral and written formats

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Multiple choice online quiz (Learnline) 10 questions based on set readings and relevant online materials to be completed before the field intensive	20%	1 - Document and measure interactions between landform, soil, vegetation and climate across an environmental gradient 2 - Recommend land use and management actions in relation to environmental gradients 4 - Apply the concepts of scale and its impact on spatial pattern in natural environments
2.	Written reflection (including field work activities) 250 words	10%	3 - Select and apply field techniques for assessing landform, soil and vegetation characteristics and investigate the use of computer aided technologies in the field 5 - Engage in group work and describe techniques for working effectively and collaboratively in small groups
3.	Oral group presentations (15 minutes plus questions 5 minutes)	20%	1 - Document and measure interactions between landform, soil, vegetation and climate across an environmental gradient 2 - Recommend land use and management actions in relation to environmental gradients 3 - Select and apply field techniques for assessing landform, soil and vegetation characteristics and investigate the use of computer aided technologies in the field 4 - Apply the concepts of scale and its impact on spatial pattern in natural environments 5 - Engage in group work and describe techniques for working effectively and collaboratively in small groups 6 - Communicate ecological information effectively in oral and written formats
4.	Final report (in manuscript format) 5000 words	50%	1 - Document and measure interactions between landform, soil, vegetation and climate across an environmental gradient 2 - Recommend land use and management actions in relation to environmental gradients 3 - Select and apply field techniques for assessing landform, soil and vegetation characteristics and investigate the use of computer aided technologies in the field 4 - Apply the concepts of scale and its impact on spatial pattern in natural environments 5 - Engage in group work and describe techniques for working effectively and collaboratively in small groups 6 - Communicate ecological information effectively in oral and written formats

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2023	INT-4	Internal	Casuarina Campus	ITV,OLR
2023	INT-4	External	External Studies	ITV,OLR

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

ITV: This unit will be delivered/part-delivered intensively in this teaching period rather than over the full semester.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2023 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)