Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Field experience is an essential part of the professional training of geologists, environmental scientists, ecologists, and natural resource specialists in general. The theory and practice of methods to interpret, measure, map, and monitor important natural resource features and characteristics are essential to the study of geological, ecological and environmental systems. Methods of survey, mapping and interpretation are necessary skills for resource assessment, geo-exploration, environmental impact assessment, land evaluation, baseline studies, and ecological investigations. There are varying emphases on these outcomes depending on the type of field survey you undertake in this unit.

This unit assumes knowledge of geological, environmental, and/or ecological principles and methods: structural geology and lithology for the geoscience module; environmental processes and flora and fauna abundance and distribution for the ecology & environmental science module. It provides professional experiences that are part of the employability of natural resource science graduates.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of interpretation, measurement and mapping techniques for geological or natural resource phenomena. It provides an overview of the theory and practice of methods used to assess, analyse, and monitor environmental problems brought on by natural and anthropogenic changes. The modules are therefore designed to train you in the basic techniques of field studies in the natural resource sciences. You will use scientific methods to develop problem-recognition and problem-solving skills through project design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and reporting that meet industry standards.

Objectives

Upon completing this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate your knowledge on the basic theory and principles related to the design, practical planning and undertaking of field surveys.
2. Demonstrate your knowledge and skills in using a range of methods to survey important features and characteristics of specific phenomena relating to geological, environmental, or ecological objectives.
3. Employ effectively a range of equipment and procedures used in gathering geological, environmental or ecological data.
4. Collect, organise, analyse and present data from field survey effectively and communicate this material in the written and graphical form of detailed scientific reports and maps.
5. Work effectively independently and in teams, and develop your field investigation, mapping and analysis skills.

Content

Extended fieldwork excursions are an essential and compulsory element of this unit. Students will be required to pay for room, board and some travel expenses.

This unit is presented in two modules:
You should undertake only one of these modules.
Module A is for Geoscience Majors only (Module Coordinator: Maree Corkeron).
Module B is for Ecology & Environmental Science Majors (Module Coordinator: Susan Fuller).

The emphasis is on practical preparation, and fieldwork:

(i) Practicals prior to the fieldwork introduce the concepts of purpose-specific geological, ecological and environmental assessment and how to plan and prepare for field survey projects.
(ii) Practicals will review and develop survey, mapping, interpretation, and reporting requirements specific to the discipline.
(iii) Improving survey, field interpretation, data analysis, mapping, and report writing skills using data collected in the field.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning strategies include formal lectures, practical sessions, and field work project/s.

Practical sessions involve exercises that require you to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge concerning field survey design, maps and air photo/image interpretation, and improve your independent work skills.

The field work projects integrate the knowledge and understanding of survey and mapping processes for geological, ecological or environmental assessment purposes. It will help develop your rigorous and methodical field analytical and problem-solving skills whilst working within groups.

You will develop skills in field investigation procedures and gain practice in accurate recording of field observations, their scientific interpretation, analysis and presentation.

Critical analysis, problem solving, written communication and field investigation skills are embedded within the syllabus.

Assessment name: Field Assignment 1
Description: MODULE 1: GEOSCIENCE
(Formative and summative) - Field exercises consisting of field, fact and interpretation maps, cross sections and stratigraphic columns.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Field Assignment 2
Description: MODULE 1: GEOSCIENCE
(Formative and summative) - Interpretative facies scheme for map project area.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Field Assignment 3
Description: MODULE 1: GEOSCIENCE
(Formative and summative) - Field report compilation of field data and interpretation of geologica history for map project area.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Field Assignment 1
Description: MODULE B: ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(Formative and summative) - Field project/s for ecological and environmental survey purposes.
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes: 1 to 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Field Assignment 2
Description: MODULE B: ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(Formative and summative) - Field project/s for mapping purposes.
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes: 1 to 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Field Assignment 3
Description: MODULE B: ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(Formative and summative) - Field project/s for environmental impact assessment purposes.
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes: 1 to 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

MODULE A:
Prescribed text - required to purchase:

1. Compton R (1985) Geology in the Field, Wiley
2. Hardbound field notebook

MODULE B:
Recommended texts - not required to purchase:

1. National Committee on Soil & Terrain (2009) Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook, 3rd edition, CSIRO (Provided, and in library)
2. McKenzie NJ, Grundy MJ, Webster R & Ringrose-Voase AJ (2008) Guidelines for Surveying Land Resources, 2nd edition, CSIRO. (Provided, and in library)
3. Sutherland W (1996) or (2006) Ecological Census Techniques: a Handbook, Cambridge University Press (recommended reading and available in library)

Risk assessment statement

The classroom based lectures in this unit are all extremely low risk activities. Risk assessments for practicals and field trips identify several low impact risks. You are required to complete field safety training prior to the start of any activity. Field work involves risks including travel hazards, slips and trips, animal bites and animal and plant stings. You are required to understand and obey all safety guidelines and you will be working in groups.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012