Unit Outline

In this subject, you focus on environmental studies by understanding, recording, and critically reflecting on coastal environments. You are introduced to the skills of field observation, recording, and communicating natural and cultural stories within coastal environments. The unique Tasmanian coast is a naturally dynamic environment that changes with influences of wind, tides, waves, and weather systems. Learning experiences, including practical field trips, develop your knowledge and understanding of the complex relationships in coastal environments. You will establish expertise in safely undertaking a multi-day outdoor environmental studies trip in a coastal environment

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Apply ecological concepts to field observations, recordings, and reflections in coastal ecosystems
2	Recognise patterns and relationships in coastal ecosystems and the challenges facing these ecosystems
3	Research natural and cultural history and communicate these stories using an environmental interpretation model
4	Safely undertake a multi-day coastal journey

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Fieldwork	See the MyLO site for the due date	0 %	LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Nature Journal A	Week 6	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Nature Journal B	Week 10	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Exam	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Fieldwork

Task Description:

Satisfactory participation in practical fieldwork is required to meet this hurdle assessment. Satisfactory participation includes adequate preparation; safe practices; care for self, others and the environment; and active engagement in group work. Students who are unable to attend will have the opportunity to complete the hurdle later in the teaching period or when the subject reoccurs in a following teaching period (within 12 months)

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Prepare for outdoor environmental studies fieldwork.	LO4
2	Participate in learning opportunities	LO4
3	Engage in group work during fieldwork	LO4
4	Apply safe practices for self, others, and the environment	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Nature Journal A

Task Description:

A journal that records observations in-situ and requires further research of social, cultural, and/or ecological concepts, patterns, and relationships.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 1200 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Investigate ecological concepts in coastal environments	LO1
2	Recognise and describe ecological patterns and relationships .	LO2
3	Establish frameworks for professional practice on multi-day environmental fieldwork.	LO4
4	Communicate concepts, relationships, and stories of place	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Nature Journal B

Task Description:

A journal that records observations in-situ and requires further research of social, cultural, and/or ecological concepts, patterns, and relationships.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 1200 words

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Investigate ecological concepts in coastal environments	LO1
2	Recognise and describe ecological patterns and relationships	LO2
3	Establish frameworks for professional practice on multi-day environmental fieldwork.	LO4
4	Communicate concepts, relationships, and stories of place.	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Exam

Task Description:

Individual exam that includes written, classification, and practical components related to Tasmanian coastal ecologies.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 1600 words

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain ecological concepts in Tasmanian coastal environments	LO1
2	Appraise patterns and relationships in coastal environments	LO2
3	Interpret natural and cultural history	LO3
4	Discuss safe practices for journeys in coastal environments	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.