Unit Outline

Human activity has altered fifty percent of the Earth's surface, leading to various consequences, both positive and negative, on our landscapes. However, the opportunities to explore, conserve, and appreciate pristine and exposed landscapes are growing, giving rise to the fields of geoconservation and geotourism. This unique unit explores strategies for investigating, understanding, and addressing issues related to geoconservation and geotourism. Through a series of hands-on, field-based, and problem-based learning experiences, you will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to create and manage (geo)heritage inventories, evaluate potential sites for geotourism and geoeducational purposes, design new geotouristic experiences, and develop materials for both consumers and operators in the fields of geoconservation and geotourism.

Our program is the only one of its kind in Australia, allowing you to work on real-world case studies and collaborate with leaders in these fields. We look at all forms of Geodiversity - waterways, soils, mountains, fossils, volcanoes and more. Imagine a world where rocks are not just 'rock and roll,' but the rockstars of Earth's history, and geoheritage is our backstage pass to study and conserve their epic stories! Join us as we provide guidance on how to recognise and nominate sites for conservation, restore degraded lands, create trails and geotouristic experiences and explore UNESCO Geoparks whilst utilising field and digital technologies, conducting social and scientific research, and fostering close relationships with industries and protected area groups. Absolutely no background knowledge is required to undertake this unit, and all are welcome. All techniques and experiences will be provided to you within the unit. This unit provides students with opportunities to undertake 25 hours of in-field training for students wanting to travel to Tasmania, or online professional training if you live elsewhere in the world. Online students should note that there is a requirement for some 'live' online participation in order to complete 'assurance of learning' assessment tasks.

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	Communicate geoheritage and geotourism concepts and data
2	Accurately apply geographical concepts to contemporary global challenges
3	Curate and communicate geoheritage inventory
4	Exhibit professional conduct by complying with organisational guidelines and expectations of responsible personnel

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KGA527

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In 2025, students undertaking KGA327 on the Sandy Bay campus had a less-than-optimal experience. The room scheduled for learning was not conducive for collaborative discussion or computer-based activities, and the synchronous learning environment with a large online cohort made it difficult for on-campus students to learn equitably. The sensitivity of the microphones in the room picked up every whisper, meaning that choices for students were either loud talking in the rooms whilst muting the other cohort, or sitting in absolute silence! Additionally, abrupt changes to these room bookings meant that some classes had to be held online at short notice.

This year, we have scheduled separate workshop timeslots for Sandy Bay/Hobart students and online students. The workshop locations are more suitable for each group. Hobart students and online students can speak freely, and only content related material will be recorded for students who miss a class online. 

We have also taken this opportunity to update content and streamline assignments as part of our regular quality assurance cycle. Our team welcomes your feedback and suggestions in KGA327.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Workshop	One 2-hour workshop per week. These workshops are designed to be led by the teaching team or other relevant professionals with the intent of fostering professional skills. All techniques and knowledge required to complete assessment tasks are delivered in these classes.	2	StudyPeriod 12 times
	Fieldwork	A whole-day (8 hour) field trip during semester at the end of week 3. In addition to the 8 hours in the field, each field trip could possibly involve (free, chartered) bus travel of up to 1 hour each way. Students wishing to attend this trip must therefore allow for these travel times. Face-to-face students are expected to participate as part of their unit activities, and online students can choose to attend or participate in virtual trips.	8	Once only
	Independent Learning	You will be required to read provided materials, prepare assignment work and maintain up-to-date records of your learning throughout the teaching period.	2	Weekly
	Fieldwork	A two-day fieldwork camp in Tasmania, visiting a range of landscapes. You will collect data for AT2 on this camp.	16	Once only
Online	Workshop (Online)	One 2-hour workshop per week (excluding field trip weeks). These workshops are designed to be led by the teaching team or other relevant professionals with the intent of teaching skills, techniques and knowledge required to complete assessment tasks. As an online student, you are encouraged to attend the live online class, where you will have a dedicated instructor and work with high-quality resources. These classes are also recorded if you can't attend live online.	2	StudyPeriod 11 times
	Fieldwork	A 4 hour online field trip will take place during semester whilst students in Tasmania are on a day-long field trip (Friday, Week 3). Your participation, using the incredible online resources, instructional guides and facilitators, is required. A dedicated zoom session will be established for you, and depending on the split of online students available during work hours and evening, may be repeated twice.	4	Once only
	Independent Learning	You will be required to read provided materials, prepare assignment work and maintain up-to-date records of your learning throughout the teaching period.	2	Weekly
	Workshop (Online)	An online data collection and training event for students who cannot attend camp. Fully facilitated event, with workshops that include guided virtual field trips and training. The contact hours for the activity include pre- and post-preparation time, and will enable you to collect data for AT2.	16	Once only

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

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:	AT1: Data Collection Inventory	Week 3	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Geotrail or Heritage Trail	Week 7	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Geoconservation Nomination	Week 10	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	AT4: Video Experience	Week 14	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Data Collection Inventory

Task Description:

Environmental data collection forms part of the inventory phase of geoconservation. In this assessment task, you will either attend a field trip or night online class in week 3, to collect data about geodiversity in a protected area. Using the ESRI FieldMaps mobile application, you will collect data from three locations, including measurements and in-field photos or screenshots (for online students). You will submit your data collection for three sites to the KGA327 inventory map, and for evaluation.

Submit your 3 FieldMaps/Collector App site observations within the app and enter your site ID's on MyLO by the due date.

Task Length:

Three completed data entries into a mobile collection app over an observation and training period of approximately 5 hours.

Due Date:

Week 3 (15/Mar/2026)

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Proficiency in digital data collection	LO4
2	Accurate capture of geographical data	LO1
3	Defensible descriptions of field conditions and of observed data	LO2
4	Accurate communication of geoconservation inventory	LO3

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Geotrail or Heritage Trail

Task Description:

You are required to produce a four-stop geotrail of your own design after attending the field camp or equivalent online weekend to collect data. You will work with your collected data to produce a geotrail in subsequent workshops. You will upload your collected data and any spreadsheet or other data collected to MyLO on the due date, along with a document containing the following information:
1. Rationale for the trail - what is the purpose of the trail, and why is it wanted or needed?

2. Constraints analysis for the trail - what inclusion and exclusion criteria did you need to use to make decisions about your trail purpose and path?

3. Trail features (including photos) and valorisation - what does your path look like? Which high-valued geodiversity is your trail design protecting and/or including along the way?

5. Trail 'presentation' by way of GIS output clearly showing map elements, path and the four stops.

Data collection for this assessment will occur on a weekend clearly indicated within the unit schedule as a field camp and/or online workshop, which you should choose based on your personal preference and circumstances. You will need to read/prepare for approximately 1 hour prior to the commencement of this assessment so as to make a choice between the types of trail purposes prior to commencing the task.

Fill out online pro-forma or downloadable template and add any additional files to the MyLO dropbox by the due date.

Task Length:

1000 words plus maps and spreadsheet data collection.

Due Date:

Week 7 (19/Apr/2026)

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describes purpose, features and goals of trail.	LO1
2	Produces trail using digital tools.	LO2
3	Accurately identifies site and use constraints.	LO2, LO3
4	Conducts trail/site valorisation with accurate application of criteria.	LO2, LO3
5	Communicates site features as aligned with usage goals and trail purpose.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
6	Adheres to academic integrity standards including appropriate in-text citations and reference list	LO4

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Geoconservation Nomination

Task Description:

You are now a proficient geoconservation professional, and have been asked to submit your nomination of a new geosite, geodiversity site or item of ex-situ heritage to an 'online form.' This 'web-form' is actually set up in the MyLO quiz tool, but you can access it from week 1 until the due date.

Your nomination must not already have been recognised for its geoconservation, geoheritage or geodiversity values previously (e.g via IUCN protections or through documented recognition of its geoscientific or cultural importance). Using unit guidance materials, you will prepare answers to questions about the significant elements and values of the site or item, the threats and risks to its integrity and condition, and your goals for management.

Completed on MyLO, looks like an e-form but accessed like a quiz from the MyLO assessments/quizzes drop-down box. Typing into this 'quiz' auto-saves. Add data as many times as you like, submit once.

Task Length:

1200 words plus graphical and photographic appendices and tables.

Due Date:

Week 10 (10/May/2026)

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Defensible evaluation of significance, values and risks to geodiversity and geoheritage.	LO1, LO3
2	Consistent and contextually accurate use of geodiversity and geoconservation terminology.	LO1, LO3, LO4
3	Proficient use of evidence to support nomination	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 4: AT4: Video Experience

Task Description:

Using video software supplied to you in class, produce a three-minute video detailing a critical issue or interesting phenomenon in geoconservation or geotourism. Communicate the messages in the video using language that a person with a generalist, non-specialist knowledge would be able to understand. Integrate a range of geographical, geospatial and geoconservation techniques into the video, demonstrating your proficiency in using these throughout the semester, and apply these to an issue or item of interest of your choice.

You must record this video using your own voice. Use of royalty free or appropriately acknowledged music, drone imagery, video stock footage and other design elements is encouraged to engage your audience and enhance the video experience.

Note assignment is due TUESDAY. Use Echo360 MyLO video upload instructions for student submissions on MyLO. Microsoft ClipChamp is available free for your use in production.

Task Length:

3-minute video

Due Date:

Week 14 (09/Jun/2026)

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Accurate summation of geoconservation issue	LO1, LO2
2	Exceptional material support for the issues described	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Evidentiary production of geocommunication materials in video output	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Produces meaningful, high-quality video experience	LO1, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater and complete any hurdle tasks (1) and complete more than 75% of the assessment tasks in this unit (2).

In KGA327, the ‘assurance of learning’ hurdle tasks are: AT1 data collection inventory and the AT2 GeoTrail. Please note that attendance at the field trip & camp, or online equivalent offerings, is necessary to complete these tasks.

According to the Assessment and Results procedure, students who have not made a legitimate attempt to complete more than 75% of the unit assessment by weighting, are not eligible for a passing grade - even if their score is close to or more than 50% based on the tasks already completed. Please therefore check the weightings of assessments carefully and contact us on the MyLO discussion board if you need more clarity.

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.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Suggested and recommended readings are offered in MyLO, typically on a weekly basis.