Course Title: Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: ENVI5103C
Course Title: Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources
School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5367 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
Course Contact: Namrita Kaul
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4309
Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
The teacher for this Course is Seb Buckingham
Contact details:
e-mail: jocesebastian.buckingham@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 200
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct field research into natural resource and cultural areas for resource management and related purposes.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
AHCILM501 Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources |
Element: |
1. Review existing knowledge |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1. Existing information gathered through investigation and enterprise recording processes is examined to determine key features. 1.2. Oral evidence, where it exists, is reviewed. 1.3. Sites are inspected to assess condition and availability of further information. 1.4. Information, records and places previously destroyed or damaged or under threat are identified as factors to be incorporated in the assessment process, strategies and plans. 1.5. Scope of information is assessed for adequacy against the requirements of legislation, Codes of Practice and protocols. 1.6. Appropriate database, geographic information system and other electronic and manual recording systems are identified for data collection according to enterprise procedures. 1.7. Sources of expertise in research environments, identification of pollution, degradation and disturbance, and national and international issues and agreements are identified and accessed within and external to the enterprise. 1.8. Areas of inadequate information are identified and recorded. |
Element: |
2. Identify stakeholders |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Stakeholders are identified in conjunction with local communities and groups, and government documentation and interviews. 2.2. The current and relevant past land tenure for the place/area is investigated and recorded. 2.3. Indigenous interests are determined through culturally appropriate approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals. 2.4. Proper protocols are applied and key consultations conducted in approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals. 2.5. Privacy requirements are complied within, according to the directions of stakeholders and according to legislative and enterprise requirements. 2.6. Process of identifying stakeholders may be completed under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group |
Element: |
3. Develop research approach |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Objectives of the field research are determined in conjunction with those commissioning the research according to enterprise procedures. 3.2. Objectives are used to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation. 3.3. The types of investigation and techniques selected are assessed for hazards and risks in designated environment, including the special OHS requirements, access issues, and management of the research in a range of weather and area conditions. 3.4. Existing information and data records are reviewed to determine the starting point(s) for the fieldwork. 3.5. Research methodology is consistent with the research objectives and in accordance with established natural resource management practice. 3.6. Required resources are identified to establish and maintain the research program within the required time schedules and are appropriate to the environments that will be encountered. 3.7. Personnel are selected for their competency in research techniques and safe operation in the expected environmental/cultural conditions. 3.8. Stakeholders to be included in the consultation process are identified. 3.9. Costs of field research are estimated and submitted for approval according to enterprise procedures. 3.10. Sampling and recording processes are established for research information according to enterprise requirements, best practice and scientific standards |
Element: |
4. Conduct field investigations |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Consultation and fieldwork undertaken to obtain information required to meet investigation objectives. 4.2. Previously determined methodology is adjusted in light of progressive results and stakeholder feedback. 4.3. Observations, records and monitoring are in accord with scientific practice and coordinated to meet research objectives. 4.4. Impacts from areas external to area under investigation are identified. 4.5. Equipment, techniques and people deployed to carry out investigations. 4.6. Each field operation is documented and approved according to legislative and enterprise requirements for work in the research environment. 4.7. Where required, appropriate equipment and skills are sourced for the capture, management and sampling of animal species. 4.8. Information is analysed for impact on previously held hypothesis and other resources. |
Element: |
5. Develop process for involving decision-makers |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1. Information on stakeholders is used to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals, and cultural dimensions. 5.2. Issues to be addressed with interest groups are defined. 5.3. Consultation and decision-making process is developed to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner. 5.4. Appropriate time is provided for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues. 5.5. Decision-making group, such cultural reference groups and other groups are formed where assistance is required to direct investigation, access information, to address issues and/or review the significance of place/area. |
Element: |
6. Report on the field investigation |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1. Stakeholders are consulted on draft findings. 6.2. The basis for the determination of outcomes is documented to legislative requirements, the organisation's policies and practices, and international and national processes. 6.3. The determination of significance is submitted to the organisation and its external review processes, as required by legislation and Codes of Practice. |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
1. Classroom-based lectures 2. Self-directed research in computer labs, libraries 3. Field trips 4. A compulsory 5 day field trip to conduct research. This will take place Week 12. You should plan well in advance to attend this Field Trip. It will difficult to complete the requirements of this Course if you are unable to attend.
Teaching Schedule
Week No. |
Week Starting |
Learning activity |
Assessment |
10-Feb |
Introduction to the course Identify Groups, and topics, for Ass 1 (Small group presentations) |
Where I’m from (Hurdle Task. Electronic lodgement Due) |
|
17-Feb |
Library research skills: RMIT Library seminar |
Where I’m from (student presentations, Randomly selected) |
|
24-Feb |
Field Trip to Bunjilaka |
Meet at Melbourne Museum forecourt at 11.45am Where I’m from |
|
2-Mar |
Review existing knowledge / Sources of knowledge Worksheet 2: State Library |
|
|
9-Mar |
Conducting Field investigations: Preliminary research (Wurundjeri) Small Group Presentations (1st tranche) |
Assessment 1 due Presentations: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3
|
|
16-Mar |
Wurundjeri: Cultural awareness (1/2 Day) |
|
|
23-Mar |
Reflection on Cultural awareness day
Small group presentations
|
Assessment 1 due Presentations 1.4
|
|
30-Mar |
Murundaka scarred tree mapping exercise (Field trip to Lower Plenty) |
|
|
|
|
Mid Semester Break, no classesThursday 9th April to Wed 15th April |
|
13-Apr |
Follow-up to Murundaka Mapping: Downloading data Legislation: Native Title: The Eddie Mabo story and beyond.. Small group presentation. |
Assessment 1 due presentation 1.5
|
|
20-Apr |
Student research exercise: RAP’s, Native Title, NT Rights and Interests
|
Assessment 2 due: Research Project Murundaka scarred trees due
Assessment 1 due presentation 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9
|
|
27-Apr |
Research existing knowledge 1 (Gunditjmara) Field trip organization |
Ass grps 1.10; 1.11;1.12 (in-class presentations) |
|
4-May |
5 Day Field Trip to Gunditjmara Country Nightly discussion groups are also compulsory Small group presentations: 1.11, 1.12 ;1.13 (Tuesday, Wednesday night) |
Camp: 7/5: Ass grps 1.13;1.14 8/5: 1.15; 1.16: |
|
11-May |
Reflection on Field trip Research existing Knowledge 2. (Gunditjmara): |
Ass.grp 1.17; 1.18 )
|
|
18-May |
Review knowledge 3: SW Victoria- a cultural landscape? (Guest Speaker) |
|
|
25-May |
Self guided work on Final Assignment |
Assessment 3 due
|
|
|
|
Mid year break No Classes until Week starting 6th July |
|
Notes:
The above delivery plan is to be used as a guide only and is correct at time of distribution. Sessions may be deferred and/or cancelled.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Dark Emu, Black Seeds: Agriculture or accident? by Bruce Pascoe |
|
The people of Budj Bim: Engineers of aquaculture, builders of stone house settlements and warriors defending Country, by the Gunditjmara people with Gib Wettenhall |
References
Presland, Gary, First People: The Eastern Kulin of Melbourne, Port Phillip and Central Victoria, Melbourne: Museum Victoria, 2010 |
Other Resources
’The First Australians’ DVD set will give you an excellent background to Aboriginal history and issues. Includes a good overview of Wurundjeri (Woiwurrung) and Coranderrk.
’The Making of 10 canoes’ (Rolf de Heer) provides a fascinating study in the necessary protocols to be followed when researching or otherwise working with Indigenous communities.
The ’Cultural Resource Management Toolbox’ available online at https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/toolbox/cultresman/default.htm
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course may include reports, individual and group project work, participation in online discussion forums and worksheets
Assessment Tasks
Assessment 1: Preparation for Field Research
Assessment 2: Research Project- Murundaka Scar Trees
Assessment 3: Filed notes and Discussion Paper
See Canvas for due dates
To pass the course you need achieve a satisfactory result for every assessment.
You will be given only two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate you have the required skills.
A third attempt can only be offered after discussions between the teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic.
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Assessment Information
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Submission of Assessment Tasks
It is expected that any work presented for assessment in this course will be your own. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.
Extensions of time for submission of assessable work
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days by filling in the application form at least one working day BEFORE the due date. The application form should be emailed to your Program Coordinator, Namrita Kaul, namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au.
Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
If you require an extension of time longer than 7 days, you must apply for Special Consideration.
Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
Special consideration
If you are unable to sit a test, exam or lab-based assessments due to unexpected circumstances (e.g., illness), you should apply for Special Consideration for the missed assessment. Information on applying for Special Consideration can be found from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration. Applications for Special Consideration should NOT be submitted to the course or program coordinator.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview