Course Title: Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: ENVI5103C

Course Title: Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5418 - Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Course Contact: Thierry Demathieu

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8359

Course Contact Email: thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

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

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to conduct field research into natural resource and cultural areas for resource management and related purposes.

This course applies to individuals who work autonomously and apply judgement and defined responsibility in known or changing contexts and within broad but established parameters.

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 Examine existing information gathered through previous investigation to determine key features 1.2 Identify information, records and places previously destroyed or damaged or under threat and report to management 1.3 Assess scope of information for adequacy against the requirements of legislation, codes of practice, guidelines and cultural protocols 1.4 Identify and access appropriate electronic and manual recording systems for data collection 1.5 Identify and access sources of expertise in research environments 1.6 Identify and record areas of inadequate information
Element:	2. Identify stakeholders
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Consult with local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities and authorised individuals 2.2 Conduct interviews under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group and according to organisational requirements 2.3 Investigate and record the current and relevant past land tenure for the site 2.4 Investigate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples' interests with regard to regional and Community organisations 2.5 Apply cultural protocols and conduct key consultations with regional and local Community organisations and individuals 2.6 Comply with privacy requirements according to the directions of stakeholders and legislative and organisation requirements
Element:	3. Develop research approach
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Determine objectives of the field research in conjunction with key stakeholders 3.2 Use objectives to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation 3.3 Assess the types of investigation to be utilised 3.4 Review existing information and data records to determine the starting points for the fieldwork 3.5 Ensure research methodology is consistent with the research objectives 3.6 Identify and access required resources to establish and maintain the research program 3.7 Select appropriate research personnel and identify stakeholders to be included in the consultation process 3.8 Identify research techniques and safe operations within expected environmental and cultural conditions 3.9 Estimate and submit costs of field research for approval 3.10 Establish sampling and recording processes for research information according to best practice and scientific standards 3.11 Ensure investigations comply with guidelines and other legislative requirements
Element:	4. Conduct field investigations
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Use information on stakeholders to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals, and cultural dimensions 4.2 Define and document issues to be addressed with interest groups 4.3 Develop consultation and decision-making process to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations using appropriate cultural protocols 4.4 Provide appropriate time for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues 4.5 Form a decision-making group, to assist in direct investigation, accessing information to address issues and/or review the significance of place or area
Element:	5. Develop process for involving decision-makers
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Follow work health and safety, environmental sustainability and biosecurity policies and procedures when working in field 5.2 Inspect sites to assess condition and availability of further information 5.3 Adjust previously determined methodology considering progressive results and stakeholder feedback 5.4 Coordinate observations, records and monitoring in accordance with scientific practice and to meet research objectives 5.5 Determine ecological, biological and geological, microbiological and entomological diversity within specified area 5.6 Source appropriate equipment and skills for the capture, management and sampling of animal species 5.7 Identify and record evidence of culturally significant resources in area using appropriate recording equipment 5.8 Identify and record impacts from areas external to natural and cultural resources in area under investigation 5.9 Deploy equipment, techniques and people to carry out investigations 5.10 Document and approve each field operation according to legislative and organisation requirements for work in the research environment
Element:	6. Report on the field investigation
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Analyse and record information for impact since previous report and other resources 6.2 Document outcomes according to legislative requirements, the organisation's policies and practices, and international and national processes 6.3 Brief stakeholders and record draft findings 6.4 Develop and submit a determination of significance report to the organisation and its external review processes as required by legislation and codes of practice

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 

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 Overview: Aboriginal history with emphasis on Victoria What are ‘natural’ and ‘cultural resources’? What is a “sacred site”? Where are you from? (Aboriginal place names; Clan & Language groups; Cultural sites) Self-guided research into personal history. Computer Room 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 Worksheet 1: Familiarisation with Resources. Online Quiz, Ungraded: S/NYS) Cultural Resources: Cultural resources Toolbox: Stone Tools; Coastal and Freshwater middens, Historic places; Scar Trees etc Assessment 1 (Student oral presentations):	Where I’m from (student presentations, Randomly selected)
	24-Feb	Field Trip to Bunjilaka Review the experience of Aboriginal groups in SE Australia Review worksheet 1	Meet at Melbourne Museum forecourt at 11.45am Where I’m from
	2-Mar	Review existing knowledge / Sources of knowledge Visit to State Library (Readings, oral histories, old photos, Diaries, Reports, Historic artwork, manuscripts, settlement of Melbourne.etc. Developing a research approach: Seminar Protocols for communication; Identifying stakeholders; Permissions; Hunting down resources / Accessing research material; What is cultural appropriation? Worksheet 2: State Library
	9-Mar	Conducting Field investigations: Preliminary research (Wurundjeri) First Australians DVD Introduction to Readings: Presland; etc. 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 Develop a research approach for the assessment of Scarred trees at Murundaka Reserve, Lower Plenty. (Intro to GPS tools) Group activity, with resources including 1. NSW Scar Tree Manual; 2. Scar tree brochure 3.. Photos 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 classes Thursday 9th April to Wed 15th April
	13-Apr	Follow-up to Murundaka Mapping: Downloading data Legislation: Native Title: The Eddie Mabo story and beyond.. The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2008 (AAV Guest speaker)(or Mik Edwards) 2 views of Native Title: Gary Foley and Noel Pearson Small group presentation.	Assessment 1 due presentation 1.5
	20-Apr	Student research exercise: RAP’s, Native Title, NT Rights and Interests Maps, Cultural maps, cultural iconography-dreaming paths and trading routes Mapping exercise using Google Maps Small group presentations	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) Some History, Archaeology, EVC’s, Human imposed patterns on the landscape. Student presentations Field trip organization	Ass grps 1.10; 1.11;1.12 (in-class presentations)
	4-May	5 Day Field Trip to Gunditjmara Country Attendance is compulsory for this Field trip 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): Relationships between Geology, Season and resource availability (Intro to Coutts, and others) Intro to Aboriginal use of Fire Readings Guest speaker OR Vids (TBA)	Ass.grp 1.17; 1.18 )
	18-May	Review knowledge 3: SW Victoria- a cultural landscape? (Guest Speaker) Logbooks returned
	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

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. 

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

Assessment Matrix

Other Information

This course has a minimum of 85% attendance requirement.

 

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.
 

Study Support: 

Study Support provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by Study Support to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 

assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
maths and science developmental support and advice 
English language development 

Please Refer https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support to find more information about Study and learning Support 

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission: 

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager. 
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted. 
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date. 

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked. 


Special consideration: 

Please Refer https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration to find more information about special consideration 

Academic Integrity: 

"Academic integrity means acting with the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in learning, teaching and research."

It means referencing the work of others while developing your own insights, knowledge and ideas.

Breaches of academic integrity include:

• plagiarism and failure to correctly acknowledge sources
• contract cheating or paying/getting another person to prepare an assignment
• submitting work prepared by another person
• copying other people’s work
• cheating in exams
• breaching the Research Code
• using unauthorised materials or devices

Please Refer: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. You will also use equipment and software packages in the laboratory for the project work. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts

 

  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

RMIT LIBRARY SUBJECT GUIDE: https://rmit.libguides.com/environmentsustainableconservation

Course Overview: Access Course Overview