Course Outline
ANM204 Photography for Animal Ecologists
Course Coordinator:Gregory Watson (gwatson1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering
2021Semester 2
UniSC Fraser Coast |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
Animal ecologists use photographs to convey information about animals such as their anatomy and physiology, habitat, behaviour and health for use in identification guides, scientific journals, environmental assessments, and other media. You will build on your knowledge of animal ecology and learn how to capture and present still images following ethical practices. You will learn about image composition, camera operation, post-production editing, and field- and laboratory- techniques. You will apply your skills during an intensive field course, and present your work as a photographic portfolio.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – The tutorials (Lectorials) will run from week 2 to week 8. Another tutorial will run in week 10. So 8 in total. | 2hrs | Week 2 | 8 times |
| Fieldwork – Fieldwork will take place in Week 8 starting on the Friday. The field trip takes place at 4 locations and runs on 4 days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday of week 8 and Monday of week 9). | 32hrs | Week 8 | Once Only |
Course Topics
1. Understanding how a digital camera operates and the basic elements of a digital camera.2.Photography, Macro photography, Micro photography, Thermal photography and Video imaging.3. Using a digital camera to capture images and Photoshop® editing software to enhance them. 4. Skills for photographing animals in the wild, including techniques for setting up and using animal hides, and for stalking timid animals in the wild. 5.Elements of digital images and how to use them to communicate information in animal ecology. 6. Constructing a portfolio which contains photos of animals illustrating their anatomical features, habitat, and behaviour.
What level is this course?
200 Level (Developing)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | |
| 1 | Demonstrate and apply knowledge of how elements of a still image combine to convey specific information relevant to the study of animal ecology, and the basics of how a digital camera works. |
Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker |
| 2 | Critically analyse and solve problems in photography to illustrate animal identification, habitats, behaviour and physiology in a scientific manner. |
Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker |
| 3 | Construct and capture images to convey specific scientific information for research and communication in animal ecology. |
Empowered Ethical |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
ANM100 and 2 of (ANM102 or ANM103 or ANM104 or SCI102) and enrolled in Program SB303 or SC320
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Students should have a basic working knowledge of a DSLR camera, be able to download images from their camera, and to access them through Photoshop. This course will not cover basic computer knowledge and skills, but these will be essential to successfully complete the course.
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
The online quiz (Task 1) will early feedback to students.
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Quiz/zes | Individual | 20% | 30 multiple choice questions |
Week 5 | Online Submission |
| All | 2 | Oral | Group | 30% | 10 min |
Week 7 | In Class |
| All | 3 | Portfolio | Individual | 50% | 12-15 photos, 3000 words |
Week 12 | Online Submission |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Online Assessment | |
| Goal: | The goal of this task is for you to demonstrate and apply knowledge of the general working principles of a digital camera, including being able to predict the correct settings required to achieve a suitable image. |
| Product: | Quiz/zes |
| Format: | Students will work independently to complete an online multiple-choice quiz by the due date. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 2:Presentation | |
| Goal: | Demonstrate and apply knowledge regarding the structure and working of a digital camera and photographic elements to design images that convey specified scientific information for research and communication in animal ecology. |
| Product: | Oral |
| Format: | A 10-minute presentation, plus 5 minutes for questions/discussion. You will be assessed individually (30%). You will present a detailed timeline of how you will spend the field trip. You will be marked based on your organisational ability and the practicality of your plan (10%), and your presentation and justification of your plan (10%). Individually you will describe one type of image you aim to capture, and explain how you will go about capturing it. You will be marked on your ability to 1) Anticipate which species you might find, and how you will go about setting up and capturing the shot (5%) and 2) Explain the necessary digital settings to capture your image given the expected conditions outlined in your plan (5%).This task provides the preliminary work for Task 3. Images may include some or all of the photos required for your photographic portfolio (Task 3). |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 3:Photo Portfolio | |
| Goal: | The goal of this task is to apply your knowledge of animal ecology and photography to illustrate animal habitats, animal behaviour and animal physiology. |
| Product: | Portfolio |
| Format: | Produce a portfolio of images that communicate your intended message, including a description of how each final image was achieved and the information required to recreate each photograph. You will produce a photographic portfolio that will contain 12-15 images. These images will be in organised into groups of 3-4, which will address each of the headings outlined below. Images for Scientific IdentificationThese images will be designed to best facilitate identification of the subject species. They will include at least one whole-body image, plus other images that illustrate the key identifying features of the particular species (e.g. labial scales, toe pads, etc.). Techniques may include the provision of adequate lighting and the use of macro photography. Images illustrating aspects of Animal HabitatsThese images will illustrate an aspect of the habitat of the species of interest. These images will be taken in the field using some or all of the techniques and skills acquired in this course. Images illustrating aspects of Animal BehaviourThese images will illustrate an aspect of the behaviour of the species of interest. These images will be taken in the field using some or all of the techniques and skills acquired in this course. Images illustrating aspects of Animal PhysiologyThese images will illustrate an aspect of the physiology of the species of interest. These images will be taken in the field using some or all of the techniques and skills acquired in this course. Each group of images will be accompanied by short descriptions (100-150 words, max total 3000), outlining the species, significance of the image (e.g. which habitat/behaviour is being illustrated), techniques used to set up the image, camera settings used to capture the image, details of the post-processing (if required), and the ethics involved in capturing the image. |
| Criteria: |
|
Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
Specific requirements
You will be required to have access to a digital camera. You should also be familiar with its use and have a good to fair ability to compose images.
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
SafeUniSC
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
Study help
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
AccessAbility Services
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
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In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
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- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
- Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
- Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au