Course Outline
ENS501 Coastal Conservation Planning
Course Coordinator:Thomas Schlacher (tschlach@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering
2024Semester 1
UniSC Sunshine 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
Coastal ecosystems are facing escalating threats from development and the consequences of climate change. In this course, you will explore the threats faced by coastal ecosystems, learn the principles and tools of conservation and management, and investigate challenges in the coastal strip. You will apply your knowledge in a practical context to undertake a supervised research project that addresses a topical issue for local coastal conservation and/or management. The course emphasises the integration of knowledge and skills to address regional or local conservation and management issues.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Learning materials – 1-hr of recorded online learning materials each week. | 1hr | Week 1 | 13 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 3-hr face-to-face workshop on campus each week. | 3hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Seminar – 1-hr face-to-face seminar on campus | 1hr | Week 2 | 2 times |
| Fieldwork – 4-day field course, delivered face-to-face at an off campus location in week 5. Field course dates are subject to change if weather conditions are poor. | 32hrs | Week 5 | Once Only |
Course Topics
- Be provided with a fundamental grounding in the theory and practice of coastal conservation planning
- Discuss the practical and ethical implications of coastal conservation and management
- Be guided in identifying the nature and scope of a practical study, in developing an associated literature review to contextualise this study within your knowledge of coastal conservation and management, and in presenting a project proposal that outlines how and why the proposed study is important
- Under supervision, complete the proposed research and produce a report that demonstrates a sound understanding of coastal conservation and/or management
What level is this course?
500 Level (Advanced)
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 | Synthesise and critically evaluate specialist scientific literature, data and information from a diversity of sources for application to an advanced coastal management issue. | Creative and critical thinker |
| 2 | Apply specialist practical, conceptual and theoretical tools and techniques in coastal ecology and conservation planning to formulate advanced research questions and design a substantial research project. | Engaged |
| 3 | Utlise advanced knowledge and apply specialist skills associated with research principles and methods to plan, execute and deliver a field project that addresses a significant problem in coastal conservation and management. | Empowered |
| 4 | Integrate advanced theoretical knowledge, and apply specialist technical skills, to summarise and synthesise research findings, and to critically examine these in the context of current paradigms in marine science and coastal conservation. | Knowledgeable |
| 5 | Communicate specialist knowledge, data, arguments and research findings clearly and coherently in appropriate oral and written formats for peers, and other scientific audiences, through application of advanced English language, numeracy and technological skills. | Empowered |
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
Enrolled in program SC523
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Coastal ecosystems are facing escalating threats from development and the consequences of climate change. In this course, you will explore the threats faced by coastal ecosystems, learn the principles and tools of conservation and management, and investigate challenges in the coastal strip. You will apply your knowledge in a practical context to undertake a supervised research project that addresses a topical issue for local coastal conservation and/or management. The course emphasises the integration of knowledge and skills to address regional or local conservation and management issues.
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
Feedback on your Research Plan will be provided in class in Weeks 1 to 4.
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 | Written Piece | Individual | 30% | max. 2000 words |
Week 6 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 2 | Oral | Individual | 20% | max. 30 slides and 15 minutes |
Week 10 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 3 | Report | Individual | 50% | max. 5000 words |
Week 13 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Evidence File / Dossier | |
| Goal: | To produce a compilation, and critical assessment, of the facts available in the global, peer-reviewed literature about an anthropogenic pressure/stressor/threat operating in the coastal and marine domain. Treatment of the subject matter must be balanced, objective, and fair. A critical assessment of the evidence base typically also evaluates the quality and credibility of information sources and studies. |
| Product: | Written Piece |
| Format: | The dossier will generally be a written piece that provides a synthesis of the available evidence base. It generally follows scientific referencing conventions and writing, and it contains summaries of particular issues where appropriate and necessary. In practical terms, it would be a valuable document for a court case involving an environmental matter. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 2:Seminar | |
| Goal: | To create a presentation that sketches the key features and characteristics of an anthropogenic threat, conservation issues, or management challenge in the coastal and marine domain. The presentation should be brief enough to keep the audience engaged whilst expansive and detailed enough to cover the aspects that are essential for an understanding of the key messages. |
| Product: | Oral |
| Format: | Whilst the ‘standard’ form of presentation that is widely used in science and business is a f2f talk supported by a suite of PowerPoint slides, we are here flexible. We have catholic tastes regarding communication and the arts (check with the course coordinator first). Thus students are free to choose any format as long as it is practical, professional, and respectful. For formal talks, students should aim for a maximum duration of 20 minutes (shorter is better) and limit their supporting slides to fewer than 30. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 3:Project Report | |
| Goal: | To demonstrate skills typically used during the quantitative analysis as part of a scientific investigation examining the role of anthropogenic stressors in coastal and marine ecosystems and the capacity to communicate results in a form that meets the basic standards widely accepted in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. |
| Product: | Report |
| Format: | A written report that summarises the rationale, methods, and key results of anthropogenic stressors in the coastal zone examined during the field trip(s) in this course. The report should include: i) a very brief summary of the relevant scientific literature, ii) a sketch of the main objectives/key questions addressed, iii) an outline of the tests of ecological hypotheses (where appropriate) and their results, and iv) 5 contextualisation of the findings concerning ecosystem sensitivity and the socio-cultural values shaping human uses of coastal and marine systems. |
| Criteria: |
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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
Access to internet and search engines. You will be required to undertake field studies for four days. You will be required to wear covered footwear, hat, long-sleeved shirt and long trousers for field safety. Accommodation costs will be covered. Details of costs and opportunities for travel and food will be set out at the beginning of the semester. Discuss any financial hardship that might be associated with the field studies with the Course Coordinator.
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
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
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
- Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
- Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au