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Course Outline

OES100 Outdoor Living and Travel Skills

Course Coordinator:Brendon Munge (bmunge@usc.edu.au) School:School of Education and Tertiary Access

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 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

This course teaches safe and environmentally responsible outdoor travel and study skills, focusing on non-motorised transportation. Learning experiences emphasise the development of safe practice, sound judgement, care for others and the environment, preparation, and your ability to learn from experience. In addition, it prepares you with the foundational knowledge for future leadership roles and responsibilities in outdoor environmental education. Physical participation is required, and if you have any concerns, speak to the course coordinator or a UniSC Disability Advisor.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – You are required to engage and interact with asynchronous materials and activities accessed through Canvas modules, course readings and required texts. 1hr Week 1 10 times
Fieldwork – Introductory Paddling Workshop 4hrs Refer to Format Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – There will be a scheduled weekly tutorial of 1-hour connected to the learning material tasks. Some weeks the 1hr tutorial will be replaced by fieldwork. Weekly tutorial notes will be available to accompany learning material to support your learning. 1hr Week 1 10 times
Fieldwork – Students are required to complete associated fieldwork aligned to learning materials and tutorials. The fieldwork requires off-campus activities including some trips that may last 2 days in duration. The time and type of trip will be identified in Canvas 8hrs Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) 4 times
Fieldwork – Field Naturalist Workshop 2hrs Week 3 Once Only

Course Topics

  • Threshold concepts in outdoor education
  • Outdoor and environmental studies goals, purposes, and rationale
  • Bushwalking theory and practice, bushwalking as a way of knowing nature, bushwalking safety, and bush naturalist studies.
  • Flatwater paddling theory and practice, paddling as a way of knowing nature, paddling safety and waterways naturalist studies.
  • Navigational theory, reading landscapes, and navigation practice
  • Weather knowledge, theory, interpretation, technology and safety
  • Understanding coastal environments and developing environmental studies skills associated with them
  • Expedition planning, preparation, and behaviour,
  • Safety in outdoor environments,
  • Personal and professional development in outdoor and environmental studies

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

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 Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * ALTC Threshold Learning Outcomes
1 Draw on practical and theoretical knowledge to interpret and understand coastal environments Knowledgeable
Sustainability-focussed 
1, 3, 4, 5
2 Reflect on and critique learning experiences in outdoor environmental studies field trips Knowledgeable
Sustainability-focussed 
1, 2, 3, 7
3 Identify key components of participation in groups; care for self, others and the environment; and safe practices in bushwalking and flat-water paddling. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Sustainability-focussed 
4, 5, 6
4 Develop personal and professional skills, and an understanding of the threshold concepts of outdoor and environmental studies while living and travelling in outdoor environments. Empowered
Engaged 
1, 2, 5, 7

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
ALTC Threshold Learning Outcomes
1 Outdoor educators create opportunities for experiential learning
2 Outdoor educators use pedagogies that align their program’s purpose and practice
3 Outdoor educators are place-responsive, and see their work as a social, cultural and environmental endeavour
4 Outdoor educators advocate for social and environmental justice
5 Outdoor educators continue to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise
6 Outdoor educators understand safety and apply a strict aversion to fatalities
7 Outdoor educators routinely engage in reflective practice

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 SC110, ED112, ED312, ED315, SC347 or by permission of the course coordinator

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

First-Aid Certificate

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

Early feedback will be provided to students via feedback on the Task 1 Essay. Furthermore, the first of the Task 2 quizzes will enable students to gauge how they are progressing with the overall content. Feedback will be provided promptly before the end of week 4, and further assistance will be offered to students that require it.

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 Essay Individual 20% 
1200 words
 Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Quiz/zes Individual 40% 
4 quizzes
Submit: after each module
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 3 Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual 40% 
10-minute video recording with a reference list
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Essay
Goal: 
This essay is designed to have you explore the research around the goals and purposes of outdoor environmental studies. There is a significant body of learning theory that informs how people interpret and understand natural environments, and you must familiarise yourself with this work.
Product: Essay
Format: 
In this task, you will review relevant literature to develop your rationale for outdoor environmental studies. Your essay should be written in an appropriate academic style, utilising APA 7th referencing conventions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Knowledge and understanding of different approaches within the outdoor learning field.
 2 4
2 
Application, analysis and critique of knowledge about a future teaching context
 2 4
3 
Literacy communication skills including APA 6th referencing, appropriate grammar, and technical accuracy
 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Quizzes
Goal: 
Drawing on your engagement with the blended learning material, tutorials, readings, and evidence in your OLATS learning journal, you will demonstrate your understanding of essential knowledge in coastal ecology, navigation, weather, outdoor environmental studies theory and practice, and outdoor safety to respond to a range of short answer questions.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
Short-answer quizzes measuring your knowledge and understanding about outdoor environmental studies field trips in coastal environments are conducted after each module online.
First quiz Week 3; feedback will be provided prior to the end of Week 4 for early formative feedback
Second Quiz Week 7
Third Quiz Week 10
Fourth Quiz Week 13
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Essential knowledge for safe participation in outdoor environmental studies field trips
 2 3 4
2 
Identification of safety management principles for safe and unsafe practices in outdoor environmental studies field trips.
 1 2 3 4
3 
Knowledge of coastal ecologies.
 1
4 
Knowledge of outdoor environmental studies theory and practice
 2 4
All - Assessment Task 3:Learning Summary
Goal: 
This culminating task asks you to critically reflect on your learning about this course's intended learning outcomes. This course is all about your ability to learn from experience, using foundational theories and practices to inform your future leadership responsibilities in outdoor environmental studies. This learning summary will help you position yourself within this important and exciting field of practice.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format: 
A 10-minute recording of the presentation of your learning, plus the submission of a reference list.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Analysis of experiences on the practical field trip components of the course
 1 2 3 4
2 
Application of theory to the analysis of fieldwork experiences
 2
3 
Oral communication skills and written communication skills showing APA referencing conventions.
 4

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

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Glyn Thomas,Janet Dyment,Heather Prince 2021 Outdoor Environmental Education in Higher Education n/a Springer

Specific requirements

OES100 is structured to provide a sequence of fieldwork experiences that equip you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to meet industry-established safety standards. It is, therefore, an expectation of both the University and our industry partners that you will participate in all of the directed study activities (blended learning material, seminars, tutorials and fieldwork) and demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in the safety-related activities required for safe participation in fieldwork within this course and other OES courses in your program. You must complete and pass the UniSC fieldwork induction before the first practical session and wear appropriate clothing for fieldwork activities. Reasonable alternatives will be provided for students who cannot attend field trips because of circumstances beyond their control. You will need to provide the following items for the practical field trips components of the trip: suitable clothing for all weather contingencies; an A5 learning journal with an all-weather case; a sleeping mat; a sleeping bag; and other personal camping equipment. Tents and stoves will be provided to students.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

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 on 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

  • 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
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