Course Outline

OES104 Learning in Australian Landscapes

Course Coordinator:Robyn Fox (rfox@usc.edu.au) School:School of Education and Tertiary Access

2026Trimester 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 introduces you to Australian landscapes and the broad range of educational and ecotourism experiences that can be provided in these places. You will develop introductory knowledge and skills in a range of content areas and disciplines relevant to future outdoor leaders, teachers, and environmental interpreters. By participating in field trips to a selection of local Australian environments, you will gain first-hand experience of high-quality outdoor learning and ecotourism experiences.

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. 2hrs Week 1 8 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – There will be a series of 2 hour workshops throughout the trimester. Attendance is a requirement at these workshop as the serve as preparatory work and development or required safety knowledge for the completion of fieldwork. 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Fieldwork – Fieldwork trips - duration dependent on location. Students are required to complete associated fieldwork aligned to workshops. The fieldwork requires off-campus activities. Total number of days of fieldwork will be identified in Canvas. 8hrs Refer to Format 6 times

Course Topics

  • Theories of outdoor environmental education
  • Safety in outdoor environments
  • Threshold concepts in outdoor environmental education
  • Field naturalist journaling: Observation, recording and reflection
  • Fostering ecological literacy through thematic interpretation
  • Earth changing shape: Australia’s unique and vulnerable flora and fauna 
  • Earth shaped by water and air: the changing coastlines of SE Queensland
  • Adaptations of Flora and Fauna
  • Ecological succession
  • Australian bushfire regimes
  • Human-wildlife interactions

 

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 * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) *
1 Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding for learning in outdoor environments Knowledgeable
Empowered
Sustainability-focussed
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2 Describe and analyse outdoor fieldwork observations and experiences Knowledgeable
Empowered
Sustainability-focussed
1, 2, 3, 3.3.1, 4, 4, 4.2.5, 5, 6, 6.2.3, 6.2.4, 7, 9.2.1, 13.2.5
3 Transfer practical and theoretical knowledge to interpreting and learning in Australian landscapes Knowledgeable
Empowered
3, 5, 7
4 Employ effective language, structure and text to communicate information and ideas Empowered
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
Education for Sustainable Development Goals
3.3.1 The learner is able to include health promoting behaviours in their daily routines.
4 Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
4.2.5 The learner is able to engage personally with ESD.
6.2.3 The learner is able to feel responsible for their water use.
6.2.4 The learner is able to see the value in good sanitation and hygiene standards.
9.2.1 The learner is able to argue for sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure in their local area.
13.2.5 The learner is able to recognize that the protection of the global climate is an essential task for everyone and that we need to completely re-evaluate our worldview and everyday behaviours in light of this.

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 ED112, ED312

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 through Task 1 and the online discussion forums, and further assistance will be offered to those who require it. Formative assessment for Task 3 Journal will be provided in twice throughout the trimester and will enable students to gauge how they are progressing with the overall content.

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 Activity Participation Individual 30%
Three primary posts -associated with the key readings or learning materials. 
Three secondary posts- associated with the key readings or learning materials.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Discussion Board
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual and Group 30%
Presentation: 15-minute presentation and five-minute discussion.
Planning and reflection document 1200 words.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class
All 3 Journal Individual 40%
Trimester Long
 6- pages minimum for each field day
 2- pages for each week of the trimester
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) To Supervisor
All - Assessment Task 1:Online Discussion
Goal:
Contribute to a series of online discussions with peers based on a selection of course readings and/or prompts related to course learning materials.
Product: Activity Participation
Format:
Written posts on the discussion board. 
Primary and secondary posts should be approximately 300 words each.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Discussion content is related to core reading and learning materials.
1
2
Effectively communicate and stimulate discussion using referenced material as supporting evidence.
3
3
Secondary posts elaborate on and build upon previous discussions.
3
4
Employ effective language, structure and text to communicate information and ideas using APA formatting
3 4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Enviornmental Thematic presentation and analysis
Goal:
In a small group, you will apply your knowledge of environmental interpretation and communication to plan, present, and reflect on a thematic presentation delivered to your peers.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
Presentation: In person
Planning and reflection documentation: Online
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Presentation: Employs clear, confident and engaging communication with supporting materials
4
2
Application of environmental thematic analysis theory to an outdoor environmental education context.
1 3
3
Knowledge and understanding of principles of earth science and outdoor environmental studies.
3
4
Planning and Reflection Document: Employ effective language, structure, and text to communicate information and ideas.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Field Naturalist Interpretive Journal
Goal:
You will demonstrate your knowledge gained from OES field trips, personal observations and reflections, tutorials and learning materials to complete a field naturalist interpretive journal.
Product: Journal
Format:
Hand in at the conclusion of your final field trip for the trimester.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Knowledge and understanding of principles of earth science and environmental studies.
1 2
2
Application of theory to the analysis of fieldwork experiences.
1 2 3
3
Employ effective language, structure and use multimodal formats to communicate information.
4
4
Knowledge and execution of professional conduct, OES fieldwork behaviour and safety culture.
1 2 3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode Assessment Type Title Competency Teaching Methods
Outdoor Education Threshold Concepts
All delivery modes Activity Participation Online Discussion 2 Taught
3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4 Taught, Practiced
5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Journal Field Naturalist Interpretive Journal 1 Taught
2 Taught
3 Taught, Practiced
4 Taught, Practiced
5 Taught, Practiced
6 Taught, Practiced
7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Oral and Written Piece Enviornmental Thematic presentation and analysis 1 Taught
2 Taught
3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4 Taught
5 Taught
6 Taught
7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed

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

OES104 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, 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. All Fieldwork activities are processed via the Field Friendly system. Students will receive an invitation via email for specific field trips, along with a request to complete the 'Online Induction for Fieldwork’. You must complete the Fieldwork Induction quiz and receive 100% before participating in fieldwork activities. You must also complete your personal details and emergency contacts. Trip information and risk management details will also be provided within Field Friendly. Please be aware that field trip dates may change due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 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 trip components: a day pack with a waterproof cover, a reusable water bottle, hiking shoes, a broad-brimmed hat, and a rain jacket. You may be required to provide your own transport to and from the field trip starting locations. 
Please be aware that this course includes physically active, outdoor components that require a reasonable level of fitness to participate in safely and effectively. If you have a disability, medical condition, or any concerns that may affect your involvement in these practical experiences, you are encouraged to contact the course coordinator or a UniSC Accessibility Advisor to discuss available support and adjustments.

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 of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

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