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Course Outline

OES215 Marine Science Education Fieldwork

Course Coordinator:Glyn Thomas (gthomas2@usc.edu.au) School:School of Education and Tertiary Access

2023Semester 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

In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to facilitate experiences that can change people’s relationships with marine environments. The course topics will develop your expertise and ability to: plan and conduct fieldwork, analyse and evaluate information and transmit skills and scientific knowledge to others. The 6 days of immersive field expeditions enable you to investigate marine plants, animals and coastal processes on the Sunshine Coast. This course will help you to become proficient in safely managing, organising, and facilitating marine science fieldwork.

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 8 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – A blended learning approach is used to deliver the workshop component of the course. The workshop is synchronous using technology-enabled learning and teaching experience that involves on-campus engagement and application of learning materials. 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Fieldwork – You will engage in 4 x single day compulsory fieldwork trips throughout the semester. The exact timing of the field trips will be announced in week 1 of the course. 8hrs Week 1 4 times
Seminar – 3 seminars will be conducted on campus 1hr Week 1 3 times
Independent Study/Research – In addition to engaging with the learning materials and workshop sessions and completing the assessable tasks, you are required to engage in self-directed learning using the Canvas course modules and current research/reading via USC library databases and the required/recommended textbooks and resources. 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  1. Based on experiential learning practices, develop knowledge and practical outdoor skills required to safely and sustainably lead and manage field trips in marine environments.
  2. Introduction to oceanography, including coastal geomorphic process, tides and currents
  3. Marine biology, including marine ecology and biodiversity and associated environmental management
  4. Marine Systems with a focus on reefs and implications for a changing environment
  5. Overview of ocean resources and resource management
  6. Identification of marine species commonly found in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions
  7. Further, develop and apply scientific knowledge and fieldwork practices required to experience and investigate marine environments sustainably. 
  8. Enclosed water kayak skills 

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

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 Analyse and evaluate the use of group facilitation, experiential education, and instructional approaches when leading groups in outdoor environments. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
2 Apply and use judgement in decision making, regarding group safety and facilitation to enhance learning through sustainable outdoor environment experiences. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Sustainability-focussed
3 Facilitate environmentally sustainable interpretive activities with peers. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Sustainability-focussed
4 Develop and apply personal and professional skills while leading peers in outdoor environments. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
5 Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the evolution, diversity and ecology of marine and coastal wildlife and key issues for their conservation and management. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
6 Critically analyse and evaluate: a) local and global threats to marine and coastal organisms b) field data to investigate ecology of marine and coastal wildlife. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
7 Communicate effectively and professionally Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed

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 ED312, ED112 or ED315

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

This course involves overnight camping trips, subject to COVID-19 restrictions. You need to be aware of the physical components and location requirements of the course. If you have a disability, medical condition or any concerns that may affect your participation in the compulsory practical components of the course, you are invited to discuss your options with the course coordinator or a USC Disability Advisor.

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

Students will engage in self and peer-assessment processes in tutorials to gain feedback that will assist in preparation for the assessment tasks.

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 Journal Individual 30% 
Maximum of 2000 words.
 Week 12 To Supervisor
All 2 Report Group 30% 
1000 words plus visual material
 Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Case Study Group 40% 
1500 - 2,000 words + visual material.
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Fieldwork journal: Investigations of marine ecosystem.
Goal: 
Demonstrate your observational skills and transfer knowledge of marine and coastal environments experienced in the field trips.
Product: Journal
Format: 
In this task you will record your observations and transfer knowledge of the dynamic marine and coastal environments encountered during your field trips. You will use multiple texts (written, photographs, diagrams, maps) to communicate your observations and further research to support your observations and analysis.
Submit week 6 for progressive feedback and mark. 
Final due week 12.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Foundational knowledge and understanding for learning in outdoor environments
 5 6
2 
Description and analysis of outdoor fieldwork observations and experiences.
 1 5 6 7
3 
Application of academic literacy including English expression, APA 6th referencing conventions, grammar, and technical accuracy
 7
All - Assessment Task 2:Design educational material to support marine environment conservation on the Sunshine Coast
Goal: 
Demonstrate knowledge and analytical skills in the scientific investigation of a critical area of marine environmental conservation on the Sunshine Coast. Identify an area of focus inclusive of the key issues for conservation and management and, as a result of recommendations made, produce educational materials to inform a chosen group
Product: Report
Format: 
In a group of 2 or 3, you will analyse secondary data and data collected during the field investigations to determine the threats to the conservation of your area of focus on the Sunshine Coast. You will present this in the required scientific format. Based on one area of your findings, your group will develop educational materials that will inform a chosen audience and encourage their adoption of sustainable practices.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Knowledge and application of  the evolution, diversity, and ecology of marine and coastal wildlife and key issues for their conserc
 5
2 
Collection, analysis and evaluation of data on a marine coastal wildlife issue
 1 6
3 
Justified recommendations to support coastal marine conservation
 1 3 5 6
4 
Production scientifically valid educational material in a professional manner for a chosen group.
 7
All - Assessment Task 3:The organisation of an interpretive fieldtrip into a marine environment
Goal: 
Plan and facilitate an interpretive fieldtrip for an identified group in a marine environment
Product: Case Study
Format: 
Working in a group of 2 or 3 you will: 
a). Develop the organisational requirements for a practical investigation into a marine environment 
b). Develop environmental interpretation activities for the chosen group. The context will be based on snorkelling or paddling in a coastal marine ecosystem.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstration and communication of the organisational requirements for an interpretive field trip in a coastal marine environment
 1 2 4
2 
Application of environmental and ecological knowledge to help peers interpret a particular coastal and or marine environment.
 3 5 6
3 
Produce scientifically valid educational material in a professional manner.
Apply academic literacy skills including English expression, APA 6th referencing conventions, grammar
 7

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.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities 
Field trips, dates to be confirmed
 
Kayaking and snorkelling

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

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

This course includes snorkelling and kayaking. You will therefore need to be reasonably fit and a competent swimmer. In addition, you are required to provide suitable clothing for field trips in all-weather contingencies. OES215 is structured to provide you with a sequence of fieldwork experiences that equip you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to meet industry-established safety standards. It is, therefore, a requirement of both the University and our industry partners that you will participate in all of the fieldwork and directed study activities and demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in the safety-related activities required for safe participation in fieldwork within this course. You must complete the Fieldwork Induction quiz and receive 100% before participating in fieldwork activities. Please note that field trip dates are subject to change because of adverse weather and other mitigating circumstances.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been conducted for the field activities being undertaken and a high level of risk has been identified. High level risk may include, boating, diving, and hot works such as welding, cutting and grinding. Where high risks exist you will be given training and advice about how to control the high level risk, however it is also 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

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

  • 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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