CLASSES

Delivery: Day, internal

The weekly instruction program consists of two hours of lectures and a four hour practical class. A compulsory mid-semester fieldtrip will be held to examine river diversity, river evolution, linkages in catchment, geoecology and river rehabilitation.

Lectures

Lectures are typically 2 hours in length. They are designed to provide you with a framework with which to focus your study of the subject and are an essential and important component of the course. They are by no means exhaustive on each and every topic, and you are expected to supplement them by reading especially from the textbook but also from the current journals, where the most up-to-date information can be found. There is a reading list for you to use as a starting point later in this document, and additional material will be referred to during the lecture program.

Practical Classes

Practical Classes comprise a 3 hour practical exercise that will be held either in the classroom or in the computer lab. Practicals provide greater depth to the related lecture materials and are designed to assist learning by encouraging your active participation. The pracs and fieldtrips are a compulsory part of ENVE339 and are designed to help you work towards the assessable assignments, to allow you to build on lectures, reading and other material, and to develop generic and specific skills. You will usually complete the practical within the class time. Each student must bring the appropriate equipment to the practical session and pre-read the practical description. Equipment may include; overhead transparencies, permanent FINE overhead pen (range of colours preferably), drawing pencils (2B, HB), coloured pencils, ruler, sharpener, eraser, protractor, calculator, field note book.

Field Work (PACE activity)

There is a compulsory mid-semester fieldtrip in this unit which constitutes the PACE activity for this unit. This fieldtrip reinforces and extends the content of course and gives you experience in field analyses and interpretation of fluvial environments. The major fieldtrip report is a primary assessment for this course. Equipment and safety issues for field work are described below.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Textbook and required reading for this unit

There is a textbook for this course. Copies are available in the bookshop as well as in the Reserve section of the library.

• Fryirs, K.A. and Brierley (2013) Geomorphic Analysis of River Systems: An Approach to Reading the Landscape. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, UK.

An accompanying book which you will find useful for some aspects of the course is available in the library:

• Brierley, G.J. and Fryirs, K.A. (2005) Geomorphology and River Management: Applications of the River Styles Framework. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, 398pp..

Recommended reading for this unit

Recommended weekly readings are also noted in the course timetable.

The following books and papers are recommended as valuable background. The scope of the course is vast and our time is limited, therefore the lectures are of necessity just an overview of each topic. You must read widely, and not just the material required for the assignments. A wealth of scientific information can be gained from Database searches on the University library website. Try GeoRef, Scopus or Web of Science databases!

Books

• Bridge, J.S. 2003. Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes and Sedimentary Record. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, U.K.
• Brierley, G.J. and Fryirs, K.A. 2005. Geomorphology and River Management: Application of the River Styles Framework. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK.
• Calow, P. and Petts, G.E. 1994. (Eds.) The Rivers Handbook: Hydrological and Ecological Principles. Blackwell, Oxford, 523 pp.
• Darby, S.E. and Simon, A. 1999. Incised Channels: Processes, Forms, Engineering and Management. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, UK.
• Downs, P. and Gregory, K.J. 2004. River Channel Management, Arnold, London.
• Gordon, N.D., McMahon, T.A., Finlayson, B.L. Gippel, C.J. and Nathan, R.J. 2004. Stream Hydrology: An Introduction for Ecologists (Second Edition). John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 429pp.
• Knighton, D. 1998. Fluvial forms and processes : A new perspective. Arnold, London.
• Kondolf, G.M. and Piegay, H. (Eds.) 2003. Tools in Fluvial Geomorphology. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK.
• Leopold, L.B., Wolman, M.G. and Millar, J.P. 1964. Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology. Dover Publications, New York.
• Miller, A. and Gupta, A. (Eds.) 1999. Varieties of Fluvial Form. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester.
• Naiman, R.J. and Bilby, R.E. (Eds.) 1998. River Ecology and Management: Lessons from the Pacific Coastal Ecoregion. Springer-Verlag, New York..
• Petts, G. and Calow, P. (Eds.). 1996. River flows and channel forms. Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford.
• Richards, K. 1982. Rivers: Form & Process in Alluvial Channels. Methuen.
• Rogers, K. and Ralph, T.J. (Eds.) 2010. Floodplain wetland biota in the Murray-Darling Basin: Water and habitat requirements. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria.
• Schumm, S.A. 1977. The Fluvial System. Wiley, New York.
• Thorne, C.R., Hey, R.D. and Newson, M.D. (Eds.) 1997. Applied Fluvial Geomorphology for River Engineering and Management. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
• Tinkler, K.J. and Wohl, E.E. (Eds.) 1998. Rivers over rock: Fluvial processes in bedrock channels. Geophysical Monograph Series 107. American Geophysical Union, Washington D.C.
• Warner RF (1988) Fluvial Geomorphology in Australia. Academic. Press, Sydney.

Selected Journal Articles and Book Chapters

• Baker V.R. 1988. Geological fluvial geomorphology. Geological Society of America Bulletin 100, 1157-1167.
• Brunsden D. & Thornes J.B. 1979. Landscape sensitivity and change, Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers 4, 463-484.
• Brierley G.J. 1996. Channel morphology and element assemblages: A constructivist approach to facies modelling. In Carling P.A. & Dawson M.R. eds. Advances in Fluvial Dynamics and Stratigraphy. John Wiley and Sons.
• Brierley, G.J., Cohen, T, Fryirs, K. & Brooks, A. 1999. Post-European changes to the fluvial geomorphology of Bega catchment, Australia: implications for river ecology. Freshwater Biology 41, 1-10.
• Brierley, G.J. & Fryirs, K.A. 2005. Geomorphology and River Management: Application of the River Styles Framework. Blackwell Publishing.
• Brierley G.J. & Fryirs, K. 2000. River Styles, a geomorphic approach to catchment characterisation: Implications for river rehabilitation in Bega catchment, New South Wales, Australia. Environmental Management 25(6), 661-679.
• Brierley, G.J., Fryirs, K., Outhet, D. & Massey, C. 2002. Application of the River Styles framework as a basis for river management in New South Wales, Australia. Applied Geography 22, 91-122.
• Brookes, A. & Shields, F.D. Jr. (Eds.) 1996. River Channel Restoration: Guiding Principles for Sustainable Projects. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, pp75-101
• Brooks, A. & Brierley, G.J. 1997. Geomorphic responses of lower Bega River to catchment disturbance, 1851-1926. Geomorphology 18, 291-304.
• Baker V.R. & Twidale C.R. 1991. The re-enchantment of geomorphology. Geomorphology 4, 73-100.
• Bridge, J.S. 2003. Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes and Sedimentary Record. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, U.K.
• Brunsden D. 1990. Tablets of stone: toward the Ten Commandments in geomorphology. Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie 79, 1-37.
• Brooks, A.P., Brierley, G.J. & Millar, R.G. 2003. The long-term control of vegetation and woody debris on channel and floodplain evolution: Insights from a paired catchment study in southeastern Australia. Geomorphology 51, 7-29.
• Calow, P. & Petts, G.E. (Eds.) 1994. The Rivers Handbook: Hydrological and Ecological Principles. Blackwell, Oxford, 523 pp.
• Chappell, J. 1983. Thresholds and lags in geomorphologic changes. Australian Geographer 15, 357-366.
• Chessman, B.C., Fryirs, K.A. and Brierley, G.J. 2006. Linking geomorphic character, behaviour and condition to fluvial biodiversity: Implications for river rehabilitation. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Research. 16, 267-288.
• Chorley, R.J. 1969. The drainage basin as the fundamental geomorphic unit. In: Chorley, R.J. (ed.) Water, Earth, and Man. Methuen and Co. Ltd., Canada.
• Church, M. 2002. Geomorphic thresholds in riverine landscapes. Freshwater Biology 47, 541-557.
• Church, M. 1996. Channel Morphology and Typology. In Petts, G. and Calow, P. (Eds.). River flows and channel forms. Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford. pp185-202.
• Church, M. & Miles, M.J. 1982. Discussion of processes and mechanisms of bank erosion. In: Hey, R.D., Bathurst, J.C. & Thorne, C.R. (eds.) Gravel-Bed Rivers. Wiley, Chichester, pp. 259-268.
• Costa, J.E. & O'Connor, J.E. 1995. Geomorphically effective floods. In: Costa, J.E., Miller, A.J., Potter, K.W. and Wilcock, P.R. (eds.) Natural and Anthropogenic Influences in Fluvial Geomorphology, Geophysical Monograph 89. American Geophysical Union, Washington D.C, pp. 45-56.
• Crouch R.A. & Blong R.J. 1989. Gully sidewall classification: methods and application. Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie 33, 291-305.
• Dollar, E.S.J. 2004. Fluvial Geomorphology. Progress in Physical Geography 28(3), 405-450
• Ferguson, R.J. & Brierley, G.J. 1999. Downstream changes in valley confinement as a control on floodplain morphology, lower Tuross River, New South Wales: A constructivist approach to floodplain analysis. In: Miller, A.J. & Gupta, A. (eds.) Varieties of Fluvial Form. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, pp. 377-407.
• Friedman, J.M., Osterkamp, W.R. & Lewis, W.M. 1996. The role of vegetation and bed-level fluctuations in the process of channel narrowing. Geomorphology 14, 341-351.
• Frissell, C.A., Liss, W.J., Warren, C.E. & Hurley, M.D. 1986. A hierarchical framework for stream habitat classification: Viewing streams in a watershed context. Environmental Management 10, 199-214.
• Fryirs, K. 2003. Guiding principles for assessing geomorphic river condition: Application of a framework in the Bega catchment, South Coast, New South Wales, Australia. Catena 53, 17-52.
• Fryirs, K. & Brierley, G.J. 1998. The character and age structure of valley fills in upper Wolumla Creek catchment, South Coast, New South Wales. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 23, 271-287.
• Fryirs, K. & Brierley, G.J. 1999. Slope-channel decoupling in Wolumla catchment, N.S.W., Australia: The changing nature of sediment sources following European settlement. Catena 35, 41-63.
• Fryirs, K. & Brierley, G.J. 2000. A geomorphic approach for the identification of river recovery potential. Physical Geography 21(3), 244-277.
• Fryirs, K. & Brierley, G.J. 2001. Variability in sediment delivery and storage along river courses in Bega catchment, NSW, Australia: Implications for geomorphic river recovery. Geomorphology 38, 237-265.
• Fryirs, K., Brierley, G. J., Preston, N. J. and Kasai, M. 2007 (a). The (dis)connectivity of catchment-scale sediment cascades. Catena, 70, 49-67.
• Fryirs, K., Brierley, G. J., Preston, N. J. and Spencer, J. 2007 (b). Catchment-scale (dis)connectivity in sediment flux in the upper Hunter catchment, New South Wales, Australia. Geomorphology, 84, 297-316.
• Gurnell, A.M., Piegay, H., Gregory, S.V. & Swanson, F.J. 2002. Large wood and fluvial processes. Freshwater Biology 47, 601-619.
• Harvey, A.M. 2001. Coupling between hillslopes and channels in upland fluvial systems: Implications for landscape sensitivity illustrated from the Howgill Fells, northwest England. Catena 42, 225-250.
• Heritage, G.L., van Niekerk, A.W. & Moon, B.P. 1999. Geomorphology of the Sabie River, South Africa: an incised bedrock-influenced channel. In: Miller, A.J. and Gupta, A. (eds.) Varieties of Fluvial Form. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, pp. 53-79.
• Hickin, E.J. 1983. River channel changes: Retrospect and prospect. International Association of Sedimentologists Special Publication 6, 61-83.
• Hickin, E.J. 1984. Vegetation and river channel dynamics. Canadian Geographer 28, 111-125.
• Hickin, E.J. & Nanson, G.C. 1975. The character of channel migration on the Beaaton River, Northeast British Columbia, Canada. Geological Society of America Bulletin 86, 487-494.
• Hooke, J.M. 1979. An analysis of the processes of river bank erosion. Journal of Hydrology 42, 39-62.
• Hupp, C.R. and Osterkamp, W.R.. 1996. Riparian vegetation and fluvial geomorphic processes. Geomorphology 14,277-295.
• Kellerhals, R., Church, M. & Bray, D.I. 1976. Classification and analysis of river processes. Journal of the Hydraulics Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers 102(HY7), 813-829.
• Kingsford, R.T. 2000. Ecological impacts of dams, water diversions and river management on floodplain wetlands in Australia. Austral Ecology 25, 109¡V127.
• Kirkup, H. et al. 1998. Temporal variability of climate in south-eastern Australia: A reassessment of flood- and drought-dominated regimes. Australian Geographer 29, 241-255.
• Knighton, D. 1998. Fluvial forms and processes : A new perspective. Arnold, London.
• Knighton, A.D. & Nanson, G.C. 1993. Anastomosis and the continuum of channel pattern. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 18, 613-625.
• Kondolf, G.M. 1997. Hungry water: Effects of dams and gravel mining on river channels. Environmental Management 21(4), 533-551.
• Kondolf G.M. & Micheli E.R. 1995. Evaluating stream restoration projects. Environmental Management 19, 1-15.
• Lane, S.N. & Richards, K.S. 1997. Linking river channel form and process: Time, space and causality revisited. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 22, 249-260.
• Leopold, L.P. & Wolman, M.G. 1957. River channel patterns: Braided, meandering and straight. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper, 282-B.
• Leopold, L.B., Wolman, M.G. & Millar, J.P. 1964. Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology. Dover Publications, New York.
• Lewin, J. & Brindle, B.J. 1977. Confined meanders. In: Gregory, K.J. (ed.) River Channel Changes. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, pp. 221-233.
• Miller, A.J. 1995. Valley morphology and boundary conditions influencing spatial patterns of flood flow. In: Costa, J.E., Miller, A.J., Potter, K.W. and Wilcock, P.R. (eds.) Natural and Anthropogenic Influences in Fluvial Geomorphology, Geophysical Monograph 89. American Geophysical Union, Washington D.C., pp. 57-81.
• Miller, J.R. and Ritter, J.B. 1996. An examination of the Rosgen classification of natural rivers. Catena 27, 295-299.
• Montgomery, D.R. & Buffington, J.M. 1997. Channel-reach morphology in mountain drainage basins. Geographical Society of America Bulletin 109(5), 596-611.
• Montgomery, D.R. & Piegay, H. 2003. Wood in rivers: interactions with channel morphology and processes. Geomorphology 51(1-3), 1-5.
• Nanson, G.C. 1986. Episodes of vertical accretion and catastrophic stripping: a model of disequilibrium floodplain development, Geological Society of America Bulletin 97, 1467-1475.
• Nanson, G.C. & Hickin, E.J. 1986. A statistical analysis of bank erosion and channel migration in western Canada. Geological Society of America Bulletin 97, 497-504.
• Nanson, G.C. & Croke, J.C. 1992. A genetic classification of floodplains, Geomorphology 4, 459-486.
• Nanson, G.C. & Knighton, A.D. 1996. Anabranching rivers: their cause, character and classification. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 21, 217-239.
• Nanson, G.C. & Young, R.W. 1981a. Downstream reduction of rural channel size with contrasting urban effects in small coastal stream of south eastern Australia. Journal of Hydrology 52, 239-255.
• Nanson G.C. & Young D.M. 1981b. Overbank deposition and floodplain formation on small coastal streams of New South Wales. Zeitshrift fur Geomorphologie 25(3), 332-347.
• Nicholas, A.P., Ashworth, P.J., Kirkby, M.J., Macklin, M.G. & Murray, T. 1995. Sediment slugs: Large-scale fluctuations in fluvial sediment transport rates and storage volumes. Progress in Physical Geography 19(4), 500- 519.
• Nott, J., Young, R. & McDougall, I. 1996. Wearing down, wearing back, and gorge extension in the long-term denudation of a highland mass: Quantitative evidence from the Shoalhaven catchment, Southeastern Australia. The Journal of Geology 104, 224-232.
• Page, K.J. & Nanson, G.C. 1996. Stratigraphic architecture resulting from Late Quaternary evolution of the Riverine Plain, south-eastern Australia. Sedimentology 43, 927-945.
• Petts, G. & Calow, P. (Eds.). 1996. River flows and channel forms. Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford.
• Phillips, J.D. 1992. The end of equilibrium? Geomorphology 5, 195-201.
• Phillips, J.D. 2003. Sources of nonlinearity and complexity in geomorphic systems, Progress in Physical Geography 27(1), 1-23.
• Phillips, J.D. 2007. The perfect landscape. Geomorphology 84(3-4), 159-169.
• Prosser, I.P. & Winchester, S.J. 1996). History and process of gully initation and development in eastern Australia.Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie. Suppl Bnd. 105, 91-109.
• Prosser, I.P., Chappell, J. & Gillespie, R. 1994. Holocene valley aggradation and gully erosion in headwatercatchments, south-eastern highlands of Australia. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 19, 465-480.
• Ralph, T.J., Kobayashi, T., Garcia, A., Hesse, P.P., Yonge, D., Bleakley, N. & Ingleton, T. 2011. Paleoecological responses to avulsion and floodplain evolution in a semiarid Australian freshwater wetland. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences 58, 75-91.
• Ralph, T.J. & Hesse, P.P. 2010. Downstream hydrogeomorphic changes along the Macquarie River, southeastern Australia, leading to channel breakdown and floodplain wetlands. Geomorphology 118(1-2), 48-64.
• Rhoads B.L. & Thorn C.E. 1993. Geomorphology as science: the role of theory. Geomorphology 6, 287-307.
• Rhoads, B.L. 2006. The dynamics of geomorphology reenvisioned. Annals of the Association of American Geographers 96(1), 14-30.
• Rosgen, D.L. 1994. A classification of natural rivers. Catena 22, 169-199.
• Rutherfurd, I. 2000. Some human impacts on Australian stream channel morphology. In Brizga, S. and Finlayson, B. River Management: The Australasian Experience. Chichester, pp11-49.
• Saunders, K.M & Taffs, K.H. 2009. Palaeoecology: A tool to improve the management of Australian estuaries. Journal of Environmental Management 90, 2730-2736.
• Schumm, S.A. 1969. River Metamorphosis. Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, 95: 255-273.
• Schumm S.A. 1973. Geomorphic thresholds and the complex response of drainage systems. In Fluvial Geomorphology, Morisawa M (ed), State Univ. of New York, Binghampton, pp. 299-310.
• Schumm S.A. 1977. The Fluvial System. Wiley, New York.
• Schumm, S.A. 1979. Geomorphic thresholds: The concept and its applications. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers 4, 485-515.
• Schumm S.A. & Lichty R.W. 1965. Time, space and causality in geomorphology. American Journal of Science 263, 110-119.
• Seidl, M.A., Weissel, J.K. & Pratson, L.F. 1996. The kinematics and pattern of escarpment retreat across the rifted continental margin of SE Australia. Basin Research 12, 301-316.
• Thomas, M.F. 2001. Landscape sensitivity in time and space: An introduction. Catena 42, 83-98.
• Thoms, M.C. & Sheldon, F. 2000. Lowland rivers: an Australian introduction. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management 16, 375¡V383.
• Thomson, J., Taylor, M.P., Fryirs, K.A. and Brierley, G.J. 2001. A geomorphic framework for river characterisation and habitat assessment. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Research 11, 373-389.
• Thorne, C.R. 1982. Processes and mechanisms of river bank erosion. In: Hey, R.D., Bathurst, J.C. and Thorne, C.R. (eds.) Gravel-bed Rivers: Fluvial Processes, Engineering and Management. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, pp. 227-271.
• Tooth, S. 2000. Process, form and change in dryland rivers: a review of recent research. Earth-Science Reviews 51, 67-107.
• Tooth, S. & Nanson, G.C. 1995. The geomorphology of Australia¡¦s fluvial systems: retrospect, perspect and prospect. Progress in Physical Geography 19(1), 35-60.
• Trimble, S.W. 1983. A sediment budget for Coon Creek basin in the Driftless Area, Wisconsin, 1853-1977. American Journal of Science 283(5), 454-474.
• Vannote, R.L., Minshall, G.W., Cummins, K.W., Sedell, J.R. & Cushing, C.E. 1980. The river continuum concept. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 37, 130-137.
• Walling, D.E. 1983. The sediment delivery problem. Journal of Hydrology 65, 209-237.
• Ward, J.V. 1989. The four-dimensional nature of lotic ecosystems. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 8, 2-8.
• Warner R.F. 1988. Fluvial Geomorphology in Australia. Academic. Press, Sydney.
• Warner, R.F. 1992. Floodplain evolution in a New South Wales coastal valley, Australia: Spatial process variations. Geomorphology 4, 447-458.
• Williams, M.A.J., Adamson, D.A. & Baxter, J.T. 1986. Late Quaternary environments in the Nile and Darling basins. Australian Geographical Studies 24, 128-144.
• Wolman M.G. & Gerson R.A. 1978. Relative rates of time and effectiveness of climate in watershed geomorphology. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms 3, 189-208.
• Wolman M.G. & Miller J.P. 1960. Magnitude and frequency of forces in geomorphic processes. Journal of Geology 68, 54-74.

UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

This unit will use: iLearn, computer modelling software

Unit homepage

This unit has a home page that can be accessed through the Macquarie University online facility (ilearn.mq.edu.au). It contains the usual discussion page, mail page, lecture notes page etc. Kirstie and Tim will monitor these pages. As the semester progresses the page will be used to circulate data and reviews etc.

ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS

Assignment requirements

Assessment criteria relevant to all assignments in ENVE339 include;

·         ANSWERING THE QUESTION THAT IS ASKED with a well-developed discussion of the topic, and its implications, that places the topic in a broader context.

Appropriate use and citation of a wide range of relevant literature, including texts, research papers, and grey literature. Note: teaching texts such as Summerfield should not be used.

·         Demonstrating good planning with a clear structure, headings, and a logical argument based firmly on the literature cited.

·         Presenting a legible paper with correct grammar and spelling, and correct use of professional terminology as appropriate (note that we expect word processing of your assignments. You may hand write, but we won’t mark what we can’t read).

·         Using correct SI units, and correct abbreviations.

·         Referring to figures and tables in the text, with full and appropriate titles on each figure and table, irrelevant material is omitted, sources are given.

·         Citing references acceptably, correctly and consistently in the text as well as in the reference list, no abbreviations, correct citation of chapters in edited books.

·         Staying within the word limit unless otherwise specified.

If you experience difficulty achieving a good standard in your written presentation, please talk to us. The University offers a variety of remedial writing courses and sources of advice that may help you. We emphasise the necessity for clear writing and its importance in your performance assessment.

Assessment of assignments will be based on the Macquarie University scale High Distinction (HD), Distinction (D), Credit (Cr), Pass (P) and Fail (Fail). The markers may choose to further refine these grades by use of a “+” or “-“ to indicate work towards the top or the bottom of each grade’s band of marks. Feedback will also come in the form of comments written on each student’s assignments or emailed directly to you, as well as general commentaries directed to the entire class after all marked assignments have been returned (typically in class or via an email list).

Penalties for late assignments and extension requests

All assignments must be completed and submitted, on time and in full, in order to receive credit. Late assignments must be submitted to the Faculty of Science centre. Penalties for late assignments will be a minimum of 10% per day (including weekend days) or part thereof, beginning at 10 minutes past the DUE HOUR, not at some time later in the day.  These deadlines and penalties will be imposed. Allowing some students to hand assignments in late is unfair to those who meet the deadlines.

The deadlines for assignments are not negotiable. Please take note of the DAYS and TIMES at which work is due.   Let us know of problems in advance or as soon as possible, not after the event: we are likely to be much more sympathetic and flexible in our requirements if you follow this advice. Only a medical certificate or a letter with appropriate supporting documents outlining other serious, extenuating circumstances can be used to submit an assignment after the due date without penalty. Vague medical certificates are unconvincing – they must indicate how the illness impacted your ability to perform the assignment on time. Work commitments are not accepted under any circumstance. You are required to manage your time effectively.  If you have commitments that take you away from study you must plan for this in advance as part of an effective individual study plan.  You should use the formal SPECIAL CONSIDERATION process to receive extensions etc.

Assignment submission

You are required to keep a backup copy of the final version of your assignments (including drawings etc.).

You must staple a ENVE339 cover sheet to the front of the assignment, with all the details completed. This coversheet can be obtained from the link in iLearn.  Please be aware of the conditions when signing the declaration, in particular that you have agreed to conform to the university's policy on plagiarism and that you have kept a copy of your assignment.

Assignments must be submitted via the ENVE339 assignment box in the Faculty of Science Centre, Ground Level, E7A (unless otherwise specified in this unit outline) at the times and dates indicated in the table above. If you wish to hand in your work before the specified time, you may give it to the lecturer in charge.  If your assignment is late and without a formal extension granted, it must be handed to the course convenor personally (not left under their door). 

An after hours submission box is located on the main door of E7A on the walkway between buildings E7A and E5A.  This box can be used by those who have difficulty handing in assignments by the 9am deadline.

Returning assessment tasks

Kirstie will endeavour to return your assignments within two teaching weeks of the submission date in the normally scheduled lectures or prac classes. However, please keep in mind that with large assignments and reports it can take significant time to provide constructive feedback.  For example, the fieldtrip reports for this unit can take up to one hour each to mark.  Assignments not collected in class will be returned to the Science Centre (Ground floor of E7A) and students may collect them from there during working hours. Students will be required to show Student ID to collect assignments.

REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE THIS UNIT SUCCESSFULLY

Attendance and assignment submission

You are required to attend all lectures, practicals and fieldtrips, submit all pieces of assessment and sit the final exam to receive a Passing grade for this unit.

Examination conditions

The University Examination period this First Half Year begins in June. You are expected to be at the examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations - see http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/exam. The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you should apply for Special Consideration. If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. Note that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations - all students are expected to ensure that they are available until the final day of the official examination period.  You are required to download your room and seat number from this website before the exam.  You will be required to show your student ID on entering the exam room, so don’t forget it!  No mobile phones or bags are permitted in the exam room.

WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE RUBRIC

Workload for units at Macquarie University is based on a minimum of 3 hours per credit point per week to receive a Pass grade (including lectures, practicals and 2 x weeks in mid-semester break).  For ENVE339 this means you are expected to work at least 9 hours per week on this course to receive a Pass grade.  Obviously this is dependent on the speed at which you learn and your ability to study effectively.  You will find you need to spend extra time on different parts of the course content.  Depending on when assignments are due, this workload will be spread over the semester.  It is critical that you manage your time effectively and work progressively towards assignment submissions well in advance.  A guide of hours required to receive a Pass grade is outlined below.  However, keep in mind, grades are awarded on a demonstration of understanding and ability not on effort!

In ENVE339 we expect quality in your assignments and a level of knowledge and comprehension of course content that demonstrates what you have learnt throughout your degree and which sets the foundations for a career in this field.  Grades for the unit as a whole will be awarded according to the following general criteria (course rubric). 

 UNDERGRADUATE FIELDTRIP WORK, HEALTH AND SAFETY

The safety of you and those around you is our highest priority. Consequently, ALL participants in fieldwork activities are obliged to work and behave appropriately in the field, and to take care to protect their own health, safety and welfare and that of fellow fieldwork participants. You are required to follow instructions from the Fieldwork Leader at all times.

• Prior to the fieldwork, you must let the Fieldwork Leader know of any allergies, special dietary requirements or medical considerations that may affect your ability to participate in fieldwork. You will need to complete a declaration of a known medical condition form, outlining a treatment plan for your condition. Details of your responsible next of kin must also be provided incase of emergencies.
• You are required to wear and carry clothing and footwear as appropriate to the fieldwork situation. Your Fieldwork Leader will advise you as to what these are prior to the fieldtrip. Irrespective of the activity, footwear must be worn. For terrestrial fieldwork, ankle to knee protection must be worn either in the form of either long trousers or gaiters. For marine fieldwork, appropriate clothing to protect against sunburn and exposure should be worn. For all fieldwork activities, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and items to protect against unexpected weather changes, such as rain & cold, are strongly recommended. The Fieldwork Leader reserves the right to exclude anyone that is ill-equipped from the activity.
• If you are taking any medication, please ensure that you take sufficient supplies with you on the field trip. The University’s staff are unable, by law, to provide this to you. This includes pain relief, such as panadol or nurofen, cold and flu medication and anti-histamines for allergies. 
• If you need to leave the field location for any reason prior to completion of the scheduled activities, you must first inform the Fieldwork Leader.
• In the event of illness or injury, please let the Fieldwork Leader know immediately. All injury’s or incidents must be reported via the on-line reporting system: http://www.ohs.mq.edu.au/form5a.php
• Alcohol is a significant contributing factor in many incidents and acts of prejudicial conduct. Alcohol must not be consumed when undertaking fieldwork activities or when using a motor vehicle/machinery. After-hours consumption of alcohol is at the discretion of the Fieldwork Leader.
• Anyone acting irresponsibly or in any way deemed to be a danger to themselves or others by the Fieldwork Leader will be required to leave the field trip, return to Sydney at their own expense and report to the Head of Department. The consequences of this may include exclusion from the Unit of study or your Degree program.

 For more information, contact:

Russell Field

Fieldwork Manager (Environment & Geography)

Macquarie University NSW 2109.

(W) 98508341 

PACE in ENVE339

PACE stands for Professional and Community Engagement. By connecting students with partner organisations, PACE gives Macquarie students the chance to contribute their academic learning, enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the professional workplace. ENVE339 has been accredited as a Participation unit.

In this unit you will undertake several participation activities. First, is application of the River Styles framework in a field-context. Should you pass the River Styles assessment and adequately reflect on your experience through the evening presentations on the fieldtrip, you will be awarded industry accreditation.  Second, you will be undertaking a field experiment with Office of Environment and Heritage staff and also a river management task with Catchment Management Authority staff on the fieldstrip.  You will be assessed, and required to reflect on these activities, as well as unit content, as part of the ENVE339 exam.

In requiring students to spend significant time understanding science and how it can be applied to ‘real-world’ river management problems and conservation programs, students will grow skills that lend to professional and personal judgement and initiative.  Finally, ENVE339 fosters a commitment to continuous learning for it promotes exploration of possible future career options, engages students in critically reflective practice, and helps students recognise the importance of future skill development.

As a Participation unit, ENVE339 will be flagged on student transcripts with the symbol ‘π’ after the unit code and before the unit title. Students can highlight this designation to future employers and academic institutions.

A PACE Activity is an experiential activity allocated to, and undertaken by, a student within a PACE unit which may take place in premises other than the University (usually the Partner Organisation’s premises). When working or studying in non-University premises, the primary responsibility for the health and safety of our students becomes that of the Partner Organisation hosting the student. However, as a student, you also have a legal responsibility under the Workplace Health & Safety Act 2011 and the Macquarie University Health & Safety Policy to ensure the health and safety of yourself and of others in the workplace.

Each student has a moral and legal responsibility for ensuring that his or her work environment is conducive to good health and safety, by:

o   ensuring that their work and work area is without risk to the health and safety of themselves and others

o   complying with the University’s and Partner Organisation’s Work Health & Safety Policy and Procedures

o   reporting hazards and incidents as they occur in accordance with University and Partner Organisation’s policy

o   actively participating in all health and safety activities and briefing sessions (eg emergency evacuation procedures, site inspections etc)

Each student is also required to advise their Unit Convenor or Faculty PACE Manager as soon as possible when:

o   he/she feels unsafe at any stage during the PACE activity

o   he/she did not receive a safety induction prior to the commencement of the activity covering: First aid, Fire and emergency evacuation; and Injury/incident reporting

o   he/she did not receive any specialised instructions/training necessary to carry out the role

o   an incident/accident happens (even when reported to the Partner Organisation/supervisor and managed by them) 

Non-compliance with the above may result in withdrawal of the student from the PACE Activity.

Students in the Faculty of Science should also be familiar with Faculty-specific practices as appropriate:

http://web.science.mq.edu.au/intranet/ohs/ 

Fieldwork WH&S guidelines are outlined under 'Delivery and Resources'.

Unit specific graduate capabilities

Learning outcomes and graduate capabilities mapped across the unit ENVE339