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ENVS339 – Fluvial Geomorphology and River Management

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Kirstie Fryirs
Contact via kirstie.fryirs@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Tim Ralph
Contact via tim.ralph@mq.edu.au
Imogen da Silva
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) including (ENVE266 or ENVS266 or GEOS266)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit focusses on the study of fluvial geomorphology and the use of that science in river management. The first half of the course examines the interaction of river forms and processes, river evolution, impacts of human disturbance to rivers, fluvial sedimentology, and sediment budgets. This provides the knowledge required to use the River Styles framework. In the second half of the course, emphasis is placed on river management and rehabilitation within an Australian context. During a six day field trip, students apply their skills and knowledge to rivers in coastal New South Wales (such as the Hunter Valley, Illawarra, Manning and Bega catchments). Graduates of this unit are employed in a range of local, state and federal agencies; catchment management authorities; consultancies; and industry. This unit offers the opportunity to interact with stakeholders and employers in professional practice. It allows students the opportunity to apply their learning to practical tasks that are experienced in the workplace.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Develop a basic understanding of aquatic geoecology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 1 20% No 29th March in practical class
Assignment 2 5% No 5th April (in practical class)
Assignment 3 20% No 10th May (8am) via TurnItIn
Assignment 4 20% No 24th May (8am) via TurnItIn
Exam 35% No Exam Period

Assignment 1

Due: 29th March in practical class
Weighting: 20%

See the practical book for further information on this assessment. All the data for this test will be analysed and discussed in the Weeks 2 and 3 practicals. Hence, these pracs will be used to build towards this test.  The mid-semester test will cover data analysed in these pracs, your interpretation of that dataset and your knowledge of the content of the compulsory readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assignment 2

Due: 5th April (in practical class)
Weighting: 5%

Using the maps and resources in your workbooks, you will identify the River Style and give it a full, verbose name and an abbreviated name as per the River Styles naming convention that will be taught in this week's lectures and practical. The assignment will be completed and submitted during the practical class.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems

Assignment 3

Due: 10th May (8am) via TurnItIn
Weighting: 20%

You will receive further information about this report later in the semester, but it will have components on:

  • River Styles analysis.  If you receive a Pass or better in this assessment you will receive River Styles accreditation for inclusion in your CVs. This report will require you to reflect on approaches, ideas, and understandings about the science of fluvial geomorphology.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assignment 4

Due: 24th May (8am) via TurnItIn
Weighting: 20%

You will receive further information about this report later in the semester, but it will have components on:

  • Sedimentology and human disturbance at the Bretti site. This will be written as a scientific report.

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology

Exam

Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 35%

There will be a 2 hour final exam for this course that will cover all material from lectures, practicals and fieldtrips. In particular, you will be required to reflect on both theoretical content and the participation activities of this unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Develop a basic understanding of aquatic geoecology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Delivery and Resources

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 the unit 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.

Fieldwork (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., Ellery, W., Grenfell, M., Thomas, A., Kotze, D. and Ralph, T. 2015. 10 Reasons Why the Geomorphology of Wetlands is Important. Booklet produced on behalf of the Wetlands In Drylands Research Network. Climate Change Consortium of Wales, 33 pp.
  • 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 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. 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 DISRUPTION 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 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 at the times and dates indicated in the table above. If your assignment is late and without a formal extension granted it will receive a late penalty.

Returning assessment tasks

Staff will endeavour to return your assignments within three teaching weeks of the submission date. 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.

 

REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE THIS UNIT SUCCESSFULLY

Attendance and assignment submission

It is difficult to Pass this unit if you do not attend lectures, practicals or submit assignments or sit the final exam. The fieldtrip is compulsory.

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.

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session.  By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments.  Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

 

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 ENVS339 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!

Activity

Per Teaching Week

# weeks

Hours per Semester

Lectures

2

11

22

Practicals

2

6

12

       

Assignment 1

   

10

Assignment 2

   

12

Assignment 3

   

25

Fieldtrip

   

50

Total for semester

   

131

Per week (15 weeks)

   

9

In ENVS339 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). 

 

Developing

Functional

Proficient

Advanced

General description of the level of attainment

Has not yet reached the desired standard. Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge.

A fail grade (or under some circumstances, a conceded pass) would be given.

Has reached basic academic standards.  Work has limited translation of concepts and procedures to new contexts unless aided.

A pass grade would be awarded.

Has completely reached the standards expected. Can work independently in new contexts, adapting procedures to meet the context.  Demonstrates awareness of own limitations.  A credit grade would be awarded.

Has gone beyond the expected standards. Exhibits high levels of independence and can use concepts to generate new ways of completing procedures. Can engage in productive critical reflection.

A grade of distinction or high distinction would be awarded.

 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 fieldwork you will be required to fill in a Participant information form and sign a declaration that you are aware of a range of university policies surrounding fieldwork and work, health and safety. This will be available via a link on the iLearn page.
  • 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 in case 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://staff.mq.edu.au/human_resources/health_and_safety/accident-injury-hazard_reporting
  • 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 (Environmental Sciences)

Macquarie University NSW 2109.

(W) 98508341 

 

Unit Schedule

Week Assessment Lectures Practicals & location Recommended readings
1  

Introduction to ENVS339

Lec 1 - Catchment scale analysis of rivers

Lec 2 – Spatial linkages and (dis)connectivity in catchments

No class.

(Do your homework for next week’s practical – plotting cross-sections in excel. Instructions in this prac book.)

Preface & Ch 1 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 3 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 2 (p 9-17) Ch 14 (p 295-309) Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

2

 

Lec 3 - River diversity

Lec 4 - Hydraulic geometry, channel shape and bank erosion processes along rivers

PRACTICAL - Catchment morphometrics of rural and urban streams in the Illawarra

Ch 10 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 7 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Read compulsory readings for Assignment 1 (test)

3  

Lec 5 – Fluid hydraulics, forces and resistance in rivers

Lec 6 – Sediment transport along rivers

PRACTICAL - Hydraulic modelling of rural and urban streams in the Illawarra

Ch 4 (p 53-64) Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 5 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 6 (p81-104) Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

4  

Lec 7 - Instream and floodplain geomorphic units

Lec 8 – Floodplain forms and processes

No class

Ch 8 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 9 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

(these are compulsory readings for fieldtrip report)

5

Ass 1:

Thursday 29th March in practical class

Lec 9 - Temporal perspectives in fluvial geomorphology

Lec 10 – Analysing river behaviour

PRACTICAL - Mid-semester test on Hydraulic geometry of Illawarra streams

Ch 2 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 11 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

         
6

Ass 2:

Thursday 5th April in practical class

Lec 11 - The River Styles Framework

Lec 12 – River Styles identification and naming

PRACTICAL – River Styles identification and naming exercise and in-class assessment.

Ch 8 & 9 Brierley & Fryirs (2005)

(these are compulsory readings for fieldtrip report)

 7  

Lec 13 – Fluvial sedimentology

Lec 14 - Quaternary river evolution

PRACTICAL - Pre fieldtrip preparation and using the River Styles App.

Ch 6 (p104-114) Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

Ch 12 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

(these are compulsory readings for fieldtrip report)

 

 

 

 

  Break Mid-semester fiedtrip

Monday 23rd April – Saturday 28th April inclusive

 
8  

Lec 15 - Human disturbance to rivers

Lec 16 - Wood, vegetation & seeds in rivers

Office hours for fieldtrip report (Kirstie)

Ch 13 Fryirs & Brierley (2013)

(these are compulsory readings for fieldtrip report)

9

Ass 3:

Thursday 10th May by 8am – in TurnItIn

Lec 17 - Assessing river condition

Lec 18 – Assessing river recovery potential

No class.

Ch 10 Brierley & Fryirs (2005)

Ch 11 Brierley & Fryirs (2005)
 10  

Lec 19 - River management

Lec 20 - River rehabilitation

 

Office hours for fieldtrip report (Tim)

 

Ch 1, 12 & 13 Brierley & Fryirs (2005)

11

Ass 4:

Thursday 24th May by 8am – in TurnItIn

Lec 21 – Linking geomorphology and ecology in rivers and wetlands

 

Lec 22 – Assessing change in rivers and wetlands

PRACTICAL – Craven Creek post-fieldtrip data analysis (exam preparation)

Tooth et al. (2015)

12  

Lec 23 – The ebb and flow of dryland rivers

Lec 24 – Floodplain wetlands: more than an ‘ocean of reeds’

 

Exam info, post 339 options, TEDS course evaluation

PRACTICAL – Wetlands and their management

Tooth (2000)

Ralph & Hesse (2010)

13  

No class

No class  

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Develop a basic understanding of aquatic geoecology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Develop a basic understanding of aquatic geoecology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Develop a basic understanding of aquatic geoecology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Identify and utilize field techniques for the measurement and analysis of river morphology and processes
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret causal relationships between fluvial landforms and river processes
  • Examine and interpret processes of fluvial erosion, transport and deposition
  • Assess the characteristics of selected Australian river systems
  • Evaluate human disturbance, modification and management of rivers
  • Interpret sedimentary sequences using fluvial sedimentology
  • Develop a basic understanding of aquatic geoecology
  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 3
  • Exam

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Apply river science to the solution of river management and rehabilitation issues through engagement with community partners.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 3
  • Assignment 4
  • Exam

PACE in ENVS339

PACE in ENVS339

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 ENVS339 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, ENVS339 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, ENVS339 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.

 

PACE Team Support

PACE units in Science and Engineering, their Unit Convenors, and their students, are supported by a PACE Team within the Faculty.  Throughout the unit offering, members of the Team may be in contact with students to provide or collect information. If you have any questions about PACE in Science and Engineering, please email:  pace.science@mq.edu.au  or visit the following webpages:  https://students.mq.edu.au/experience/practical-experience/pace-experience/how-do-i-start/pace-in-the-faculty-of-science-and-engineering

If you require more information about PACE in general or access to forms such as those for the PACE Travel Grants, please log into the PACE student wiki: https://students.mq.edu.au/experience/practical-experience/pace-experience/how-do-i-start

 

Work Health and Safety (WH&S)

A PACE Activity is a practical experience 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. All host organisations must comply with the NSW Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011. 

During your PACE activity your host supervisor should:

  • make your responsibilities clear
  • provide any necessary training
  • inform you about professional codes of conduct
  • supervise and provide feedback.

During your PACE activity you must have:

  • a safe work environment
  • a WHS safety orientation
  • safe work systems
  • protection from bullying and harassment

You must also:

  • take reasonable care of yourself
  • ensure your actions don’t affect the safety of others
  • follow the safety procedures of the host organisation.

 

WHS and risk for fieldwork-based PACE activities

Certain PACE activities are fieldwork-based.  Fieldwork includes professional experience whereby the fieldwork i) forms the majority of the activity; ii) is essential to partner benefit; and iii) requires the application of discipline specific knowledge and skills. Fieldwork-based activities are undertaken in collaboration with a partner and are conducted on a site in the natural and/or built environment in order to collect data (e.g. soil samples, asking questions of humans, documenting information about animals, etc.) for the purposes of informing a study about that environment or site. Fieldwork may be led by students as the discipline experts; however, it requires supervision by an appropriately qualified Macquarie University staff or external partner. Students who will undertake fieldwork-based PACE activities must consult with their unit convenor regarding additional WHS and risk procedures that might be necessary. All fieldwork must be officially approved by relevant staff before it commences. 

 

What to do in the case of an emergency:

1. Remove yourself from any danger.

2. Call 000, if necessary.

3. Speak to your partner-based supervisor, if possible. The Organisation may have emergency procedures to follow.

THEN - if the emergency occurs in office hours (i.e. Monday - Friday 9am-5pm)

4. Contact your Unit Convenor by phone/email as soon as you can.

5. If you cannot reach your Unit Convenor, contact your Faculty PACE Manager by phone/email.

OR - if the emergency occurs outside of office hours (i.e. outside of Monday - Friday 9am-5pm)

6. Phone Campus Security Office on (02) 9850-9999 as soon as you can. This is a 24 hour, 7 days a week service and it does not matter where in Australia you are when you call. Please identify yourself as a PACE student when you call.

N.B. For any minor issues with your participation activity, please speak to your partner-based Supervisor. If the problem is more serious, please contact your Unit Convenor or your Faculty PACE Manager.

If you are experiencing difficulties and need to speak to a counsellor:

Contact the MQ Counselling Service at Campus Wellbeing on 9850-7497 (Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm)

1800 MQ CARELINE (1800-227-367) - information and referral service (24 hours, 7 days a week)

If you would like to speak to a counsellor outside of office hours, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

 

PACE-related policies, procedures, and other important information

Student Undertaking Form

Before a student begins their activity they will be required to complete the Student Undertaking Form.  This form asks students for their contact details, emergency contact information and their agreement to abide by the Roles and Responsibilities as set out in the Governance and Guidelines document.  The Student Undertaking form is provided electronically through iParticipate and the Faculty PACE team will alert you when it is available for completion and instructions on how to complete it. 

https://www.mq.edu.au/connect/partnerships/why-connect-with-macquarie/partner-with-pace/a-safe-and-fair-environment/Governance-and-Guidelines-PACE-2017-web.pdf

PACE Activity – Early Commencement Procedure:  – to outline the conditions under which the unit convenor of a PACE unit will consider a request from a student to commence or complete a PACE activity prior to the official start date of the associated PACE unit.

https://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/participation_activity/procedure_commencement.html

PACE - Managing Other Commitments Procedure:  to outline the University’s approach to an absence or other form of disruption during the session due to a student undertaking a PACE activity.

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/participation_activity/procedure.html

PACE - Reasonable Adjustments, Guideline and Procedure:  Macquarie University will endeavour to match students with an appropriate host and feasible PACE activity to maximise student success.  These documents provide good practice information for students and staff to encourage early disclosure of circumstances (e.g. disability, medical condition, flexible time arrangements, or leave days for official observances, etc.), which may impact on a student’s PACE activity, and the subsequent arrangement of reasonable adjustments when enrolling or participating in a PACE Unit (Guideline).

http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/reasonable_adjust_pace/guideline.html

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/reasonable_adjust_pace/procedure.html

PACE activities requiring background checks:  Some partner organisations may require students to complete certain background checks and/or clearances in cases where they will be working with children, young people, people with disabilities, the frail-aged, at-risk clients, and government/statutory agencies. It’s very important that students complete the required background clearances before beginning the PACE activity. Any necessary information on background checks will be communicated directly to students by the Unit Convenor or the Faculty PACE team. Please note there is an extra verification step required for students who need to to complete a Working with Children Check.  Students will be required to provide their WWCC number to the Faculty PACE Team electronically and the result of their check will need to be verified by MQ WWCC Administrator (Governance Services) before they start their activity.

Policy regarding PACE and the AHEGS statement:  PACE units will be flagged on student transcripts with the symbol ‘π’ after the unit code which corresponds to the following statement on the transcript:

π: Units marked with a π are designated PACE units. These units provide students with an opportunity to learn through practical experience and make a valuable contribution to the community by applying knowledge and skills acquired at the University.

PACE and Ethical Practice:  Ethical considerations feature heavily in the PACE Initiative. As ambassadors of the University, students are expected to engage with the wider community in a responsible and ethically informed manner that respects the rights of individuals, communities and the environment. This expectation applies to all PACE activities regardless of their nature. Ethical practice involves negotiating the ethical complexities of the context with which you are working. This involves critically thinking about issues of power, hierarchy, culture and position, and about the potential risks of your work and interactions with others, immediate and over time. It is important to ensure that risks are mitigated and experiences are enriching and worthwhile for all those involved.

In addition to the role of students as ambassadors, partners must conform to the University’s ethical standards; PACE activities must be aligned with the wellbeing of people and planet; there are research-based PACE activities as well as collaborative research with partners; and, the way in which everybody’s PACE experiences are captured and shared must be ethical. If a student ever feels that unethical behaviour has occurred during a PACE activity, they should consult with their Unit Convenors and/or the Faculty PACE staff immediately. Further, any students whose PACE activity will involve research that is led by a Macquarie staff member must consult with their convenor prior to commencement to confirm whether or not research ethics permission is required.

PACE and IP:  Students enrolled in PACE units may be working with external industry partners. Although it is uncommon, during some activities Intellectual Property may be created and there may be some instances when the partner requires the assignment of IP. Students are encouraged to seek legal advice prior to entering into any such agreement. Students uncertain of their rights relating to IP ownership can seek advice from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). This should be done by contacting the relevant Faculty PACE Manager.

PACE Grants and Prizes:  There are several ways in which PACE might support students financially to undertake PACE activities. PACE students are also eligible to apply for the prestigious Prof. Judyth Sachs PACE Prizes.

http://students.mq.edu.au/courses/professional_and_community_engagement/pace_grants/

Unit specific Graduate Capabilities

Unit specific graduate capabilities

Graduate capability

Indicators of development in ENVE339

1. A student who has Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

 

·         Identifies, understands and uses discipline-specific language in oral and written work

·         Constructs a critical evaluations current scientific knowledge on fluvial forms, processes, behaviour, evolution, human disturbance and management.

·         Collects, analyses and adequately explains and interprets scientific data from the field or other primary sources.

·         Understands the basics of aquatic geoecology and how it is linked to fluvial geomorphology.

·         Is able to confidently identify fluvial forms, evaluate river process and behaviour,  interpret river evolution.

2. A student who has Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

·         Applies scientific method in an advanced manner.

·         Competently accesses, uses, critiques and synthesises scientific literature.

·         Can select appropriate techniques to characterize and analyses fluvial sediments.

·         Interprets empirical data to assess fluvial processes and behaviour.

·         Competently uses and interrogates computer modeling software to analyse complex data sets.

·         Uses advanced techniques to present scientific data in the form of maps, tables and figures in assignments.

·         Can apply key concepts and theories in fluvial geomorphology to river management practice.

·         Applies geo-scientific principles to understanding fluvial systems and can confidently make recommendations on how the rivers can be better managed.

·         Competently uses information technology applications for analyzing numerical and spatial information.

3. A student who has Problem Solving and Research Capability

 

·         Designs, plans and carries out accurate field data collection and observations  individually and within groups.

·         Develops hypotheses for testing.

·         Understands complex theories in fluvial geomorphology.

·         Applies knowledge of fluvial geomorphology to river conservation and rehabilitation issues.

·         Designs, describes and interprets maps, databases, graphs and tables.

·         Analyses data using appropriate graphical and numerical techniques.

·         Draws conclusions from the results of data analysis, while recognizing limitations of data sets.

·         Uses case studies effectively as a research method.

·         Demonstrates competence in field safety and response.

4. A student who is Creative and Innovative

·         Develops means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way.

·         Develops new ideas and theories and can construct a cohesive argument on specific topics in fluvial geomorphology and management.

·         Consider river management issues from a range of new perspectives.

·         Generates alternative options and innovative solutions to environmental problems.

·         Discerns gaps and limitations of fluvial geomorphology knowledge.

5. A student who has Effective Communication

 

·         Has well developed scientific report writing skills, including a clear writing style with correct grammar and spelling.

·         Displays advanced discussion and presentation skills.

·         Presents ideas clearly with supporting evidence from the literature.

·         Communicates the results of analysis clearly and effectively.

·         Presents and defends an argument in a verbal and written context.

·         Uses technical and discipline-specific language and terms.

·         Demonstrates well developed scientific citation and referencing skills.

·         Presents data in a range of numerical, graphical and map formats.

·         Engages in online and verbal communication with peers on issues in the fluvial geomorphology.

6. A student who is an Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizen

·         Engages with issues of fluvial degradation and sustainability.

·         Can appraise principal threats, and examine responses to fluvial degradation and management.

·         Engages in scientifically honest use of group data with integrity.

·         Critically evaluates different theoretical approaches to analyzing fluvial environments and can apply these theories and concepts to river management.

·         Identifies how Australian rivers behave, evolve and are managed, and places this in an international context.

7. A student who is Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

·         Articulates future strategies that will meet the needs for river management in Australia.

·         Is able to work with peers to collect data collaboratively.

·         Can effectively manage a group to maximize attainment of goals (e.g. time management).

·         Works proactively and accepts responsibility for quality data analysis and interpretation.

·         Accepts responsibility for actions and respects procedures on fieldtrips. 

·         Helps peers in areas of individual strength. 

8. A student who has Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

·         Adequately follows instructions, particularly in field contexts.

·         Applies and adapts scientific knowledge to the real world.

·         Competently undertakes projects of complex nature.

·         Judges which management approach is most appropriate for a particular situation.

·         Evaluates alternative solutions to the same problem.

·         Develops evidence-based approaches based on fluvial geomorphology to assessment and management of river systems.

·         Reflects on feedback and how personal experiences to improve competency in fluvial geomorphology and river management.

9. A student who has Commitment to Continuous Learning

·         Demonstrates effective time management skills by submitting good quality assignments on time and attending all lectures and practical classes.

·         Reflects on their own performance by evaluating feedback from teaching staff and integrating that into subsequent assessment tasks.

·         Shows evidence of reading scientific literature beyond that presented as recommended reading.

·         Reflects on how knowledge can be applied in other contexts.