Students

ENVS1017 – The Living Environment

2021 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Tim Ralph
Contact via via iLearn
Professor
Kirstie Fryirs
Contact via via iLearn
Associate Professor
Paul Beggs
Contact via via iLearn
Senior Lecturer
Michael Chang
Contact via via iLearn
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
ENVS6202 The Living Environment
Unit description Unit description

The living environment is all around us – dynamic landscapes, water, air and environmental systems that underpin life on Earth. This unit focuses on critical environmental processes that create and modify physical environments on land, at the coast, and in the atmosphere. Issues of variability, change and human impacts on the environment are examined. We link theory and practical field, modelling and analysis skills to view and understand complex Earth-surface environments. Field and laboratory activities include assessment of river health and water quality, wetlands, coasts and anthropogenic impacts, and measurement of micro-climatic processes. Geographic information systems (GIS) are introduced to visualise and aid spatial analysis and interpretation of the environment. This unit is fundamental to all natural sciences, but particularly earth and environmental sciences, environmental management and ecology. The content is relevant for various environmental science and management careers including consultancies, government agencies, and non-government organisations, where many gradates find employment.

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:

  • ULO1: Explain critical interactions between the land surface, water and the atmosphere that create, modify and sustain the Earth’s living environment
  • ULO2: Demonstrate understanding of key physical environmental processes and the role of human interactions and modifications
  • ULO3: Apply skills in field and laboratory data collection, numeracy and analysis
  • ULO4: Demonstrate skills in science communication, including research, writing and critique of scientific literature
  • ULO5: Use spatial information science tools to visualise and analyse biophysical environments

General Assessment Information

Assessment Criteria

Assessment at Macquarie University is standards-based, as outlined in the Assessment Policy. This means that your work will be assessed against clear criteria, and these criteria will be made available when the assessment tasks are released to you on iLearn. 

Submission of Assessments

Your two major assignments must be submitted online through Turnitin, unless otherwise instructed during the unit. Links for the submission of each assignment will be available on iLearn. Your quizzes are to be completed on iLearn, and your final exam will be hosted online through iLearn during the formal examination period. The due dates for all assessment tasks are not negotiable. If you have commitments that will significantly impact your study during the session then you must plan for this in advance as part of an effective individual study plan. 

Hurdle Requirement

A hurdle requirement is an activity for which a minimum level of performance or participation is a condition of passing the unit (see the Assessment Policy). In this unit, the hurdle requirement is that each student attends and satisfactorily completes seven (7) out of the nine (9) practical classes offered. For internal (weekday attendance) students this means attending and fully completing your scheduled classes each week. For external (infrequent attendance) students, the hurdle is the same but your practical classes will be held during two weekend on-campus sessions and online. Failure to meet the hurdle requirement will result in failure of the unit.

Marking of Assessments

Your two major assignments will be marked through Turnitin and feedback will be noted on the assignment. Do not submit your assignments via email or in hard copy. Your grades will be returned using the Grades Report on iLearn. Grades from your quizzes and the final exam will also be made available on iLearn.

Due to the large number of students in the unit (>350), we aim to return your assignments with feedback within 2-3 weeks of the date that you submit your assignment, and certainly well before your next assignment is due. We appreciate your patience and will advise you through iLearn when your marked assignments and feedback are available for viewing.

Penalties for Late Assessments

The penalty for late submission of assessments in this unit is ten percent (10 %) of the assessment value per day, calculated from the due time and date. This means that if the assignment is worth a total of 30 marks (or 30 % of the unit) you will lose 3 marks for each day late. This is a hefty penalty designed to make you aware of the importance of organising yourself around assessment due dates. The penalty will be applied over weekdays and weekends unless you have been granted an extension by the lecturer responsible for the assignment prior to the due date.

Extensions for Assessments

To obtain an extension for an assessment task, you will need to follow the formal process as outlined in the Special Consideration Policy, and you must provide appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate - see advice for Special Consideration Requests). The final decision regarding the granting of an extension and/or a late penalty lies with the unit convenor and lecturer responsible for the assignment. Seek permission for an extension well before the due date unless this is absolutely impossible. 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.

Final Exam

Details of exam conditions and timetables can be found via the Student Portal. It is very important to note that the final exam period includes weekdays and weekends and all students are expected to complete the exam at the time specified in the exam timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the exams and in Final form four weeks before the commencement of exams.

For unavoidable disruptions during exams, you should apply for Special Consideration as soon as possible. If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process, the exam time will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period and you will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of the Supplementary Examination. Note that it is Macquarie University policy to not 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 the exam website before the exam.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Scientific Report 30% No Week 6
Environmental mapping and analysis 30% No Week 12
Quizzes 10% No Weeks 1, 4, 6, 9, 11
Final exam 30% No Final Exam Period

Scientific Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 30%

 

Tests ability to conduct research, collect, analyse and interpret data, and to write a scientific report supported by appropriate literature

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain critical interactions between the land surface, water and the atmosphere that create, modify and sustain the Earth’s living environment
  • Demonstrate understanding of key physical environmental processes and the role of human interactions and modifications
  • Apply skills in field and laboratory data collection, numeracy and analysis

Environmental mapping and analysis

Assessment Type 1: Quantitative analysis task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%

 

Tests the use of spatial information science to visualise biophysical environments and to interpret a real-world dataset

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain critical interactions between the land surface, water and the atmosphere that create, modify and sustain the Earth’s living environment
  • Demonstrate understanding of key physical environmental processes and the role of human interactions and modifications
  • Apply skills in field and laboratory data collection, numeracy and analysis
  • Demonstrate skills in science communication, including research, writing and critique of scientific literature
  • Use spatial information science tools to visualise and analyse biophysical environments

Quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Weeks 1, 4, 6, 9, 11
Weighting: 10%

 

Assessable quizzes on the unit content, to be completed in iLearn

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain critical interactions between the land surface, water and the atmosphere that create, modify and sustain the Earth’s living environment

Final exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Final Exam Period
Weighting: 30%

 

Requires problem-solving skills and discipline knowledge

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain critical interactions between the land surface, water and the atmosphere that create, modify and sustain the Earth’s living environment
  • Demonstrate understanding of key physical environmental processes and the role of human interactions and modifications
  • Apply skills in field and laboratory data collection, numeracy and analysis

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Classes

The class timetable can be found through the Timetable portal.

A detailed class schedule with workshop and practical topics, assessment due dates, etc. will be made available to all enrolled students through iLearn.

The unit is taught via workshops (equivalent to interactive online lectures), practical classes, readings, and various assessment tasks. Students must make regular use of iLearn to access teaching and learning materials, to submit assessment tasks, to stay in touch with the unit, to contact lecturers and tutors, and to discuss issues and concepts with classmates.

We also recommend that you follow current developments in the multidisciplinary field of environmental science and management by staying abreast of the news.

Unit Organisation

This unit starts with an introductory workshop and an overview of library and scientific writing skills. Following this, there are several core modules and then we conclude the unit with an important unit summary workshop, including exam information and study tips.

Internal (Weekday Attendance) Students: a summary of what you need to do

We expect you to attend two online 1-hour workshops and one face-to-face 2-hour practical class each week (unless that day/week is marked in the schedule as having no class). You should devote 9 hours per week (on average) to a 10 credit point unit such as this, which means that you should spend several hours per week working towards completion of assessments, readings, etc. for the unit outside of your online and face-to-face classes.

The workshops will be hosted online through Zoom. Recordings will be made available for revision purposes on iLearn.

You must attend the practical classes in person - this is part of the hurdle requirement that stipulates that you must satisfactorily complete 7 out of the 9 practical classes to pass this unit.

The 2-hour “hands-on” practical classes will be held either in a computer laboratory, in the field (i.e. outside!), or online, as specified in the class schedule. They are designed to help you work towards the major assignments, to allow you to build on your understanding of core material from workshops, readings and other activities, and to develop some valuable generic and discipline-specific skills. Meet in your usual practical classroom every week then proceed with your tutor to the field when required, unless the class is to be held online or you are directed otherwise via iLearn. Look at the class schedule on iLearn to find out whether you need field equipment (e.g. enclosed shoes, hat/raincoat, water bottle, etc.) for your class.

External (Infrequent Attendance) Students: a summary of what you need to do

We expect you to attend the two online workshops each week or to watch the recorded versions that will be made available on iLearn. Obviously, you will require access to the internet to regularly access iLearn in order to complete this unit. In total, we also expect you to devote 9 hours per week (on average) to a 10 credit point unit such as this.

We also expect you to complete online practicals each week (when offered), and to attend two weekend on-campus sessions where you will have face-to-face classes for the remaining practicals - this is part of the hurdle requirement that stipulates that you must satisfactorily complete 7 out of the 9 practical classes to pass this unit.

Two weekend on-campus sessions will be held, which will run from 9.00 am - 4 pm on Saturday in Weeks 3 and 10. Information and an itinerary for each on-campus session will be provided on iLearn. You will spend some time outdoors in the field, so ensure you have sturdy, enclosed footwear (no sandals or thongs), sunscreen, a hat and a raincoat. Water, lunch and snacks for both days are your own responsibility. Few food outlets are available on campus on weekends.

These are the only occasions we’ll meet face-to-face, so you need to be fully prepared in order to obtain the maximum benefit. In the weeks prior to the on-campus sessions, listen to all the workshops available and complete the recommended readings. You’re encouraged to look at the online practical materials before you come on campus, but your activities will be explained during the face-to-face sessions.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials 

There is no set textbook for this unit, but there are recommended readings for each module as noted on iLearn.

Technology Used and Required

This unit will use iLearn and associated technology. See the Instructions on how to log in to iLearn and the iLearn quick guides for students which will help you:

  • Getting started - Find out how to navigate and familiarise yourself with the iLearn environment
  • Activities - Learn how to effectively complete the activities required of you in iLearn
  • Assignments and Gradebook - Find out how to submit assessments and view your grades using iLearn
  • Online study tips - Studying online is a unique experience, learn how to navigate it here
  • Discussion forums - Explore the different types, and features of discussion forums in iLearn

Computer-Based Learning

There are essential computer-based components of this unit, including workshops recorded through Zoom, some weekly practical exercises, and online discussion forums for communicating with staff and other students in this unit. You can undertake this work from off-campus or on-campus, including through the computer labs (when they are not booked for classes) or in the Library. If you’re unsure of how to connect to the internet or use the computer system, help can be obtained at: http://students.mq.edu.au/support/.

Please note that at the beginning of each session our class lists are often incomplete (due to late transfers and changes of enrollment). In the first week of semester, if your name is missing from the enrollment list, you may not yet have access to the system. Try a couple of times, to make sure you have not made a typing error (remember your username and password are CaSe SeNsItIvE). If later in the session you suddenly find that your access to the iLearn site has been mysteriously barred, it is probably because your Student Services Fee has not been paid (this is imposed by the University Administration, not us).

General Discussion Forum and Announcements

The "General Discussion Forum" link on the unit's homepage is a communication system between you and the rest of the class (a bit like an online tutorial or bulletin board). In this unit, we use it to discuss important issues related to the unit. You are expected to read every posting to the discussion forum because important administrative and academic information will be posted there - it is your responsibility to stay up-to-date. This is particularly important for External students.

Unit-wide announcements will be shared through the Announcements function in iLearn under very important circumstances.

What is Required to Complete This Unit Satisfactorily?

You must receive a unit mark of at least 50 % (Pass; P grade) and you must complete the hurdle requirement to pass this unit.

The Faculty Board has resolved that from S1 2018 all 1000-level units in the Faculty of Science and Engineering will have a compulsory (hurdle) requirement on participation in tutorials, practicals and laboratories. Participation is not simply attendance - 7 out 9 practicals require your attendance and satisfactory completion.

You should complete the full unit workload. We expect you to work 9 hours per week on this unit. Obviously this is dependent on the speed at which you learn and your ability to study effectively. You may 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 throughout the session and work around other units and commitments you may have. A guide of hours typically 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 time or effort!

Activity

Hours Per Teaching Week

No. of Weeks

Hours Per Session

Workshops (online)

2

12

24

Practicals

2

9

18

Quizzes     8

Assignment 1

 

 

20

Assignment 2

 

 

20

Other (independent study, reading, exam revision, etc.)

3

15

45

Total for semester

 

 

135

Per week (15 weeks)

 

 

9

You should understand and perform according to the general unit criteria. In this unit we expect quality in your assignments and a level of knowledge and comprehension of course content that sets the foundations for further study in Earth and Environmental Science. Grades for each assessment task and 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.  A Fail grade (or under some circumstances a Conceded Pass) would be given.

Has reached basic academic standards.  A Pass grade would be awarded.

Has completely reached the standards expected.  A Credit would be awarded.

Has gone beyond the expected standard.  A grade of Distinction or High Distinction would be awarded.

Knowledge and understanding

Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge.

Can accurately reproduce required facts, but has limited depth of understanding of basic concepts. 

Exhibits breadth and depth of understanding.  Uses terminology accurately in new contexts and transfers ideas to new situations. 

Exhibits breadth and depth of understanding of concepts.  Can engage in productive critical reflection. 

Analysis

Data analysis skills are limited.

Data analysis skills are largely descriptive with limited capacity to combine multiple factors.

Can synthesise data and critique the value and importance of scientific arguments.

Data analysis is sophisticated and is capable of placing examples in context of big ideas, problems and solutions. 

Information literacy

Uses immediately available information without discretion.

Can select useful information.  Does not always discriminate between types of sources of information.

Independently selects useful information and can discriminate between types of sources of information.

Independently selects useful information and can critically discriminate between types of sources of information.

Communication and writing skills

Poor written communication skills (e.g. spelling and grammar).  Does not demonstrate an understanding of what is expected in assignment writing and presentation.

Communicates ideas adequately in writing.  Adheres to most basic requirements for written work and assignment presentation.

Communicates effectively and clearly in writing. Adheres to all expectations of assignment writing and presentation.

Communicates adeptly in writing.  Adheres to all expectations of assignment writing and presentation.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.


Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook