Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face 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.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Professor Kirstie Fryirs
Contact via iLearn email and discussion board, or direct email
Lecturer
Dr Tim Ralph
Contact via iLearn email and discussion board, or direct email
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including ENVE266 or ENVS266 or ENVS2266 or GEOS266 or ENVS2237
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is offered as an intensive, block-mode unit in February every year. It is offered at both advanced undergraduate level and as a professional development course. Pre-course private study and assessment is followed by four days on-campus focussed on developing knowledge for the geomorphic analysis of rivers. Topics include interactions of river forms and processes, assessment of river behaviour and change, river evolution, impacts of human disturbance to rivers, and sediment budgets. Students then apply their skills and knowledge to geomorphic analysis of rivers in a real-world setting during a 4-day off-campus fieldtrip, as well as explore pressing challenges for their conservation and management. This is followed by 4 days on-campus focussed on principles and strategies for river and wetland conservation, management and rehabilitation within an Australian context. Graduates are employed in a range of local, state and federal agencies, catchment management authorities, consultancies, and industry. For further information about the professional development option, please contact the unit convenor. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | 20% | No | Monday 1/2/21 in-class based on pre-course work |
Assignment 2 | 30% | No | Saturday 6/2/21 on fieldtrip by 9pm to TurnItIn |
Assignment 3 | 20% | No | Wednesday 10/2/21 peer-assessed in-class |
Assignment 4 | 30% | No | Friday 12/2/21 by 12 noon to TurnItIn |
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Monday 1/2/21 in-class based on pre-course work
Weighting: 20%
250 word summaries of each of pre-unit Podcasts and readings
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Saturday 6/2/21 on fieldtrip by 9pm to TurnItIn
Weighting: 30%
River modelling practical exercise
Assessment Type 1: Debate
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Wednesday 10/2/21 peer-assessed in-class
Weighting: 20%
Leading and participating in a flipped classroom discussion or activity
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Friday 12/2/21 by 12 noon to TurnItIn
Weighting: 30%
River or wetland management design report
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
INTENSIVE, BLOCK MODE STRUCTURE
This unit is a block mode, intensive unit meaning that the unit will run for 12 days inclusive, 9-5pm each day. Attendance is required for all 12 days of this unit. Be prepared to work hard and eat, breath and sleep rivers for 12 days straight! This unit is designed to assist learning by encouraging your active participation in all activities.
TEXTBOOK AND COMPUTER RESOURCES
There is a textbook for this unit that you should purchase well in advance as you will need it for pre-course preparation and during all 12 days of the unit (see below for further details).
You will need your own personal laptop for each day of this course and wi-fi on the fieldtrip.
PRE-COURSE WORK AND ASSIGNMENT 1
Before the course starts, students are required to complete pre-course work ready for Assignment 1. The pre-course preparation involves listening to 6 x short webinars and undertaking reading from the textbook. These webinars provide the content necessary to get you 'up to speed' and engaged in the key areas of geomorphic analysis of rivers so you are prepared to tackle the course. If you are new to fluvial geomorphology you should supplement them by reading, especially from the textbook. If you are not new to fluvial geomorphology these will be a refresher, but you should still supplement them by reading, especially from the textbook.
Assignment 1 will comprise a series of pop-quizzes and other in-class activities and be conducted on the morning of Day 1 of the course. It will test your knowledge from the pre-course work.
DAYS 1-4 - ON-CAMPUS - GEOMORPHIC ANALYSIS OF RIVERS
Days 1-4 of the unit are based on-campus at Macquarie University. This part of the course focusses on the geomorphic analysis of rivers. A mix of interactive activities comprising short information sessions, practical exercises and other activities are undertaken. This is not your standard lecture and practical structure! All the materials are scaffolded and you will be working on building Assignment 2 during these 4 days.
Further information about these Days will be available on the iLearn site and at the COVID-19 section below.
DAYS 5-7 - FIELDTRIP
There is a compulsory fieldtrip for all students, to the Wollombi Valley and Hunter River. We will be undertaking fieldwork activities including site assessments and mapping, surveying, sediment analysis etc. You will be using this information to complete Assignment 2 which is due in the evening of Day 2 of the fieldtrip. On the fieldtrip we will also start preparing and gathering field data for Assignments 3 and 4.
Further information about the fieldtrip will be available on the iLearn site and at the COVID-19 section below.
DAY 8 - DAY OFF
This is a day off given that this year's field trip has been reduced from 4 days to 3.
DAYS 9-12 - ON-CAMPUS - RIVER CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
Days 9-12 of the unit are based on-campus at Macquarie University. This part of the course focusses on the river management practice in an Australian context. The skills you learn in this part of the unit are best practice in the workplace. A mix of interactive activities comprising short information sessions, practical exercises, a role play and other activities are undertaken. This is not your standard lecture and practical structure! All the materials are scaffolded and you will be working on building Assignment 4 during these 4 days. Assignment 3 is a role play that will be peer-assessed.
Further information about these Days will be available on the iLearn site and at the COVID-19 section below.
TEXTBOOK
The textbook for this unit is:
Fryirs, K.A. and Brierley, G.J. 2013. Geomorphic Analysis of River Systems: An approach to Reading the Landscape. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 345pp.
You can purchase a paperback copy of the book for ~$70 or an e-book version for ~$83 at Booktopia at:
OTHER READING
You will never be discouraged from reading widely and including the most up-to-date science in you work. An extensive reading list is provided for this unit via the Library in Leganto. You are encouraged to use your database searching skills as well to source relevant information on geomorphology and river management.
ASSESSMENTS
There are four assessments overall with percentage weightings as described above.
DAY | Activity |
Pre-course |
Listen to webinars and do pre-course reading from textbook Arrange work groups, fieldtrip travel (cars), book accommodation |
Day 1 - morning |
Meet and greet Getting up to speed - interactive activities ASSIGNMENT 1 conducted in-class |
Day 1 - afternoon | Learning about river character, behaviour and change - mini-lectures and practical exercises |
Day 2 - morning | Building a river evolution diagram - mini-lectures and practical exercises |
Day 2 - afternoon | Building a river evolution diagram - short information sessions and practical exercises |
Day 3 - morning | Building a river evolution diagram - short information sessions and practical exercises |
Day 3 - afternoon |
Putting this all together for Assignment 2 - what's required Study time |
Day 4 - morning | A taste of River Styles |
Day 4 - afternoon |
Fieldtrip preparation Study time |
Day 5 - | Fieldtrip |
Day 6 - |
Fieldtrip ASSIGNMENT 2 due in evening |
Day 7 - | Fieldtrip |
Day 8 - | DAY OFF |
Day 9 - morning | River management in Australia - the process, river condition, river recovery - mini-lectures and practical exercises |
Day 9 - afternoon | River management in Australia - the process and rehabilitation design - - mini-lectures and practical exercises |
Day 10 - morning | River management in Australia - Assignment 3 river rehabilitation plan, processing data |
Day 10 - afternoon |
What's expected for Assignment 4 Study time |
Day 11 - morning | Preparing your role play! Assignment 3. |
Day 11 - afternoon | ASSIGNMENT 3 - Undertaking your role play! |
Day 12 - morning |
Study time to complete Assignment 4. ASSIGNMENT 4 due |
Day 12 - afternoon | Panel discussion on river management in Australia and how to get a job in the industry |
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:
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).
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 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
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
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.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
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
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.
COVIDSafe Fieldwork – see next section
General fieldtrip and fieldwork information
A fieldtrip booklet is in preparation and will be distributed to you at the start of the unit.
Weather: We never cancel fieldtrips for bad weather! You must be prepared to work in the rain with the appropriate clothing. Likewise you should always protect yourself from the sun and dehydration.
Transport: You will be driving your own vehicles and carpooling.
Cost: You will pay for your own accommodation, food and other expenses (e.g. petrol).
Food: You will need to bring all food for the fieldtrip and cater for yourself.
Accommodation: You will book your own accommodation. A range of accommodation options from campsites to cabins to motel rooms are available.
Departure: We aim to meet you at the first field site in the Hunter Valley on Day 1. You will make your way and sign on to the fieldtrip.
Returning home: We will be meeting everyone at a pre-designated location to officially sign-off from the fieldtrip. After you have signed off you will be free to travel home.
Signing on and signing off from the fieldtrip and each day: We will have a QR code system in place. Each student will be required to sign on and sign off at the start of the fieldtrip, at the end of the fieldtrip and at the start and end of each fieldtrip day.
Behaviour and conduct: When you sign the Field Friendly trip plan, you are also required to acknowledge that you will abide by Macquarie University policies associated with conducting fieldwork, travel, and behaviour as Macquarie University citizens.
Personal field equipment
Each student should bring the following aids/comforts on each field trip:
FIELD NOTE BOOK: Each student MUST purchase a small hardcover notebook for use in the field. It should be bound down the spine on the left side. Use only ball-point pen, felt tip pen will run in wet weather and pencil will smudge or rip wet paper. The best, and most expensive, option is a waterproof ‘rite-in-the-rain’ notebook. Write your personal details on the first page, and a table of contents inside the front cover. On each field day, write the date and project title, the site details, and all observations and measurements, including details of methodology.
It is important that you get into the habit of writing thorough, accurate and legible notes at the outset - after all, if you are an expert witness for some environmental issue, your notebook can be tendered as evidence in legal proceedings, either in the Land and Environment court or at a Commission of Inquiry. Get into the practice of structuring your notebook at the start of each exercise and continually taking notes. Do not depend on others, unless prescribed roles are allocated and this is one of the designated tasks.
Safety in the field
Any student who has a disability or health condition that may limit their participation in field work or that could result in a medical emergency in the field should notify the unit convenor before fieldwork commences. You will be filling in Field Friendly participant forms and sign off on your participation prior to the fieldtrip.
Each student must ensure his/her own safety at all times during field excursions.
•Do not undertake fieldwork alone. You must work with at least one other person.
•You must be adequately equipped to undertake fieldwork, including wet weather clothing, warm clothing, hat and sun protection, protective footwear (closed toe boots or shoes).
•You should bring a first aid kit if you have one.
•Do not undertake any activity you feel to be unsafe. Discuss with the fieldtrip leader any concerns you have about particular tasks.
•Be watchful of the safety of your fellow students, if they become separated from the group or are at some other risk. Tell the fieldtrip leader as soon as you notice a potentially dangerous situation
FIELDTRIP - S3 2020 Fieldtrips for coursework units are restricted to travel with NSW.
This form constitutes our COVID-safe travel and response plan and has been approved by the Associate Dean of Quality and Standards or the Executive Dean.
Dates of activity
Travel times
Staff transport
Student transport
Accommodation
Nature of activity
Sign in and sign out
DETAILED COVIDSAFE PLAN
Pre-fieldtrip briefing -
Overall group size -
Group sizes at each site -
During the small group activity at each site -
Interactions with the general public –
Stopping locations – (see below for hygiene and cleaning at stops).
Every day in the field –meal and toilet stops
Evenings of all 3 nights –check-in/out to accommodation, meals
TRAVEL AND HYGEINE ARRANGEMENTS
Pre-fieldtrip –
Cleaning packages –
MQ vehicle cleaning and refuelling –
Student cars cleaning and refuelling –
Equipment use and cleaning -
At each field site or at travel/meal stops -
At accommodation –
COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Mobile phone coverage:
Pre-fieldtrip briefing -
Daily updates and briefings -
In the event that any participant (staff or student) exhibits symptoms of COVID-19.
Singleton Hospital (Dangar Rd, Singleton) - (02) 6571 9248
Cessnock Hospital (24 View Street) - (02) 4991 0436
Maitland Hospital (560 High St, Maitland NSW 2320) - (02) 4939 2000.
In the event that a cluster is identified in the field area, the area declared a hotspot or travel restrictions change.