Students
ENVS1505 – Indigenous Science
2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Renee Cawthorne
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit, students will identify and critically explore Aboriginal scientific knowledge systems from across Australia. Using a two-way learning approach of Indigenous knowledge and Eurocentric science, parallels will be drawn across different scientific disciplines, such as biology, marine science, agriculture, fire management, hydrology, engineering, medicine, astronomy and climate change. With the aid of fieldwork and case study components, students will apply this knowledge to recognise the importance of informed decision making in building two-way knowledge and practices for a shared sustainable future. This foundation unit provides a strong framework for students to develop an understanding of Indigenous scientific knowledges and practice and to appreciate alternative worldviews in science. This unit has a one-day fieldtrip to two locations in Sydney. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Climate Action; Life on Land |
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 and describe Indigenous scientific systems.
- ULO2: Appraise the synergies and differences between Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge and practices.
- ULO3: Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to explore alternative worldviews.
- ULO4: Draw on a range of voices and resources to critically evaluate key concepts within the unit.
- ULO5: Demonstrate the effective use of written, verbal, computational and scientific communication skills to convey ideas.
General Assessment Information
To pass this unit you need to achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments,
We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration.
Assessment: Comparing Scientific Worldviews – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies, to avoid these please apply for Special Consideration
Assessment: Indigenous Science Poster – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies, to avoid these please apply for Special Consideration
Assessment: Exam – NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted
Special Consideration
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparing Scientific Worldviews | 40% | No | 01/10/2025 |
| Indigenous Science Poster | 20% | No | 17/10/2025 |
| Exam | 40% | No | Exam Period |
Comparing Scientific Worldviews
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 56 hours
Due: 01/10/2025
Weighting: 40%
Students will select an Australian native plant and write a comprehensive essay integrating results from a lab experiment and information from scientific journals and online sources. Additionally, students will discuss both Eurocentric and Indigenous customary knowledges and uses of the plant, highlighting the similarities and differences in understandings and practices.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and describe Indigenous scientific systems.
- Appraise the synergies and differences between Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge and practices.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to explore alternative worldviews.
- Draw on a range of voices and resources to critically evaluate key concepts within the unit.
- Demonstrate the effective use of written, verbal, computational and scientific communication skills to convey ideas.
Indigenous Science Poster
Assessment Type 1: Poster
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 17/10/2025
Weighting: 20%
Students will create a poster that explores a topic related to Indigenous Science, demonstrating their understanding of the relationship between Indigenous and Eurocentric scientific perspectives using text, images, and case studies. Students will then present their poster to the class, highlighting key ideas, concepts and the significance of the topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and describe Indigenous scientific systems.
- Appraise the synergies and differences between Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge and practices.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to explore alternative worldviews.
- Draw on a range of voices and resources to critically evaluate key concepts within the unit.
- Demonstrate the effective use of written, verbal, computational and scientific communication skills to convey ideas.
Exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%
Students are required to complete an exam covering all of the topics in the unit. The exam will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and describe Indigenous scientific systems.
- Appraise the synergies and differences between Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge and practices.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to explore alternative worldviews.
- Demonstrate the effective use of written, verbal, computational and scientific communication skills to convey ideas.
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 begin in week 1.
Methods of Communication
We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Changes from Previous Offering
We value student feedback to be able to continually improve the way we offer our units. As such we encourage students to provide constructive feedback via student surveys, to the teaching staff directly, or via the FSE Student Experience & Feedback link in the iLearn page.
To enable students more time to focus on learning, understanding and reflecting on the content of our unit we have revised the assessment structure as follows. There are now only three assessments: a poster, a project and an examination. Although no marks are associated with attendance, all activities provide you with key content designed to help you understand content and complete the assessments.
Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook