Students

ENVS8407 – Field Methods in Environmental Science

2025 – Session 3, In person-scheduled-intensive, Other

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Simon Griffith
simon.griffith@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MEnv or MSc or GradDipEnv or GradCertEnv or MEnvPlan or MPlan or MSusDev or GradDipSusDev or GradCertSusDev or MMarScMgt or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or MEngEnvSafetyEng or MScInnovationEnvSc or GradDipResFSE or GradCertResFSE
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit runs over the first two weeks of Session 3 and includes an eight-day field trip to Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast. It focuses on coastal zone management, covering themes like water quality, geomorphology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, coastal impacts, hazards, and community attitudes. Students work in small groups to design a field data collection program, learning various data collection and analysis methods. At the end of the trip, each group presents their findings to the class, with local council and community members invited. For many students, this unit is the highlight of their Masters degree, offering practical skills, knowledge, and valuable networking opportunities.

Important info:

  • Check the university timetable for the dates of the field trip.
  • There is a separate cost of approximately $400 to cover accommodation during the field trip.
  • Transport is not included, however, there will be a limited number of seats available in the mini-buses for a small additional cost.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Sustainable Cities and Communities; 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: Critically evaluate the connections between different environmental problems, stakeholders and key factors influencing environmental management
  • ULO2: Design a field data collection program to address an environmental issue or problem
  • ULO3: Select and describe appropriate field survey and data collection methods
  • ULO4: Collect, analyse and evaluate field data, and assess the implications of results with respect to environmental science and management
  • ULO5: Develop skills in effective teamwork and communication of results

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Field group Engagement 30% No 11/12/2025
Data group presentation 30% No 13/12/2025
Knowledge of field methds 40% No 12/12/2025

Field group Engagement

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 11/12/2025
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will demonstrate their learning & application of field work skills & data collection through group-based contributions to tasks & activities.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Collect, analyse and evaluate field data, and assess the implications of results with respect to environmental science and management
  • Develop skills in effective teamwork and communication of results

Data group presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 13/12/2025
Weighting: 30%

 

On the last day of the field trip, each Data Group will present the results and implications of their field projects.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate the connections between different environmental problems, stakeholders and key factors influencing environmental management
  • Design a field data collection program to address an environmental issue or problem
  • Collect, analyse and evaluate field data, and assess the implications of results with respect to environmental science and management
  • Develop skills in effective teamwork and communication of results

Knowledge of field methds

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: 12/12/2025
Weighting: 40%

 

This assessment is a written test of knowledge relating to the data collection methods and how to conduct field work more generally.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Design a field data collection program to address an environmental issue or problem
  • Select and describe appropriate field survey and data collection methods

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

The resources for the unit will be provided through the ilearn page for the unit, and through face to face teaching and group work from 1st -13th December. 

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 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.

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:

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.

Unit information based on version 2025.06 of the Handbook