Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must achieve a total unit mark equal to or greater than 50%.

We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities in order to achieve a mark >50%. 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.

AI Approach

The use of AI tools is not permitted in the in-class test or other assessment tasks.  You are encouraged to develop your own study and reporting skills.

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 the Service Connect Portal (https://connect.mq.edu.au).

Assessment Submission Deadlines and Late Submissions

All assessments (except for the in-class exam) must be submitted by 11.55 pm on their due date. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. Should these assessments be missed due to illness or misadventure, students should apply for an extension via the Special Consideration process. If you anticipate not being able to meet the deadline ahead of time then also apply for Special Consideration.

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 7^th day (including weekends). After the 7^th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.

Late submissions will be accepted (with penalty) for assessments 2 and 3.

Late submissions are not possible for assessment 1.

Submission of Assessments

Assessments must be submitted online through iLearn and Turnitin. Links for the submission of each assignment will be available on iLearn.​ 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. 

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 (see below for each assessment task). Grades for each assessment item and for the unit as a whole will be awarded according to the following general criteria:

Assessment Marking and Feedback

Assessment 1 (in-class exam) will be marked on ilearn and feedback provided in class. Grades provided through Grades Report.

Assessments 2 and 3 will be submitted in ilearn/Turnitin and feedback provided there too. Grades provided in Grades Report.

Due to the number of students in the unit, we aim to return your assignments with feedback within 3 weeks of the date of submission. We appreciate your patience and will advise you through iLearn when your marked assignments and feedback are available for viewing.

During the on-campus sesssion and fieldtrip we will try to give you constructive feedback on your understanding and performance. The unit has been structured so that the on-campus session and fieldtrip allow us to monitor your progress and understanding. This includes both conceptual and practical (such as field skills) components.

If at any stage you wish to receive guidance on the content of the unit or your performance then we encourage you to approach one of the staff. Likewise, if you would like more detailed feedback or explanation of the feedback you have received then please approach the staff member who gave this feedback to arrange a meeting.

Finally, we appreciate your (constructive) feedback too. Our goal is to improve our teaching (and your learning) continuously. We ask for your feedback at the end of semester and value your specific comments. We are also happy to receive your comments throughout the semester.

IN-CLASS EXAM (30%)

During the on-campus session, this will test your knowledge and understanding of the pre-workshop lectures and readings.  The rubric related to achievement and grading is as follows:

FIELD RESEARCH SKILLS (30%)

The purpose of the fieldwork task is to demonstrate proficiency in field research skills, including developing a fieldwork plan, maintaining a field book, creating a summary of field activities, and completing a short written report including maps, graphs and tabled data based on fieldwork activities. This will be completed in stages through the fieldtrip. The rubric related to achievement and grading is as follows:

SCIENTIFIC REPORT (40%)

This report is based on results from the fieldtrip, the preparatory practical sessions, post-fieldwork data analysis, and your own reading and research on the topic.  You will address a research question in your report, tailoring the presentation and discussion of your results to answer the question and placing them within a context revealed by your readings.  The report should be presented in the format of scientific report, with a high standard of presentation (clarity and accuracy, not necessarily ‘pretty’), with diagrams, maps, graphs and tables (as appropriate) and standard scientific citation and referencing.  You will be provided with some essential and useful readings for these reports but you should also undertake your own research of the primary scientific literature.  The rubric related to achievement and grading is as follows:

Classes and Attendance

The class timetable can be found through the Timetable portal.

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

• Before the on-campus session there will be pre-recorded mini-lectures on a range of topics.  Your knowledge and understanding of these will be tested in the in-class exam during the on-campus session.
• The 2 day on-campus session will cover skills necessary to prepare you for the fieldwork.
• Five day fieldtrip (Mon to Fri) to the South Coast.

ON-CAMPUS SESSION comprise practical exercises, including map and air photo interpretation, numerical analysis, examination of rocks and sediments.  These sessions provide hands-on experience of the topics which will be covered on the fieldtrip.  Equipment you should bring includes; pencils, ruler, calculator, field note book.  You should also wear appropriate clothes for the laboratory: closed shoes. 

FIELD WORK occurs in the week following the on-campus session where a range of natural and human-modified landscape features are examined. The fieldtrip reinforces and extends the content of the on-campus session and pre-workship mini-lectures. The major assessments are based on the fieldtrip.  Equipment and safety issues for field work are described below.

Textbooks and Essential Readings

The following texts are suggested as being valuable reading. You are not required to purchase them, but may find them useful.  There are some copies in the library.

• Paton TR, Humphreys GS and Mitchell PB, 1995.  Soils: A New Global View. UCL Press.
• National Committee on Soil and Terrain, 2009. Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook, 3^rd edition. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.
• Fryirs, K.A. and Brierley, G.J., 2013. Geomorphic Analysis of River Systems: An Approach to Reading the Landscape. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-4051-9274-3. Associated online resources: www.wiley.com/go/fryirs/riversystems 
• Summerfield MA. 1991 Global Geomorphology: An introduction to the study of landforms. Longmans, London. 537 pp.

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors should be placed on the iLearn discussion board (for general questions of relevance and interest to the class) or sent to the lecturer/convenor (firstname.lastname@mq.edu.au) for any individual questions (i.e. things that only affect you).  We only have access to your university email address and all iLearn announcements are sent to that address.  Please add your university email address to your mail app and check regularly.

Technology Used and Required

This unit will use iLearn and associated technology. See the Instructions on how to log in to iLearn and the links below which will help you:

• Getting started
• Activities
• Assignments and grades
• Online study tips
• Discussion forums
• Lecture recordings
• Zoom Live Transcription

The pre-workshop mini-lectures will be available on Echo360 via the iLearn page for ENVS2266. iLearn will be used by staff to send reminders and notices. You should check the site regularly. There is also a discussion forum between students; please feel free to use this to discuss issues relating to any aspect of the unit and geomorphology in general.  For specific questions to the lecturers, contact them directly.  For the on-campus session you should use ArcMap GIS software.  You will be able to access this on University laptops in the pracs, and in the 11WW computer labs after the fieldtrip.  You may also be able to install a copy on your own computer (not on Macs), requiring a licence code issued by the University.

The major assignments must also be submitted electronically through Turnitin, via the iLearn page for this unit. This software provides a means of gauging the timing of submission, an originality checker to test for potential plagiarism and a paperless grading system, more information on this program can be found at (http://turnitin.com/) and (http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/assignments.htm) and a ‘quick guide’ in ilearn next to the Turnitin link. Many of the readings (scientific papers) are available on-line from the library.

Please see the class schedule provided on iLearn.

In 2026 this unit is undergoing a dramatic change in format - but not so much in content.  The unit will run in block mode in the mid-year (winter) vacation in July.  The unit retains and reinforces its emphasis on active learning out in the real world.  The focus is a 5-day fieldtrip, to the South Coast, where you will learn and apply skills related to landscape process description and analysis. The two-day on-campus session the week before will begin teaching you some specific skills and preparing you for the fieldwork.

FIELDWORK

The unit centres on a 5 day fieldtrip to the South Coast.  A detailed schedule and other details will be found on iLearn. 

Health concerns and risk: We will complete a full risk assessment before the fieldtrip.  You will be able to view this and will need to register using the University's Field Friendly tool, when advised.  If you have any health conditions which may impact on your ability to undertake the fieldwork, or if you are uncertain, then you should indicate this when registering or contact unit staff before the fieldtrip.

Weather: While we all hope for warm, sunny days, you must be prepared to work in the rain with the appropriate clothing.  Likewise you should always protect yourself from the sun and dehydration. We never cancel fieldtrips for bad weather!  

Transport: You will be offered the choice of a seat on a bus (cost to be determined) or your own transport (private vehicle, your own or with a friend).  

Arrival: The fieldtrip will start at 10 am in the field at Berry. 

Cost: We have booked accommodation on behalf of the group and you must pay your money using the form to be provided on the iLearn page BEFORE THE TRIP.  The cost per person is $500 (Mon to Friday) and includes all meals.

Food: You should bring your own snacks but other food is included in the accommodation cost.   You will be able to request appropriate meals if you have special dietary requirements.

Accommodation: Accommodation is in bunk rooms with dining, bathroom/toilet and work areas and a dining hall.  We have some capacity to accommodate special needs.  Please contact staff before the fieldtrip.

Departure: We aim to leave the field by midday Friday. You must sign off before returning home.

Personal Field Equipment: Each student should bring the following aids/comforts on the field trip (see full details on iLearn):

• sturdy shoes for all field activities (no visible skin below the ankles) - sandals, thongs, etc  are for camp only
• water bottle (at least 1 litre)
• wet weather gear - we go whatever the weather!!!  Cheap plastic ponchos will not survive walking through scrub.
• hat (with a wide brim, front and back), insect repellent and sunscreen
• field note book and pencils (see note below)
• calculator, hand lens, small pocket knife
• camera
• snacks for the day - we do not stop at shops!!!
• a back pack to store it all in

FIELD EQUIPMENT YOU SHOULD PURCHASE

• Field notebook
• Hand lens

Each student MUST purchase a small hardcover notebook for use in the field.  It should be bound down the spine on the left side, or across the top (but NOT spiral bound). The notebook does not necessarily have to be used only for this unit (you may have used it on previous trips) but it should be good quality and able to withstand a week in the field – in what may be wet conditions.  The best, and most expensive, option is a waterproof Rite-in-the-Rain, Markrite or Chartwell notebook. There are several versions but the best options are 1. Geological (Rite in the Rain 540F) or Environmental (Rite in the Rain), with columns, lines and grids (good for sketching and data), included classifications; 2. Small Rite in the Rain notebook (200T) which can be inserted in a hard cover (200C).  The first will last you several fieldtrips (and units), the second will probably last you this Unit. 

These items can be bought online, for example, Prospectors Supplies.  They can be used in many ENVS, BIOL and EESC units.

SAFETY IN THE FIELD AND LABORATORY

Any student who has a disability that may limit their participation in field work or that could result in a medical emergency in the field should notify the unit convenor immediately.  As a general guide to the level of physical fitness required, you should be able to walk 10 km over open undulating terrain in 3 hours.

You should detail any potential health concerns when you register on Field Friendly.  Feel free to also contact unit staff before 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 footware (closed toe boots or shoes).
• You should bring a first aid kit if you have one (they will be provided to each group but do not include any drugs/creams etc).
• 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.
• If you have any medical condition (including allergies) that require medication then you should bring medication with you.  We do not have and cannot provide any medication (including non-prescription).

Laboratory work during the on-campus session does not involve hazardous chemicals.  Nevertheless, in the laboratory you must wear safe (closed) footwear and generally follow safe practice.  Where items of equipment are to be used, do not use them until you have received adequate training.

All students taking ENVS2266 are eligible for the Geoff Humphreys Prize for proficiency in this unit.  The prize is for $300 (cash).

Geoff Humphreys was a lecturer in Physical Geography from 1994 to 2007 but had an association with Macquarie extending back to the early 1970s when he began his undergraduate degree here.  Geoff was an energetic and enthusiastic researcher and teacher in soil science and geomorphology.  His great passion was researching the processes of soil formation, especially the role of the biosphere in soil turnover and movement – bioturbation.  Geoff was very much at home in the field and greatly enjoyed teaching students in the bush where it is possible to see processes in action and also the landscape context of detailed measurements.

Geoff was instrumental in devising the curriculum of ENVS2266 and taught in the unit for many years.  This prize, first awarded in 2007 following Geoff’s sudden death, is awarded to the student who shows the most proficiency in this unit which attempts to convey some of Geoff’s fascination with how landscapes work.

You can read more about our colleague, mentor and friend, Geoff, here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1745-5871.2008.00513.x and here https://old.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/iuss-history/obituaries-to-great-soil-scientists/gs-humphreys-1953-2007/index.html

AIMS AND SCOPE OF ENVS2266

ENVS2266 aims to present a unified picture of processes, materials and forms occurring at the surface of the earth.  That means how and why the earth's surface looks and behaves as it does and includes the soils, sediments and landforms as well as the processes important to them.  Given its antiquity, along with its geographic, tectonic and climatic character, Australia has a distinctive and diverse landscape.  The unit therefore draws unashamedly on Australian, and often local, examples which have immediate relevance to Australian environmental problems.  The principles and ideas, however, are certainly global and possibly universal (at least applying to the solar system).  We aim to give you the 'tools' to understand landscape processes no matter where you are.  Time constraints prevent coverage of all aspects of geomorphic enquiry.  Emphasis is placed on soil materials, slope, river and coastal environments, although the arid interior of Australia and other exotic places are also examined briefly and the role of human activities is examined.  Connections between various aspects of the landscape will be stressed, aiming to provide an integrative perspective on surface processes.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AT MACQUARIE

ENVS2266 is a core 2000-level unit in the Environmental Science major (Bachelor of Environment) and Earth and Environmental Science major (Bachelor of Science) and is the main prerequisite for the 3000-level units ENVS3238 (Environmental Quality and Assessment), ENVS3439 (Geomorphic Analysis of Rivers and Wetlands for Conservation and Management), and ENVS3240 (Environmental Change).

Earth Surface Processes describes the study of the earth’s surface, the diverse physical processes found there and the connections between them.  As the name suggests, it lies at the nexus between earth systems and biological systems – it is often concerned with landscapes and the landforms, sediments and soils within them but also, and crucially, the interaction of plants and animals in directing processes and shaping habitat.  Earth Surface Processes combines aspects of Geomorphology, Soil Science, Natural Hazards, Environmental Management and Ecology.  As a consequence, graduates gain skills essential for management of natural resources, including rural rivers and lands, and highly altered landscapes, including urban environments and mining areas.

Graduates enter a wide range of workplaces including: environmental and geotechnical consultancies, local government (environmental officers), state government departments (Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources; Environment and Conservation), National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney Water, mining companies (environmental officers), teaching (primary and secondary) and research.

Earth Surface Processes is offered within the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Environment.  It is also suitable as a component of other specialised programs, including Environmental Management, Biology and Archaeology.

Please feel free to discuss your program with any of the staff in the unit at any time during the semester.

You can also find more information about the Bachelor of Environment program and units of study at: https://coursehandbook.mq.edu.au/2025/courses/C000003 

and about the Bachelor of Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences major at: https://coursehandbook.mq.edu.au/2025/aos/N000264