Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit allows students to gain a unique perspective on contemporary geographical issues in a host country for up to three weeks under the supervision of academic staff. Host countries are likely to include Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the United States. The unit incorporates enquiry in both physical and human geography to provide insights into patterns and processes underpinning change in a range of different settings, including natural environments, metropolitan regions and rural areas. Central themes include environmental change, conservation and management; urban development and quality of life; agrarian change and rural development; and spatial and development policy. Through the field trip, students gain in-depth insights into the complexity of geographical issues from the viewpoint of local residents and other stakeholders. In addition, they work in small groups to undertake a research project that develops methodological skills and offers the opportunity to examine a geographical issue of interest in depth. The unit includes a series of lectures prior to the field trip to set the broad environmental, economic, social and political context within which the students are immersed.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) show how key concepts in physical and human geography can be applied in diverse international settings; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the complex linkages between natural systems and human activities, and the associated implications for development, environmental management and planning policy; (3) critically analyse academic theory and field-based experiences to generate nuanced and sensitive insights into local patterns and processes of geographical change; and (4) apply quantitative and/or qualitative methods to undertake a small group-based research on a geographical issue of interest.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) an essay (30 per cent); (2) a group presentation during the field work (20 per cent); and (3) an individual report (50 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Linda Robson
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- 48 points of prior undergraduate study at UWA and approval by Unit Coordinator
Approved quota: 25—approval by Unit Coordinator based on an expression of interest and including the results achieved in prior study. - Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):International Field Trip (estimated cost - Estimated $3,000 for 12 nights). - Contact hours
- Usually 5 x 2hr lectures prior to seven or eight day residential fieldwork overseas.
- Note
- The costs of travel, food and accommodation for the field trip are borne by the student. Advice and support on applying for UWA grants or other means of financial assistance will be given.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.