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

Geography is fundamentally about understanding the ways in which people and the environment interact to create the complex landscapes around us. This requires an understanding of the interaction of physical and human processes across time and geographic space. This unit develops concepts, skills and knowledge that enable students to engage in this process of ‘reading landscapes' through a case study of regional development and land degradation in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia.

The unit is based on a compulsory week-long residential field trip (during Semester break week) that provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in research design, field observation and mapping, and the interpretation of field data and an appreciation of the challenges associated with managing complex landscapes. Students who do not attend the field trip during semester break cannot complete the unit.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Geographical Sciences; Applied Human Geography; Environmental Geography and Planning; Geographical and Spatial Science; Social and Environmental Sustainability major sequences
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe relationships between bio-physical, economic, social and political processes that shape landscapes across time and space; (2) apply a range of field techniques to deconstruct and interpret individual components of a landscape to accurately describe their form and characteristics; (3) analyse qualitative and quantitative primary and secondary data to address a defined brief; and (4) collaboratively synthesise field-based observations to present a creative, analytical report.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) field journal/notebook from field trip; (2) field folio; and (3) group video. 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 Nik Callow
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
GEOG1106 Climate Change: Environment and Society
or GEOG1104 Disasters!
or GEOG1107 Human Inequality in the Anthropocene
or GEOG1103 Urbanisation and Sustainability
or prior approval
Advisable prior study
Recommended study of 6 points of first year Geography or equivalent
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 here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field trip (estimated cost - Up to a maximum of $120 per night. Up to $600, but likely chareg is significantly lower than this figure.).
Contact hours
compulsory field trip: 5 days (during semester break)
followed by face-to-face workshop sessions (5 weeks)
Note
Costs payable for food and accommodation on the field trip.

Field trip costs are typically around $250 for the field trip, with a maximum cost of $125/night.
  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.