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 will provide students with intensive practical experience of marine and coastal scientific data collection techniques in tropical coral reef, mangrove and seagrass environments. The unit activities will be located in a well-established field school in the Wakatobi National Park which is a marine protected area in south-east Sulawesi, Indonesia. In the first week, students will learn key diving skills to the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Open Water diving level and the option of further training to PADI Coral Reef Research Diver level. In weeks 2 and 3, students will be trained in a range of underwater species and ecosystem monitoring techniques used in tropical marine ecosystems as well as organising, analysing and presenting their results. Non-diving participants will be able to develop similar skills using snorkelling techniques and alternative terrestrial-based monitoring procedures. Alongside regular practical sessions each day, lectures, workshops and excursions will take place. These will introduce many of the in-water and practical skills whilst also providing broader contextual information regarding tropical marine resource management and conservation, thereby maximising student learning opportunities and experiences.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) Gain practical experience in essential diving and snorkelling skills necessary for scientific data collection in tropical marine and coastal environments; (2) Learn to correctly identify key marine organisms; (3) Learn to apply a suite of monitoring techniques in varying marine and coastal environments; and (4) Gain experience in the organisation, analysis and presentation of tropical marine data.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) Four practical tests in the field; (2) Group project; and (3) Individual written report. 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 Julian Clifton
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- SCIE2204 Marine Systems
Approved quota: 25—those students interested in the unit will be required to submit a statement outlining the reasons for their interest and the expected personal benefits during Semester 2 of Year 2. These will be assessed by the unit co-ordinator to identify students for whom the experience will provide optimal academic value.
Previous academic performance may also be taken into account in student selection.- Contact hours
- Fieldwork: 8 hrs per day for 14 days
Post fieldwork: group tutorials for 5 hrs during semester
- 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.
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.