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 is designed to enhance postgraduate students' knowledge of the theory and practice of cross-cultural biodiversity science. It will cover four main areas: (1) history and practice of cross-cultural scientific understanding of components of biodiversity, including the importance of collections, species theory and cosmology; (2) using cross-cultural knowledge of disturbance ecology, fire regimes and threat abatement for natural resource management; (3) landscape scale understanding of biodiversity, with a special focus on comparing biodiversity from old, climatically buffered landscapes (OCBILs) with that from young often-disturbed fertile landscapes (YODFELs) from cross-cultural perspectives; and (4) approaches to the study of human use, care and transmission of scientific biodiversity knowledge from a cross-cultural perspective. The unit is delivered in two distinct parts—an online component consisting of the above four modules, and a week-long field excursion based in Albany, where students devise a co-management plan to address protection of a specific location's cultural and biodiversity values guided by Menang Noongar Elders and the unit coordinators. Students also complete a practical exercise in cross-cultural research which includes preparation of a Human Research Ethics application. Students will develop enhanced skills in the scientific study of biodiversity. They learn about respectful cross-cultural protocols in the pursuit of biodiversity knowledge, and develop an enhanced scientific understanding of biodiversity on country, seen through self- and group-learning and project development in a cross-cultural context.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts in cross-cultural biodiversity science; (2) apply knowledge of correct protocols to consult and be guided by Aboriginal Elders regarding biodiversity science; (3) examine a biodiversity science topic that embraces cross-cultural perspectives; and (4) explain research findings in a written report.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes (individual); (2) practical exercise in cross-cultural research (group); and (3) co-management plan (individual). 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 Alison Lullfitz
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Incompatibility
- Unit(s) ENVT3310 Biodiversity on Country
- 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 or contact your Faculty Office).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):Field trip (estimated cost - 250). - Contact hours
- approximately 60 hours—mix of online component (lectures, video footage, reading, quizzes) and field excursion
- Note
- Please Note: “This unit has a compulsory five-day field trip prior to the beginning of the semester teaching period.”
Students are responsible for making their own way to the UWA Albany campus for the field trip. There is a public bus service linking Perth to Albany. The unit coordinator will organise transfers to and from the field stations from the Albany campus. Accommodation is arranged by the unit coordinator for the duration of the field trip and is included in students incidental fees.
- 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.