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
Working in the field can be demanding and involves uncertainty, risks and challenges. Through building your core knowledge and providing you with practical training, this unique unit is designed for both people preparing to work in the field and researchers undertaking research fieldwork in a range of complex, unstable and potentially hostile environments. The unit combines the development of core knowledge on effective field preparation through classroom seminar teaching and simulations with practical field training through virtual reality technologies and immersive scenarios at our field camp in the Perth hills. The unit develops knowledge and skills in fieldwork design and planning, risk management, personal safety, ethical dilemmas, information security and crisis response.
- Credit
- 12 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate advanced understanding of the key dynamics involved in working or researching in complex and hostile environments; (2) demonstrate advanced understanding of and responses to relevant risk, security, health and safety and travel policies and regulations; (3) demonstrate advanced awareness of and capacity to manage ethical challenges in the field; and (4) demonstrate a capability to prepare a viable fieldwork plan.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation and (2) written fieldwork plan. 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 David Mickler
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- completion of 24 points of postgraduate study
or approval by the unit coordinator.
Students must submit a Researcher Profile Self-assessment prior to enrolment as part of an expression of interest in undertaking SOCS5911 Fieldwork in Complex and Hostile Places. - Incompatibility
- SOCS5912 Fieldwork in Complex and Hostile Places Part 2
Approved quota: 30—this unit requires the submission of an Expression of Interest form prior to enrollment.
The unit coordinator will allocate places based on a first come first served basis.
Confirmation of enrollment will be notified to students, and unsuccessful applicants will be advised via email.- Contact hours
- Approximately 96 hours (seminars: 4 days at Crawley campus
practical: 3 day intensive at field site in Perth hills).
- 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.