River Environments 1

Unit code: SOL2001 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
SOL1001 - Natural Environments 1; and
SOL1002 - Safety in Natural Environments
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit aims to increase students understanding of lower catchment environments including but not limited to geomorphology, river health, macro invertebrates, and catchment management within the unique riverine environment. Through outdoor experiential frameworks students will develop the knowledge and skill to live, travel, and lead safe multi day journeys on rivers and/or lakes. Students will also develop an appreciation of the physical, mental and social demands and benefits of these multi-day activities.


Off campus field classes in this unit may require a levy for incidental fees for accommodation, transport and camping.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Investigate riverine geomorphology, river health, and catchment management specifically relevant to the lower catchment environments visited in the unit of study;
  2. Articulate the unique theoretical knowledge and adapt the practical skills required to live, travel, and lead safely in lower catchment environments;
  3. Apply active place-based pedagogies to facilitate environmental, cultural, geological and historical learning opportunities whist in the field; and
  4. Employ strategies to safely manage and lead groups on multi day canoe journeys in lower catchment environments.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Due to risk management and professional/industry requirements to demonstrate knowledge and skill within both simulated and workplace environments, attendance requirements and hurdle tasks apply to classes.

Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Place-based interactive student-led activity
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 30%
Technical skills assessment (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 30%
Written reflection - leadership and facilitation
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 10%
Logbook and pre-trip checklist

Field Teaching requires mandatory attendance of 100% attendance, except under extenuating circumstances. This is due to the unit containing a significant competency component, enabling students to acquire and demonstrate essential skills to meet industry practice (VU Standards for Assessment Procedure (HE) Policy clause 25, 26, 29). Competency is also assessed through the hurdle technical skill practicum assessment.

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science
SBOE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership
SBOL | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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