Freshwater Biology (10226.2)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | ||
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Academic Program Area - Science | Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Clearly articulate key approaches used to assess status and change in freshwater biological systems and describe the advantages, disadvantages and sources of uncertainty of these approaches;
2. Demonstrate well-developed conceptual knowledge in freshwater biology and ecology;
3. Collect new data and synthesis existing information to assess the status of a freshwater system. Critically evaluate the strengths and weakness of this data and information;
4. Accurately communicate the findings of a freshwater biological or ecological study in a scientific report;
5. Demonstrate ability to critically assess the quality of your own work and the work of others; and
6. Develop a global awareness of freshwater issues and the significance of cultural diversity as it pertains to sustainability of water resources.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Prerequisites
Plants and Animals, 623, and Data Analysis in Science, 1809.Corequisites
Integrated Catchment Science, 10224.Incompatible units
Australian Waterways G, 8029Equivalent units
Australian Waterways, 6912.Assumed knowledge
1st year chemistry, biology, and mathematics.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Required texts
There no required texts. However, articles will be placed on Canvas, which students are expected to read. Students are also expected to search for, and review additional literature for assessments.
Recommended reading:
Boulton, A.J. et al. (2014). Australian freshwater ecology: processes and management 2nd edition. West Sussex John Wiley & Sons, Inc Available as an ebook from: https://canberra.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991000802869703996&context=L&vid=61ARL_CNB:61ARL_CNB&search_scope=MyInstitution&tab=Everything&lang=en
Closs, G. et al. (2009). Freshwater ecology a scientific introduction. Chichester : John Wiley & Sons. Available as an ebook from: https://canberra.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991003531359703996&context=L&vid=61ARL_CNB:61ARL_CNB&search_scope=MyInstitution&tab=Everything&lang=en
Lake, P.S. (2011). Drought and aquatic ecosystems: effects and responses. Chichester, West Sussex ; Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Blackwell Available as an ebook from: https://canberra.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991003513699703996&context=L&vid=61ARL_CNB:61ARL_CNB&search_scope=MyInstitution&tab=Everything&lang=en
Submission of assessment items
Special assessment requirements
An aggregated mark of 50% is required to pass the unit. Additionally, in order to pass the unit, students must participate in all compulsory field trips. If you cannot attend a field trip (because of illness, needing to self-isolate or other unavoidable and verifiable personal circumstances), then you must contact the unit convener and arrange alternatives.
The unit convener reserves the right to question students or groups of students orally on any (or all) of their submitted work.
Academic integrity
Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.
To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.
Use of Text-Matching Software
The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.
Learner engagement
Included in the work load are 34 hours of in class activities, 27 hours of field trips, approximately 10 hours preparing for workshops/practicals, 1 hour completing the quizzes and 24 hours for the assignment. The remaining time is for reading material and study.
Participation requirements
Students are expected to attend and participate in all lectures, field trips and online, which are designed to provide the information needed to pass the unit. Participation in field trips is a compulsory condition of this unit, and attendance will be recorded. You must participate in all field trips to pass this unit. If you cannot attend your assigned field trips due to illness, socially isolating or unavoidable commitments, contact the Unit Convener as soon as possible to negotiate an alternate.
Required IT skills
It is assumed that students will have basic IT skills and be familiar with using, and have access to, email, internet browser, word processing software and Microsoft excel. It is also assumed that all students will have access to the Internet, to gain access to the online material. Any student with a valid UC user name and password can gain access to the Internet on campus. It is also assumed that students regularly check their UC email address. Students will need to prepare scientific graphs and may need to conduct statistical data analysis (e.g. ANOVA) using statistical soft-ware, such as R or SPSS, although other soft-ware can be used. Any student with a valid UC user name and password can use SPSS and R on UC computers on campus. R can also be freely downloaded and used from the internet.
If the test is conducted on-line, students need to ensure that they have access to a computer, word-processing software and reliable internet for the duration of on-line test. A digital camera (or phone with a camera) and a means of quickly transferring an image from this camera to your computer will be helpful in the event that the test is on-line, so that students can hand draw a diagram and include it in their answers.
This unit involves online meetings in real time using the Virtual Room in your UCLearn teaching site. The Virtual Room allows you to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.
In-unit costs
No additional costs charged by the university. Students will need to make their own travel arrangements to get to the field trip in week 2 (an urban stream within Canberra). It is possible that COVID-19 situation that student may need to make their own travel arrangements to other field trips and cover the costs of this travel. Students will also need to bring their own lunch and any snacks they need during the field trips and have clothing and footwear suitable for the outdoors (including waterproof clothing) potentially in inclement weather.
Work placement, internships or practicums
None.
Additional information
Foundation of Unit
This unit involves foundations in both theory and research, the former in terms of concepts and theories in freshwater ecology, geomorphology and environmental management and the latter in terms of the Assignment involving investigating the impact of dam/mining on the freshwater environment.
Provision of information to the group
Notifications through the Canvas Announcements Forum or the Canvas Discussion Forums are deemed to be made to the whole class. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they check for announcements on the Unit's Canvas website (Canvas forum messages are also emailed to student email addresses only). Students should ensure they check their student email regularly. The Canvas discussion forums will be checked by staff regularly.
Use of student email account
The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes". Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.
In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit Convener is informed. The minimum participation requirement must be met in order to pass the unit (regardless of supporting documentation).
