Evidence based policy, management and research require fundamental understanding and skills in environmental measurement, modelling and monitoring. This course provides grounding in the statistical and ecological theories that underpin environmental quantification. It also develops the essential quantitative skill-set that environmental scientists, natural resource managers and policy makers need to master.

Measurement theory, sampling, allometry, modeling and assessing environmental function and change will be explored during the course. Field-based case studies, especially long-term ecological sites and the ANU Research Forest but also including a range of different applications across the biophysical and social sciences, will support integration of lecture, workshop and reading material as well as providing examples of leading research and general application.

Workshops, including short field visits, will focus on specific examples of measurement and the impact of instrument selection and use; experimental design and implicit consequences; common and advanced analysis techniques including regression modeling; and storage and presentation of raw and processed data for future understanding and re-analysis. A range of experts from organisations including CSIRO and public service departments will share their knowledge and perspectives with students during the course.

Specific examples of applications of quantitative tools and systems explored and critiqued may include:
* Biometric/HabitatHectares/McElhinney indices for environmental impact assessment;
* BushTender/ReefTrust/SavingOurSpecies for benefit:cost metrics
* Atlas of Living Australia for collection and presentation of presence only data;
* National Carbon Assessment Tool for forest, woodland and farm biomass
* Landscape Functional Analysis
* Plot and plotless, equal and unequal probability samples

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of measurement and modeling approaches in ecological studies.

2. Apply concepts and methods of quantitative analysis in the context of environmental data, with special reference to experimental design and and monitoring environmental dynamics and change.

3. Communicate quantitative outputs and data collection and analysis strategies to a scientific and/or management community.

Research-Led Teaching

Students work closely with visiting or guest lecturers and experts will engage in many aspects of current research. Discussions allow students to integrate their understanding of the discipline with these current research advances and issues.

Field Trips

The course includes a number local area field trips. Please refer to the course Wattle site for further information.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs or resources required beyond those routinely required by coursework students. Students will be expected to provide their own food and drink throughout the intensive sessions.

Required Resources

Enclosed walking shoes / boots, and clothing appropriate to potentially cold, damp and windy weather conditions.

Recommended Resources

We use computers and group activities a lot, and have organized “break out” rooms with desktop computers and all the relevant software. However, you are most welcome to bring your own computers and at various points we ask you to respond to prompts during the course using smart phones or laptops (via Soctrative - https://socrative.com/), so please feel free to bring your own favorite PDA along and use it! Don’t worry if you do not have a smart phone or know how to use Soctrative – we will organize access on the day.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

1. Computer-based and written feedback on quizzes
2. Written feedback on the Practical Reports
3. Written feedback on Final Report

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	This course is an intensive course delivered 24 June - 5 July (9:00am - 5:30pm, weekdays only) inclusive. Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring is a “skills and techniques” course, but we are also “research led”, so we engage active researchers to present their work and how the skills and techniques are fundamental to their success. Using active researchers however occasionally means that last minute changes “happen”, so the following course schedule is indicative and may change depending on circumstances:
2	Week beginning 24th June: Monday – introduction to the course and measuring our “first” object – philosophy and practice. Measuring, modelling and monitoring carbon sequestration in the ANU Research Forest (National Arboretum Canberra). Tuesday – what lies beneath our feet? Describing and measuring soil and field practice at the ANU Research Forest. Wednesday – “brave new worlds”. Now that you have used some of the basic measurement equipment, let’s look at some “cutting edge” technologies and the big questions they allow us to address. The afternoon includes a workshop on the philosophy and practice of modelling. Thursday – observing, “measuring” and modelling biodiversity including a field exercise to Black Mountain nature reserve. Friday – bringing remotely sensed data “down to earth” to help on-ground managers cope with fire! Afternoon may include workshop processing the data collected Monday and Thursday or workshop on data collection and maintenance (TBC).
3	Week beginning 1st July: Monday – revisiting biodiversity (does it matter if it is a different scale?) Taking measurements of the (recent) past – can that help understand problems like dieback or ecological “collapse”? Tuesday – getting your hands “dirty” to help solve a monitoring/management problem. (Fieldtrip) Wednesday – national and international pictures. When does measurement, modelling and modelling merge and how does that impact our decisions? Afternoon planning session for the measurement “blitz” Thursday – full field day undertaking a “measurement blitz” to help advance understanding or monitor a real world research problem. Friday – complete blitz and wrap-up.

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Computer-based assignments	30 %	24/06/2019	29/07/2019	1,2
Field and lab -reports	30 %	24/06/2019	29/07/2019	1,2
Final Report	40 %	24/06/2019	29/07/2019	1,2,3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

Nil.

Assessment Task 1

Computer-based assignments

Up to three (3) computer-based quizzes delivered via the course Wattle site.

Requirements: Multiple choice and short-answer responses

Estimated return date: Next day

Value: 30% (total)

The date range indicates the start of the course and the end of the course. Specific due dates will be published in the course wattle site.

There are up to 3 quizzes due during the session. It is intended that the marked quizzes will be returned within the day after submission. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 2

Field and lab -reports

Reporting on methods, calculating appropriate statistics and reporting finding and relevant conclusions.

Presentation requirements: Completed datasheets/spreadsheets and written work

Estimated return date: End of week

Value: 30%

The date range indicates the start of the course and the end of the course. Specific due dates will be published in the course wattle site.

It is intended that the marked reports will be returned within a week after submission. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 3

Final Report

A comprehensive written report covering the important aspects of the measurement and modelling of a selected site, and consequences of any assumptions and monitoring thresholds.

Word limit: 4,000 words

Value: 40%

Presentation requirements: A digital version lodged via Turnitin.

Estimated return date: After the relevant Fenner School Examination Committee process

The date range indicates the start of the course and the end of the course. Specific due dates will be published in the course wattle site. Results will be available when they are formally published on ISIS.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

Nil expected.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Final report and comments will be returned after the relevant Fenner School Examination processes have been completed.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is not proposed.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students