The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the complex land and coastal management issues, and is set within a natural resource management framework. The course explores the social and political stakeholders invested in Australian land management, major biophysical drivers of historic and contemporary land management issues and critiques current management tools and strategies.

Topics will include: the complex components of rangeland management; mine site rehabilitation; conservation lands and national parks; coastal zone management. The course emphasises the interdisciplinarity of land resource management and examines content by investigating the physical, economic, social and institutional components of a problem.

 

Honours Pathway Option

Subject to the approval of the course convenor; students taking this option will be expected to complete advanced weekly readings and to be prepared to discuss this advanced material in tutorials. In addition, students will be expected to make a tutorial presentation on one week's reading and to lead the subsequent discussion (a minimum of 15% of overall assessment). All other assessment and requirements remain the same.

 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. understand the complex interaction between people, biophysical drivers and economic development in land management in Australia
2. explain how land management strategies have been informed by (and continues to be shaped by) institutional perspectives, historical development, policy and social drivers
3. integrate information from a range of disciplines into a comprehensive picture of land management issues
4. appreciate the relationship between data and the interpretation(s) that stem from it, and how a lack of knowledge or uncertain knowledge influences resource management decision-making
5. demonstrate a capacity to effectively communicate land management strategies to a scientific/management community

Research-Led Teaching

The research activities of a number of ANU research staff and government managers, who are guest lecturers, are the basis of this course. Students will receive lectures from experts across a range of environmental disciplines. Each lecturer is drawing directly from their own research experience or management practice. The tutorials and workshops follow a number of discipline case studies emphasising the complex cross-disciplinary nature of environmental management. The course field trips visits real working industry placements, for example cotton farm, broad acre cropping, gold mine, international registered wetlands. The speakers at each stop are actively engaged in real world management.

Field Trips

Due to COVID risk the multiday field trip associated with this course in 2021 is unfortunately unable to be run. Material will be supplied to all students in order to complete assessment task. Local site visits may occur pending COVID.

Additional Course Costs

Due to COVID risk the multiday field trip associated with this course in 2021 is unfortunately unable to be run. Material will be supplied to all students in order to complete assessment task.

Required Resources

No special resources are required.

Recommended Resources

Readings will be made available during the course.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments on assignments;
• Verbal comments on individual presentations;
• Verbal feedback to the whole class on group exercises and on assignments;
• Additional, individual feedback on request.

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	Lecture A: Intro 'What are NRM issues' Lecture B: Focus of NRM governance	Essays/reports/seminars
2	Lecture A: Mining & minesite Rehab Lecture B: Mining & minesite Rehab
3	Lecture A: Mining rehab and LFA Lecture B: Mining rehab and LFA	Seminars Module 1 (Minesite rehab)
4	Lecture A: Rangelands 1 - What, where Lecture B: Rangelands 2 - Wildlife Harvesting
5	Lecture A: Rangelands 3 - Goats Lecture B: Rangelands 4 - Grazing	Seminars Module 2 (Rangelands management)
6	Lecture A: C in Rangeland soils Lecture B: Mgt soil salinity
7	Lecture A: Indigenous Land Ownership Lecture B: National Parks	Seminars Module 3 (National Pks/Conserv)
8	Lecture A: Box gum network Lecture B: National Landcare	Seminars Module 4 (National Landcare Program)
9	Lecture A: Water dist in catchments Lecture B: Algal bloom management	Seminars Module 5 (Catchment management)
10	Lecture A: P runoff & algal bloom Mgt Lecture B: Black Water
11	Lecture A: Sea water ingress Lecture B: Coast adapt	Seminar Module 6 (Coastal adaptation)
12	Lecture A: Catchment modelling Lecture B: Course Review

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research Seminar	25 %	*	*	1,2,5
Major Research Essay	25 %	18/08/2021	27/08/2021	2,3,5
Stakeholder Conversation Piece	25 %	29/09/2021	22/10/2021	3,4,5
Final semester exam	25 %	04/11/2021	02/12/2021	1,2,3,4,5

* 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 Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and results returned to the student (official end of Semester results released on ISIS). Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Research Seminar

As a group, research a land management topic. Each group member will argue the case of a different stakeholder. Talk duration is 8 mins with panel discussion time at end. Active listening mark is awarded to rest of class in audience.

Word limit: Active communicator = 8 mins; Active listener = 500 words

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements:Written work submitted at end of class

Estimated return date: One week after submission

Students will present on different dates which will be discussed in class.

Assessment Task 2

Major Research Essay

Choose one essay topic (broad range provided). International students can write on a case study of the topic in their home country.

Word limit: 2500

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements:Written work submitted via Turnitin

Estimated return date: 2 weeks after submission

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks (where applicable): Individual assessment piece

Assessment Task 3

Stakeholder Conversation Piece

Prepare a 2000 word report in the style of a journal article OR 'The Conversation' that describes:

• The key characteristics of shrublands that have become dysfunctional and formed clay pans?

• Describe how water-ponding techniques can be used to rehabilitate such degraded areas, and landscape function analysis used to monitor the rehabilitation.

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements: Written work submitted via Turnitin

Estimated return date: 2 weeks after submission

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks (where applicable): Individual assessment piece drawing on group collected field dataset

Assessment Task 4

Final semester exam

Two hour (2hr) final exam – answer 6 questions from the 8 options provided.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to 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 be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, 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 Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

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

Hard copy submission is not permitted.

Late Submission

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 it 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.

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

Feedback on assignments is provided electronically via the Wattle course page

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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

Re-submission of assignments is not permitted

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