To better understand and manage the rapid pace of environmental change, there is a need to develop accurate and effective environmental sensing, mapping and modelling techniques. In this course, students will learn about and compare the methods used to investigate environmental systems and parameters including techniques for measuring water, air, soil, vegetation, light, noise and vibration. Students will also learn about remote sensing from ground-, and space-based platforms, including how these platforms allow the collection of information essential to monitor, quantify and forecasting the condition and behaviour of the environment. Students will then investigate mapping tools to represent spatial and temporal changes of environmental values and develop computational methods and models to extrapolate societal understanding of the measured and mapped environmental data. Collectively, the topics explored in the course will give students experience in using spatiotemporal environmental data to underpin evidence based environmental decision making. This course will provide an important focus on indigenous perspectives and contributions to this field of study. Students will be able to draw on course materials that provide diverse gender, cultural, and geographical perspectives on these topics.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify and evaluate appropriate monitoring and modelling strategies to characterise environmental systems and processes.
2. Understand and explain the key principles and components of a remote sensing system.
3. Understand and demonstrate how to collect, handle and analyse environmental data obtained from various measurement and remote sensing techniques.
4. Demonstrate the application of environmental mapping and modelling techniques to investigate environmental systems and processes.
5. Communicate informed critique or analysis of environmental sensing and modelling across a range of mediums.

Research-Led Teaching

In this course, students will undertake a short (3 weeks) independent research project which follows logically from the practical sessions and fieldwork. The practical sessions cover topical issues and real-world applications, with an emphasis on using remote sensing datasets and modelling to address management challenges. We will explore real-world applications of remote sensing, mapping, and modelling events happening on Earth's surface.

Field Trips

We will have a field trip to the National Arboretum Canberra. The aim of the field trip is to learn how to plan and carry out a field work campaign to collect field data needed to parameterize and validate a physical model for estimating biophysical parameters of vegetation (e.g. Fuel Moisture Content). The students will collect vegetation samples (i.e. leaves), measure their spectral response, analyse the samples in the laboratory, and use the Automated Radiative Transfer Models Operator (ARTMO) Graphic User Interface (GUI) software package to run and invert a suit of radiative transfer models to estimate biophysical parameters of vegetation.

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

Documents are not permitted in the examination room.

Required Resources

Will be provided on wattle and in the lectures/lab sessions.

A Gmail account (free) will be needed to access the Google Earth Engine platform. It is the student's responsibility to have a Gmail account by the first week of the course.

Recommended Resources

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 oral feedback on research approaches

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1 Introduction & course overview	Weekly themed computer activities and quizzes
2	Weeks 2-3 Earth Observation sensors types	Weekly themed computer activities and quizzes
4	Week 4-5 Earth observation image analysis	Weekly themed computer activities and quizzes
6	Week 6-7 Modelling	Weekly themed computer activities and quizzes
8	Week 8 Field methods in remote sensing	Planning and executing a short research project
9	Week 9 Field trip	Field trip
10	Week 10-11 Earth Observation Career options	Guess lectures from industry, government and research agencies.Planning and executing a short research project
12	Week 12 Semester review and exam preparation	Presentation of research project

Tutorial Registration

Tutorial registration will be done through MyTimetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Computer lab exercises	30 %	2,3, 4, 5
Examination	40 %	1,2,3,4,5
Presentation research project	30 %	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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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.

Participation

Active participation in lectures and tutorials will be evaluated positively

Assessment Task 1

Computer lab exercises

Weekly exercises and questions to test understanding of tutorial material and lectures to date.

All exercises and questions will be made available each week and must be submitted through Wattle.

There will be a mix of multiple choice questions, short answers, long answers, videos and more.

When relevant, the answers should be short, and written in clear language. Include text and graphics as part of your answer, but keep in mind that the graphics you hand in should be relevant, in other words, do not hand in every graph or table you produce. You must explain your graphics, not just annotate them.

When relevant, the video(s) you submit must be up to one minute (60 seconds) long; longer videos may be penalized. Videos should describe your workflow and your results.

Due: every week.

Please refer to the course WATTLE site.

Assessment Task 2

Examination

The exam will be 2 hours long and will have the following sections:

 

• SECTION A. Short answer section (40%)
• SECTION B. Detailed theory section (30%)
• SECTION C. Problem section (30%)

 

A revision lecture will be provided along with example questions. An exam strategy will also discussed during lab sessions. 

Please refer to the course WATTLE site.

Assessment Task 3

Presentation research project

This assignment requires you to produce a 15 minutes seminar for a client on an application area (e.g. forest biomass mapping, fire risk modelling) that may be of interest to you to work carried out on a 3-week short research project.

The seminar should explain the aims and scope of the project, give a detailed description of the results and methods, and clearly state the conclusions of the project. The seminar will be presented to other class members, tutors, and supervisors.

Please refer to the course WATTLE site.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submissions must be through Turnitin. 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.Assignments must include the cover sheet available here. Please keep a copy of the tasks completed for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

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.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned by Wattle or email.

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

Resubmission of assignments will not normally be accepted and would require justification by extraordinary circumstances, to be judged case by case.

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 Access 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