River Environments 2
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
SOL1002 - Safety in Natural Environments; and
SOL2001 - River Environments 1 (applicable for EBST, EBED students ONLY)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit aims to increase students understanding of upper catchment geomorphology, river health, hydrology, and catchment management within the unique upper river environments of the Great Dividing Range of Australia. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to live, travel, and lead safe journeys on white-water rivers. As well, students will develop an appreciation of the physical, mental and social demands and benefits of these activities.
Off campus field teaching 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:
- Investigate the upper catchment geomorphology, river health, hydrology, and catchment management specifically relevant to the rivers of the Great Dividing Range;
- Exhibit the unique theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to live, travel, and lead safely in remote upper catchment river environments;
- Demonstrate the skills of raft guiding whilst integrating a place based approach to environmental and cultural interpretation relevant to the location;
- Apply strategies to safely manage and lead groups in upper catchment river environments; and,
- Demonstrate the skills of self-rescue and river rescue.
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 in this unit.
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 15%
Environment Presentation (Group work)
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 25%
Practicum A - Practical skills and field work (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 25%
Practicum B - Practical skills and field work (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 35%
Test conducted during field teaching
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).
All practicums are Hurdle Tasks that must be successfully completed to pass the unit. Any failure to complete practicums due to extenuating circumstances will require that the practicum be made up in a subsequent delivery.
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.