Natural Environments 1

Unit code: SOL1001 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit introduces students to outdoor education/recreation history, theory and practice. Students engage in field based learning to develop the skills and knowledge required to prepare, participate and assist in the delivery of outdoor education/recreation activities. On completion of the unit students will have a broad knowledge of outdoor education/recreation concepts as well as a practical understanding of the breadth of the industry in Australia.

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:

  1. Articulate the importance of natural environments to health and wellbeing of individuals and communities;
  2. Interpret the uniqueness of natural environments to better understand their significance, guide the preservation of diversity and ecological health;
  3. Investigate historical and cultural connections to natural environments;
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the history and breadth of the outdoor education and recreation industry; and
  5. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Due to risk management and professional/industry requirements to demonstrate knowledge and skill within both simulated and workplace environments, graded attendance and hurdle tasks apply to laboratory work and practicums.

Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 20%
Completion of multiple choice questions relating to online content
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 30%
Field teaching 1 practical skills and knowledge
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 20%
Field teaching 2 practical skills and knowledge
Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 30%
Written discussion - review of contextually specific resources and readings
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules

All unit field practicums are Hurdle Tasks that must be completed in full to pass the unit. Any failure to complete practicums due to ill health, injury or crisis will require that the practicum be made up in a subsequent delivery. The 8 day outdoor Adventure programming for SOL1001 provides important teaching and learning activities and experiences that inform Practicum Assessment Tasks 2 and 3. Though the two practicum assessment tasks are informed by the SOL1001 outdoor adventure practicum experience they target slightly different outcomes. Practicum 1 targets the importance of natural environments on human health and well-being that include cultural and historical perspectives. Practicum 2 has been designed to assess the key environmental attributes, adventure activities, and the significance of the area on how they inform minimal impact practices.

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science
SBOE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership
SBOL | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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