OLES1600: Semester 1, 2025

Overview

This Unit will be of interest to any student who calls Sydney home, whether you have recently moved here for university or have lived here for years, you will develop a deeper understanding of Sydney’s unique natures and cultures. Sydney is one of the world’s great cities and like all great cities, it’s a place with many characteristics and contradictions. This Unit will explore Sydney’s fascinating people and places, from the city’s Indigenous people and cultures, to its iconic natural landscapes and buildings, its diverse and dynamic neighbourhoods, its hidden surprises, and its contested futures. As well as attending seminars, students will participate in field trips to different locations in Sydney conducted by leading experts from a range of disciplines and communities. You will learn about the people and processes that have shaped Sydney, and you will develop new skills in field observation and communication as you share your own explorations of Sydney through personalised assessments. Your learning will be supported with online resources, including recommendations for popular culture representations of Sydney in mainstream and social media that connect with Unit content.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rebecca Cross, r.cross@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rebecca Cross, r.cross@sydney.edu.au
	Kurt Iveson, kurt.iveson@sydney.edu.au
	Maria Seton, maria.seton@sydney.edu.au
	Ana Vila Concejo, ana.vilaconcejo@sydney.edu.au
	Sophie Webber, sophie.webber@sydney.edu.au
	Vasileios Chatzaras, vasileios.chatzaras@sydney.edu.au
	Dan Penny, dan.penny@sydney.edu.au
	Jo Gillespie, josephine.gillespie@sydney.edu.au
	Mitch Gibbs, mitchell.gibbs@sydney.edu.au
	Patrice Rey, patrice.rey@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Fieldtrip Report Written assignment based on fieldtrip attendance. Fieldtrip reports will be due 2 weeks after you have participated in your fieldtrip.	35%	Progressive Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59	1000 words + graphical abstract
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task- Sydney Transport Quiz Online Quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 02 Due date: 07 Mar 2025 at 23:59	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Fieldtrip Quiz Preparation Online quiz	5%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Illustrated blog entry Assignment	35%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59	1000 words + images
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Lecture quizzes Online quiz based on the Monday lecture - quiz will expire Friday 11:59pm each week	10%	Weekly	5-10mins
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Blog participation Contribution to blog posts online	10%	Weekly	One post per week during weeks 1-9
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessments are in the form of online quizzes, blog participation and 2 written assignments - a fieldtrip report and a blog entry. The Fieldtrip report will be based on your field experience between weeks 5 and 13. You MUST attend a fieldtrip to complete this unit and you MUST submit the fieldtrip report in order to satisfy the requirements of this unit.

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
DC	Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit under special circumstances (outlined in clause 92 of the Coursework Policy), after the relevant census date.
DF	Discontinue – fail	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DF deadline, and you have not been granted a discontinuation under special circumstances.
FR	Failed requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
SR	Satisfied requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
WD	Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day will be deducted for written work submitted late

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Students will all attend one half-day field trip, from a menu of choices offered across semester, from Week 5 onwards	Field trip (3 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Exploring Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Aboriginal Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Sydney Transport	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 03	Sydney Eats	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Field skills: observation and interpretation pt 1	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 04	Sandstone Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Field skills: observation and interpretation pt 2	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 05	Wild Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Sydney Bloggers	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 06	Sydney Surfs	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Sydney Vloggers	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 07	Rebel Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Visual communication skills: preparing graphical abstracts	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 08	Hazardous Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Visual communication skills: photo editing and representation	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 09	Future Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an introductory understanding of Sydney’s history, culture, economy, infrastructure, landscape, ecology and politics
LO2. Develop and articulate informed views on what it means to ‘belong’ to Sydney, and the many pathways to belonging
LO3. Use field observation to inform analysis of natural and social processes shaping Sydney’s development
LO4. Support field observations with research using appropriate academic, policy and media sources
LO5. Communicate ideas to a broad audience, using public-facing blog entries and appropriate technology

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit of study in 2025 - Any and all feedback is welcome :)

Additional information

Early in the unit you will be able to choose from a menu of Fieldtrip options. The majority of these will be guided by your lecturers and attendance is compulsory. If you cannot attend a rostered fieldtrip for a valid reason, you will be directed to complete a self-guided fieldtrip. If you are unable to complete a self-guided fieldtrip for a valid reason, please contact your unit coordinator, Dr Rebecca Cross r.cross@sydney.edu.au as soon as possible.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities. A link to general wellbeing and support services for students is provided (along with other links to important information and resources) at the end of this document.

Practical classes are held in computer laboratories. The following general safety rules apply to these spaces.

Face to face students will occupy every second computer (evenly numbered computers) whilst completing their practical work to maintain social distancing.
For the safety of others and for the protection of equipment, no eating or hot drinks are allowed in practical classes.
In case of fire or any emergency, follow all instructions of your class demonstrator.
Students should act with civility to other students and the class demonstrator. Rude, discrimatory, racist, sexist or bullying behaviour is not acceptable under any circumstances and will not be tolerated.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 10 Feb 2025.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

OLES1600: Exploring Sydney

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect