RESP5001: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

RESP5001: Integrated Environmental Practice

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

This unit will provide an opportunity for students to synthesize and draw conclusions from their coursework experience and learning, and to enable them to revise and/or develop the necessary skills for engaging with environmental research as part of their intellectual and/or professional growth. The unit focuses on skills in cross-disciplinary problem identification and the use of integrated analysis to address environmental challenges. Other skills include critical reading and critical writing, undertaking a literature review, understanding how research is conducted and published, library search techniques, use of referencing systems like EndNote, and matters relating to intellectual property and authorship.

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

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Maria Seton, maria.seton@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Maria Seton, maria.seton@sydney.edu.au
Billy Haworth, billy.haworth@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Emma Koch, emma.koch@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Lecture content quiz
Fortnightly quiz based on lecture content
8% Multiple weeks 4 x 20 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Skills-based evaluation AI Allowed Paper dissection
Short report related to the dissection of a research paper
12% Week 04
Due date: 20 Mar 2025 at 23:59
Short report
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6 LO4
Presentation group assignment Restricted AI Group oral presentation and executive summary
Group oral presentation and written task
30% Week 06 15 minutes and 500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment AI Allowed Literature review
Literature review
50% Week 09
Due date: 01 May 2025 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
restricted AI = restricted AI ?

Assessment summary

Paper dissection (Assignment 1) – A short report based on the dissection of a research paper. Worth 12% of the marks for the unit. 


Group oral presentation with written Executive Summary (Assignment 2) – A Powerpoint presentation (15 minutes) and 500-word Executive Summary based on a proposal advising on additional benefits to the increasing numbers of visitors attracted to Victoria Park. This assignment is worth 30% of the marks for the unit and is group work.


Literature review of research question (Assignment 3) – A 2000 word report will present a critical review of the literature on a research question devised by you. This is worth 50% of the marks for the unit.


Lecture content quizzes (small tests) – Fortnightly 20 minute Canvas quizzes focussed on lecture content. These will occur at the end of Week 2, 4, 6 and 8 and are worth 2% each for a total of 8% of the marks for the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

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:

Submission of assessment tasks is possible up to 14 days after the deadline (but includes a daily mark penalty, including weekends/public holidays, unless Special Consideration has been approved). Details of the policies can be found here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/default.aspx?mode=folder&uri=4619697 Details on applying for special consideration can be found here: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/special_consideration/

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Unit introduction and introduction to research Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Unit introduction and introduction to research Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Making sense of data and data presentation Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Making sense of data and data presentation Tutorial (2 hr) LO3
Week 03 Creating data about humans and their environment and publication referencing Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Creating data about humans and their environment and Victoria Park fieldtrip Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Innovation in methods and research paper/report structure Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Innovation in methods and research paper/report structure Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Editorial process and literature review Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Editorial process and literature review Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Presentations of hypothetical Victoria Park consultancy Seminar (6 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 07 Ethics and the future of environmental research Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Ethics and the future of environmental research Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 08 Environmental management case study Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Environmental management case study Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

This course will run as a series of lectures and tutorials in weeks 1-5 and 7-8 as well as a 6 hour seminar in week 6.

All lectures will be pre-recorded and uploaded to the Canvas site. Students are required to watch these lectures before their tutorials. 

The tutorials and seminar will be face-to-face. Please ensure you read the weekly requirements on Canvas.

We encourage students to regularly check their emails and announcements on Canvas regarding any changes to the week-to-week program.

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 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.

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

  • LO1. gain an understanding of the nature of environmental research in academic and employment situations
  • LO2. identify and address a specific research/project question/s within environmental science
  • LO3. develop the necessary skills to undertake an environmental research project
  • LO4. critically evaluate existing knowledge in an environmental research/project area
  • LO5. collect, analyse, evaluate and integrate information relevant to a nominated research/project proposal
  • LO6. develop oral and written communication skills
  • LO7. present well-written reports on environmental research/project issues.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Minor changes in course content and structure. New lecturer.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 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.

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 20 Jan 2025.

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