SLE226 - Environmental Team Based Research
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Previously coded as: | SQB226 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: John White |
| Prerequisite: | Five SLE-coded units |
| Corequisite: | SLE010 |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour online lecture per week, 6 x 3 hour online practical experience (computer practical) per trimester, 4 day practical experience (field trip) to the Grampians. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Note:Students will be required to meet their own expenses while on a 4 day practical experience (field trip). | |
Content
The design of experiments, analysis of environmental data and working effectively in a team-based situation are critical skills required by all environmental scientists. This unit is devised to step students through the process of environmental research from initial project conception through to presenting the findings of research in a professional format. This unit comprises a series of classes and practicals aimed at developing skills in experimental design, data analysis (using statistical software) and data presentation. A major component of this unit involves students working in a research team to design, conduct and report on their own environmental research project conducted during the Grampians field trip.
This unit has a strong career skills development focus and aims to develop strong analytical skills, research skills, communication skills and teamwork skills all which are critical for employment in the environmental sector.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Design, develop and clearly communicate an experiment to solve a real world environmental problem. | GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO2 | Execute the designed environmental experiment in the field and collect the relevant data as part of a team. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving GLO6: Self-management GLO7: Teamwork |
| ULO3 | Analyse and interpret basic environmental research data using appropriate technologies to solve real world problems. | GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO4 | Synthesize, evaluate and communicate the outcomes of environmental research in a concise scientific fashion using appropriate digital technologies. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO5 | Demonstrate transferrable employability skills with cultural awareness by working collaboratively in a team to conduct an authentic real world environmental research project; then reflect on and articulate skills developed in the context of career development and professional work experiences/opportunities. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Practical work | Weekly online exercises | 10% | Weeks 1-5 |
| Assessment 2 Data analysis assignment | Written assignment, approximately 1,500 words | 20% | Week 8 |
| Assessment 3 Team research poster | Collaborative poster, approximately 1,000 words | 20% | Week 9 |
| Assessment 4 Teamwork evaluation and professional context | Team evaluation and written reflective assignment approximately 500-600 words | 20% | Week 10 |
| Assessment 5 Data analysis test | Online test | 30% | Week 11 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SLE226 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.
To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.