Course Title: Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

National Element Code & Title:

AHCILM501 Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

Performance Criteria:

1.1.            Existing information gathered through investigation and enterprise recording processes is examined to determine key features.

1.2.            Oral evidence, where it exists, is reviewed.

1.3.            Sites are inspected to assess condition and availability of further information.

1.4.            Information, records and places previously destroyed or damaged or under threat are identified as factors to be incorporated in the assessment process, strategies and plans.

1.5.            Scope of information is assessed for adequacy against the requirements of legislation, Codes of Practice and protocols.

1.6.            Appropriate database, geographic information system and other electronic and manual recording systems are identified for data collection according to enterprise procedures.

1.7.            Sources of expertise in research environments, identification of pollution, degradation and disturbance, and national and international issues and agreements are identified and accessed within and external to the enterprise.

1.8. Areas of inadequate information are identified and recorded.

Performance Criteria:

2.1.            Stakeholders are identified in conjunction with local communities and groups, and government documentation and interviews.

2.2.            The current and relevant past land tenure for the place/area is investigated and recorded.

2.3.            Indigenous interests are determined through culturally appropriate approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals.

2.4.            Proper protocols are applied and key consultations conducted in approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals.

2.5.            Privacy requirements are complied within, according to the directions of stakeholders and according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

2.6. Process of identifying stakeholders may be completed under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group

Performance Criteria:

3.1.            Objectives of the field research are determined in conjunction with those commissioning the research according to enterprise procedures.

3.2.            Objectives are used to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation.

3.3.            The types of investigation and techniques selected are assessed for hazards and risks in designated environment, including the special OHS requirements, access issues, and management of the research in a range of weather and area conditions.

3.4.            Existing information and data records are reviewed to determine the starting point(s) for the fieldwork.

3.5.            Research methodology is consistent with the research objectives and in accordance with established natural resource management practice.

3.6.            Required resources are identified to establish and maintain the research program within the required time schedules and are appropriate to the environments that will be encountered.

3.7.            Personnel are selected for their competency in research techniques and safe operation in the expected environmental/cultural conditions.

3.8.            Stakeholders to be included in the consultation process are identified.

3.9.            Costs of field research are estimated and submitted for approval according to enterprise procedures.

3.10. Sampling and recording processes are established for research information according to enterprise requirements, best practice and scientific standards.

Performance Criteria:

4.1.            Consultation and fieldwork undertaken to obtain information required to meet investigation objectives.

4.2.            Previously determined methodology is adjusted in light of progressive results and stakeholder feedback.

4.3.            Observations, records and monitoring are in accord with scientific practice and coordinated to meet research objectives.

4.4.            Impacts from areas external to area under investigation are identified.

4.5.            Equipment, techniques and people deployed to carry out investigations.

4.6.            Each field operation is documented and approved according to legislative and enterprise requirements for work in the research environment.

4.7.            Where required, appropriate equipment and skills are sourced for the capture, management and sampling of animal species.

4.8. Information is analysed for impact on previously held hypothesis and other resources.

Performance Criteria:

5.1.            Information on stakeholders is used to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals, and cultural dimensions.

5.2.            Issues to be addressed with interest groups are defined.

5.3.            Consultation and decision-making process is developed to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner.

5.4.            Appropriate time is provided for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues.

5.5. Decision-making group, such cultural reference groups and other groups are formed where assistance is required to direct investigation, access information, to address issues and/or review the significance of place/area.

Performance Criteria:

6.1.            Stakeholders are consulted on draft findings.

6.2.            The basis for the determination of outcomes is documented to legislative requirements, the organisation's policies and practices, and international and national processes.

6.3. The determination of significance is submitted to the organisation and its external review processes, as required by legislation and Codes of Practice.

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Date

Activity

Assessment details

2

12th Feb

Library research skills: RMIT Library seminar
Worksheet 1: Familiarisation with Resources. Online Quiz, Ungraded: S/NYS) Cultural Resources: Cultural resources Toolbox: Stone Tools; Coastal and Freshwater middens, Historic places; Scar Trees etc Assessment 1 (Student oral presentations):
Where I’m from

Ass 1: Where I’m from student presentations. (Randomly selected)

4

26th Feb

Review existing knowledge / Sources of knowledge
Visit to State Library (Readings, oral histories, old photos, Diaries, Reports, Historic artwork, manuscripts, settlement of Melbourne.etc.
Developing a research approach: Seminar
Protocols for communication; Identifying stakeholders; Permissions; Hunting down resources / Accessing research material; What is cultural appropriation?

4th March Ass. 2.1 (Discussion forum 1) due.

6

19th Mar

22nd Mar

Bundoora scarred tree mapping exercise (Field trip to Bundoora RMIT campus)

Wurundjeri: Cultural awareness (1/2 Day) on Thursday 22nd

25th March: Reflection on Cultural awareness day
(Online Discussion forum Ass 2.2)

8

9th April

Field Trip: Conducting Field Investigations (2)- Murundaka Site visit (10am-3pm):
Cultural site recognition, recording and conservation (Scarred Trees)

(Data collected will contribute to: Assessment 4: Research project Murundaka Scarred trees)

10

23rd April

Student research exercise: RAP’s, Native Title, NT Rights and Interests
Maps, Cultural maps, cultural iconography-dreaming paths and trading routes
Mapping exercise using Google Maps
Small group presentations ( 3rd tranche: 3.6 ;3.7)

Ass grps 3.6 and 3.7 due (In-class presentations)

22nd April: Ass 4: Research Project Murundaka scarred trees due

12

7th- 11th May

5 Day Field Trip to Gunditjmara Country
Attendance is compulsory for this Field trip

Nightly discussion groups are also compulsory

Small group presentations: 3.10, 3.11 (Tuesday, Wednesday night)

Ass grps  3.11;3.12

14

21st May

Research existing Knowledge 2. (Gunditjmara):
Relationships between Geology, Season and resource availability
Intro to Aboriginal use of Fire Readings
Guest speaker OR Vids (TBA)

Ass.grp 3.13 (Fire)

Dark Emu, Black Seeds: Agriculture or accident? by Bruce Pascoe

9781922142436

The following References provide a good background to the Course, and some aspects of Victorian Aboriginal history and land -use patterns. They will be introduced at appropriate times during the Semester.

Eidelson, Meyer, The Melbourne Dreaming: A Guide to the Aboriginal Places of Melbourne, Canberrra, Aborignal Studies Press, 1997

O’Dea, Kerin. Traditional diet and food preferences of Australian Aboriginal hunter-gatherers. Phil.Trans. R.Soc. London (1991)

Gott, Beth and Conran, J. Victorian Koorie Plants-Some plants used by Victorian Koories for food, fibre, medicines and implements.  Yangennanock Women's Group, Aboriginal Keeping Place, Hamilton, Vic 1991

Gammage, Bill. The Biggest Estate on Earth: How Aborigines made Australia. Allen & Unwin, 2011