Course Title: Collect and manage data

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: ENVI5050C

Course Title: Collect and manage data

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5161 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management

Course Contact: Peter Homan

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99258366

Course Contact Email: peter.homan@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

My contact details are as follows: email: peter.homan@rmit.edu.au. My mobile is: 0407 525 103.

Please note that I am a sessional lecturer. I am only at RMIT on Mondays; the rest of the week I am in the bush conducting wildlife surveys.

Also please note that I therefore only check emails on Mondays at RMIT.

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This competency standard covers the process of collecting, analysing
and managing data. It requires the ability to determine the type and
extent of data to be collected, access and collate data, evaluate data,
manage, analyse and retrieve data. Collecting and managing data
requires knowledge of data collection techniques and procedures, data
recording and evaluation techniques, data analysis and data storage and
retrieval methods.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

RTC5913A Collect and manage data

Element:

01. Determine the type and extent of data to be collected.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Data requirements are clearly defined and communicated to all staff involved in data collection.
1.2. Relevant data sources are identified.
1.3. Type and extent of data required is clearly defined.
1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with data collecting are identified.
1.5. Data collection methods and techniques are clearly defined relative to data requirements.

Element:

02. Access and collate data

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Data collection sheets are formatted to assist collection.
2.2. Data is researched and/or collected from field sources according to enterprise guidelines and with standard research approaches.
2.3. Data is collated by appropriate electronic means.
2.4. Appropriateness of data is monitored and recorded during collection.
2.5. Information is researched using appropriate methods and technologies.
2.6. Sources of information are regularly reviewed for usefulness, validity, reliability and cost.
2.7. Channels and sources of information are used effectively.
2.8. Opportunities are taken to establish and maintain contacts with those who may provide useful information.
2.9. Appropriate OHS requirements and work practices are followed.

Element:

03. Evaluate data

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Data collected is relevant, valid and sufficient.
3.2. Where data is unclear or difficult to interpret, clarification and assistance is sought.
3.3. Where data is inadequate, additional data is obtained.
3.4. Information is analysed for its validity and reliability.

Element:

04. Manage and retrieve data

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Data is stored by appropriate electronic means.
4.2. Data is presented using appropriate graphical aids and techniques.
4.3. Data is assembled and provided to the manager/client as required and in accordance with standard research approaches.
4.4. Data is retrieved as required.
4.5. New methods of recording and storing data are suggested/introduced as needed.

Element:

05. Analyse and interpret data

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Data is analysed using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
5.2. Data is interpreted to determine its significance, validity and reliability.
5.3. Findings based on the analysis and interpretation of the data is reported.
5.4. Data is organised into a suitable report format to aid decision-making.
5.5. Conclusions drawn are based on reasoned argument and appropriate evidence.


Learning Outcomes


  • Data is researched using appropriate methods and technologies.
  • Data is collected from scientific sources and in the field.
  • Data collected is analysed for relevance and validity.
  • Data is stored by electronic means.
  • Data is assembled and provided to client as required to industry standard.
  • Data is analysed using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
  • Findings based on analysis and interpretation are reported.


Details of Learning Activities

The course comprises five 3 hr lectures and a four day intensive field trip. The field trip is to the Eumeralla section of the Great Otway National Park near Anglesea, where we will collect data on small mammals, reptiles and frogs. Learning activities will take place in the class room and on the field trip.

The 2nd semester involves collecting data on the health of waterways and wetlands. The dat will include freshwater macroinvertebrates (waterbugs) and physical and chemical testing of water. Lectures commence on Wednesday 18/7 and go until the end of October (see timetable below)


Teaching Schedule

Monday 27/2/2012: 9.30 - 12.30; First lecture. Preparation for field trip, training in safety, animal welfare issues, correct way to gather data on vertebrate fauna.

Monday 5/3 - Thursday 8/3/2012: 4 day field trip to Eumeralla section of Great Otway National Park near Anglesea.

Monday 19/3/2012: 9.30 - 12.30: Follow lecture to field trip. Report writing instructions.

Monday 26/3/2012: 9.30 - 12.30: Data analysis and interpretation.

Monday 2/4/2012: 9.30 - 12.30: Class exercise - Reliable Data.

Monday 16/4/2012: Class exercise - databases/data storage.

Semester 2 Timetable;

First Class: Wednesday 18/7/2012, 9.30 - 12.30: Introduction to course; Into to catchments & water quality.

Wedneday 25/7/2012, 9.30 - 12.30: Understanding freshwater ecosystems; preparing an action plan.

Wednesday 1/8/2012, 9.30-12.30: Into to freshwater macroinvertebrates - lab prac; into to water biology.

Wednesday 8/8/2012, 9.30-12.30: Into to physical/chemical testing - lab prac.

Wednesday 15/8/2012, 9.00-4.00: all day field trip to Growling Frog Golf Course, Yan Yean.

Wednesday 22/8/2012, 9.30-12.30: Excel with teacher, Geoff Moss.

Wednesday 29/8/2012, 9.30-12.30: Follow-up to first field trip.

Wednesday 5/9/2012, 9.30-12.30: Into to Merri Creek surveys/Monitoring plan,waterwatch.

Wednesday 12/9/2012: 9.00-4.00: all day field trip to Merri Creek.

Wednesday 19/9/2012, 9.00-4.00: all day field trip to Merri Creek

No classes next two weeks: Monday 24/9 - Semester break. Monday 1/10 to 5/10 Wonthaggi field trip for 2nd year students.

Wednesday 10/10/2012, 9-12: half day field trip to Merri Creek

Wednesday 17/10/2012, 9-12; half day field trip to Merri Creek

Wednesday 24/10/2012, 9.30-12.30: Last class. data entry


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Reference books, handouts, websites (such as DSE, DPI) discussed at lectures and on field trips.


Overview of Assessment

  • Critic scientific literature.
  • Prepare Major Report for client.
  • Analyse and interpret data assignment.
  • Statistical assignment.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1. Attend field trip and conduct work safely, ethically and efficiently; take comprehensive field notes.

Assessment Task 2. Prepare report on field trip for client.

Assessment Task 3. Data analysis and interpretation


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview