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. |
Element: |
02. Access and collate data |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Data collection sheets are formatted to assist collection. |
Element: |
03. Evaluate data |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Data collected is relevant, valid and sufficient. |
Element: |
04. Manage and retrieve data |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Data is stored by appropriate electronic means. |
Element: |
05. Analyse and interpret data |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1. Data is analysed using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques. |
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