Course Title: Conduct biological surveys

National Element Code & Title:

AHCECR502 Conduct biological surveys

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Identify survey scope, objectives and constraints according to client brief 1.2. Source, collate and evaluate current data relevant to survey requirements 1.3. Develop processes for data collection and processing consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints 1.4. Design survey plan reflecting client requirements and present to client for approval 1.5. Incorporate workplace health and safety and environmental sustainability and biosecurity procedures into plan

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Identify biological survey indicators and evaluate constraints and opportunities for data collection 2.2. Identify data collection points that are repeatable and statistically representative 2.3. Identify hazards associated with a biological survey, assess risks and develop controls, determine costs, and document in the survey design 2.4. Secure permits and approvals required for survey according to ethical standards, workplace procedures and legislative requirements 2.5. Determine tools, equipment and machinery required for the survey and confirm availability with suppliers 2.6. Schedule survey activities and surveyor access according to the survey design 2.7. Document survey procedures and schedules and present to stakeholders and client for approval

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Conduct field visit to verify existing data and update information 3.2. Conduct the biological survey according to the survey design 3.3. Monitor survey activities for accuracy, compliance to the survey design and legislative and ethical standards 3.4. Undertake staged data collection according to the survey design, scheduling and surveyor access requirements 3.5. Record all monitoring and survey data according to specifications of the survey design

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Analyse data and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoned arguments 4.2. Prepare a biological survey report according to agreed timeframes and client outcomes and workplace standards 4.3. Present report to the client

Syllabus

Date: Week 12 (Session 1): 7 – 13 October 2024

Session: Online Session 1

Lesson Title: Introduction, what is Biological Surveying, Biodiversity

Description: Virtual workshop 1 Online 9:30 – 12:30

This will introduce the unit, we will discuss the assessments and provide introduction to bird and vegetation surveys. Research for survey - Client brief, desk top analysis, prep for scoping, OH&S, WH&S Acts

Assessment 1: Released

Assessment 2: Released

Assessment 3: Released

Session: Workshop 2 RMIT (afternoon)

Lesson Title: Workshop 2: Ecology, ecosystems and biodiversity
Description: Case studies about survey methods, habitats, biodiversity, and urbanisation

Assessment 1 and 3

Date: Date: Week 13 (Session 2): 14 – 20 October

Session: Online Session 2

Lesson Title:  Birds: Conservation, habitats, identification

Description:  Virtual workshop 2 Online 9:30 – 12:30

Birds: Conservation, habitats, identification, behaviour

Assessment 1, 2 and 3

Session: Fieldwork: First Survey

Lesson Title: Fieldwork

Description: First Biological Survey -  fieldwork and data collection.

All Day.

Assessment 1, 2 and 3

Session: Workshop 4 RMIT (Morning)

Lesson Title: Writing Up AT2

Description:  Report Writing

Assessment 2

Date: Thursday 24 October

Session: EXCURSION

Lesson Title: Toolangi Forest Excursion and Fieldwork

Description: Fauna Species and their Habitat, Management Issues.

ALL DAY

Assessment 2

Session: EVC Fieldwork

Lesson Title: EVC Fieldwork

Description: Visit specific EVC’s

All Day

Assessment 2 and 3

Date: Week 16 (Session 5): 4 – 10 November 2024

Session: Online Session 5:

Lesson Title: Vegetation Survey – Point Survey method and data sheets

Description:  Virtual workshop Online 9:30 – 12:30

Familiarisation with point method of vegetation survey and develop data sheets for survey #2

Assessment 3

Session: Workshop 6 RMIT (Morning)

Lesson Title: Other sampling techniques, fish, frogs, fungi, etc

Description:  Workshop Work in groups to research and present in class a short presentation on diverse survey methods.

Assessment 3

Date: Week 17 (Session 6): 11 – 17 November 2024

Session: Online Session 6:

Lesson Title: Q and A Covering all assessments.

Description:  Virtual workshop Online 9:30 – 12:30

Assessment 3

Session: Workshop 8 RMIT

Lesson Title: Final Submissions Workshop

Description: Work on final submission and resubmits

All day

Assessment 3

Number of Assessments:

3

Due Dates:

Assessment 2: habitat, Ecology, Food-webs

3rd November 2024

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Carry out preliminary design activities for the biological survey

1. Identify survey scope, objectives and constraints according to client brief

1

1(a) (b) (c) (e)

1. Develop processes for data collection and processing consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints

7

2 (b) (c)

1. Incorporate workplace health and safety and environmental sustainability and biosecurity procedures into plan

7,8

2 (b) (f)

1. Identify data collection points that are repeatable and statistically representative

7

2 (d-e)

1. Secure permits and approvals required for survey according to ethical standards, workplace procedures and legislative requirements

8

1. Schedule survey activities and surveyor access according to the survey design

7

 3 (d)

1. Conduct the biological survey

1. Conduct field visit to verify existing data and update information

3 (a-e)

1. Monitor survey activities for accuracy, compliance to the survey design and legislative and ethical standards

2 (b), 3 (a-f)

1. Record all monitoring and survey data according to specifications of the survey design

7

1. Prepare a biological survey report according to agreed timeframes and client outcomes and workplace standards

4 (a-e), 5 (a-d)

Foundation Skills – This section is only completed when foundation is explicitly stated in the unit of competency. In most Training Packages the foundation skills are integrated into the unit of competency, and this is clearly stated.

Reading

• Draw on a broad range of strategies to interpret, build and maintain understanding from data sets and reference materials when planning, collating and interpreting survey data

AT1, AT2 and AT3

Numeracy

• Capture, record and analyse survey data and use calculations to help formulate conclusions

AT3

Performance Evidence 

There must be evidence that the individual has planned and conducted at least one biological survey with at least two of the following biological elements:

• vertebrate fauna

1-11

1-7

• invertebrate fauna

The survey must also be conducted in at least one of the following environments:

• marine or aquatic

There must be evidence that the individual has:

• identified scope, objectives and constraints for a biological survey

1,7,10

1(a) (b) (c) (e)

• identified biological indicators that are repeatable and statistically representative

7

• secured permits and approvals

8

• conducted a biological survey with data collection staged and recorded according to the survey plan and health and safety requirements, and that must include:

• frequency

7

2 (d)

•  condition

7

2 (d)

• produced a biological survey report with analysis and conclusions, including:

•  identified areas requiring remedial action and improvements

5 (a)

• description and assessment of the specified biological components

7

4 (a)

Knowledge Evidence 

This includes knowledge of:

• plant and animal recognition relevant to survey area

5

•  survey equipment, machinery and methods for specific environments, including:

•  terrestrial

7

2 a), 2b), 2c)

• survey techniques and methods for different biological elements, including:

•  fungi

Q19

•  plants

5, 7, 8, 10,

1c, 1d, 2a, 2c, 3b, 4a, 4c

•  methods for obtaining statistically representative sample

7

• animal welfare

6,7,8

2 (d) (f), 4 (d)

•  legislative requirements

8

• ecological principles and terminology, including:

•  interactions between flora and fauna

1,3,4,15,16

•  energy flows and trophic structures of communities

1 (a) (b) (d) (e)

• workplace team management procedures

6

2 (d) (f)

• hazard identification, assessment and control measures

8

2 (f)

Assessment conditions

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions

• physical conditions:

•  skills must be demonstrated in the field and according to the conditions specified in the Performance Evidence or in an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

AT1, AT3

•  specifications:

• client brief and specifications for survey

AT1, AT3

As the Assessment Conditions state the " skills must be demonstrated in the field and according to the conditions specified in the performance evidence or in an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions”, the client and the client brief can be simulated (that is the client brief can be provided to the student by the RTO, and the assessor can act in the role of the client).

In relation to the topic regarding appropriate evidence for how a student would present a report to the client, the feedback was that the RTO should seek industry feedback on the methods that are used in industry when reports are presented to clients, and these methods should be approved by the industry representatives that engage with the RTO as valid and representative of current industry practice, and this endorsement of the practice should be documented by the RTO, and can be replicated by the student as the method for presenting a report. 

• relationships:

• client

AT1, AT3

As the Assessment Conditions state the " skills must be demonstrated in the field and according to the conditions specified in the performance evidence or in an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions”, the client and the client brief can be simulated (that is the client brief can be provided to the student by the RTO, and the assessor can act in the role of the client).

In relation to the topic regarding appropriate evidence for how a student would present a report to the client, the feedback was that the RTO should seek industry feedback on the methods that are used in industry when reports are presented to clients, and these methods should be approved by the industry representatives that engage with the RTO as valid and representative of current industry practice, and this endorsement of the practice should be documented by the RTO, and can be replicated by the student as the method for presenting a report. 

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

RMIT employment requires all trainers and assessors to comply with the Standards for RTOs in respect to holding the TAE40116, or higher VE qualification including any necessary updated units.  All employees must show currency within their vocational specialty along with their professional employment.