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Course Outline


BEES1041

Exploring the Natural World

School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science

Faculty of Science

T3, 2021



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1. Staff

Course Convenor:
▪ Adrian Fisher
▪ adrian.fisher@unsw.edu.au
▪ Room G14C, Samuels Building (F25)

Module Name Email
Habitat
Restoration
Adrian Fisher adrian.fisher@unsw.edu.au
Richard Kingsford richard.kingsford@unsw.edu.au
Recce Pedler r.pedler@unsw.edu.au
Katherine Moseby k.moseby@unsw.edu.au
Rebecca West rebecca.west@unsw.edu.au
Miriam Munoz-Rojas m.munoz-rojas@unsw.edu.au
Adriana Verges a.verges@unsw.edu.au
Mariana Mayer Pinto m.mayerpinto@unsw.edu.au
Climate change
impacts on biota
Laura Parker l.parker@unsw.edu.au
Angela Moles a.moles@unsw.edu.au
Stephen Bonser s.bonser@unsw.edu.au
Mark Ooi mark.ooi@unsw.edu.au
Will Cornwell w.cornwell@unsw.edu.au
Earth
History
Martin Van Kranendonk m.vankranendonk@unsw.edu.au
Mike Archer m.archer@unsw.edu.au
Chris Turney c.turney@unsw.edu.a
Scott Mooney s.mooney@unsw.edu.au
Heather Haines h.haines@unsw.edu.au
Evolution
and behaviour
Rob Brooks rob.brooks@unsw.edu.au
Russell Bonduriansky r.bonduriansky@unsw.edu.au
Terry Ord t.ord@unsw.edu.au
Mike Kasumovic m.kasumovic@unsw.edu.au
Staff are available to meet with students by appointment via email.

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2. Course information
Units of credit: 6
Pre-requisite(s): None
Teaching times and locations: http://timetable.unsw.edu.au/2021/BEES1041.html
Online hours each week: ~2hrs of lectures and ~2hrs of computing exercises
Face-to-face hours each week: 2hrs of labs either Monday 15:00-17:00 or Tuesday 11:00-13:00
Labs will be ONLINE until COVID-19 restrictions allow campus access.
2.1 Course summary
BEES 1041 is a broad introduction to the scientific methods used to explore the natural world,
covering aspects of biology, ecology, geography, and geology. Each topic is described using case
studies taken from recent and active research projects in the School of Biological, Earth and
Environmental Sciences (BEES), demonstrating a wide range of technologies used for exploring the
natural world. The diverse research, presented by many different research teams, will highlight
potential future subjects, and the many career opportunities for graduates from BEES disciplines. The
course also contains a computing component, to introduce basic data analysis techniques, which are
common across all BEES disciplines.
2.2 Course aims
The aim of BEES 1041 is to introduce many of the skills common to the scientific methods used to
explore the natural world. These skills will be described in the context of recent and active research
projects as well as through computing exercises and hands-on lab experiences.
The computing exercises prepare students for BEES 2041 Data analysis for life and earth sciences,
while the diverse research topics presented provide background for many of the other courses offered
through the School of BEES.
2.3 Course learning outcomes (CLO)
At the successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
CLO1 Demonstrate an understanding of experimental methods in the biological, earth and
environmental sciences.
CLO2 Apply knowledge of field methods to collect, process, analyse, and interpret biological, earth
and environmental data.
CLO3 Demonstrate the capacity to communicate results in written and visual forms that are
suitable for scientific reports.
CLO4 Identify how research can be applied to contemporary biological, earth and environmental
science issues, and how research skills can impact career pathways.

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2.4 Relationship between course and program learning outcomes
and assessments
Course Learning Outcome
(CLO)
Program Learning Outcome
(PLO) Activities and Assessments
CLO1. Demonstrate an
understanding of experimental
methods in the biological, earth
and environmental sciences.
• Knowledge
• Personalised, self-guided,
flipped classroom and
blended, learning skills
• Practical skills
• Lectures, Labs, Computing
• Quiz, New technologies
report, Final exam
CLO2. Apply knowledge of field
methods to collect, process,
analyse, and interpret biological,
earth and environmental data.
• Knowledge
• Critical thinking and problem
solving
• Team/group work
• Personalised, self-guided,
flipped classroom and
blended, learning skills
• Practical skills
• Labs, Computing
• Quiz, Final exam
CLO3. Demonstrate the capacity
to communicate results in written
and visual forms that are
suitable for scientific reports.
• Knowledge
• Critical thinking and problem
solving
• Personalised, self-guided,
flipped classroom and
blended, learning skills
• Written communication
• Practical skills
• Computing
• Communicating results
report, Final exam

CLO4. Identify how research can
be applied to contemporary
biological, earth and
environmental science issues,
and how research skills can
impact career pathways.
• Knowledge
• Critical thinking and problem
solving
• Written communication
• Lectures, Labs
• New technologies report,
Communicating results
report, Final exam

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3. Strategies and approaches to learning
3.1 Learning and teaching activities
Online lectures: Lectures are pre-recorded and available online for viewing at a time of your
choosing. Each lecture will also include some written material and quiz questions. They will be
delivered by a wide range of BEES academic staff and cover a wide variety of topics, grouped into
four modules. All lecture topics will investigate the following three questions as common themes:
1. How is data on the natural world collected?
2. What skills are needed to work with this data?
3. What jobs are available to people with these skills?
Online computing exercises: Computing exercises will be available online and can be completed at
any time each week. They are designed to take around 2 hours each, though students more
experienced in computing may complete them quicker. The exercises will use a variety of websites,
and some software that you will need to install on your own computers. Online help will be delivered
through a Moodle forum, and occasional online question and answer sessions.
Laboratory classes: These were planned as face-to-face classes in a teaching laboratory in building
E26. Due to COVID-19 restrictions they will be online. The labs will be delivered by a variety of BEES
academic staff and cover a wide variety of topics. Activities will include making measurements,
observing experiments, and problem solving.
Field work: Short field trips to Sydney locations were planned for the week 2 and week 5 laboratory
classes. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions these have been changed to other activities.
3.2 Expectations of students
Announcements: Announcements will be made online via the course Moodle page. It is the
responsibility of students to ensure they are aware of and read all announcements.
Assistance: General enquiries should be directed to the Science Student Centre Nucleus
Student Hub on Level 2 of the Library Building (Ph: 9385 6125) or lodge an online
enquiry via unsw.to/webforms with your zID. BEES course and program enquiries
should be directed to Faye Mo (faye.mo@unsw.edu.au). Queries regarding BEES
1041 should be directed to Adrian Fisher (adrian.fisher@unsw.edu.au) or the staff
member delivering the content in question.
Attendance: Lectures are recorded, and students are strongly recommended to listen to these
in a timely manner. Students must complete all online material related to the
computing exercises and laboratory classes and participate in online sessions
when required to. Students who miss a significant amount of course material, or
miss an assessment task, due to ill health or other issues are advised to contact
Adrian Fisher (adrian.fisher@unsw.edu.au) as soon as possible and provide
certified documentation.
Online Needs: As many activities will be run online, students need access to a personal computer
or laptop, and reliable access to the internet. Students should ensure that their
device has a working microphone and while a camera is not essential, it is highly
recommended.
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Workload: The normal workload expectations at UNSW (https://student.unsw.edu.au/uoc).
are approximately 25 hours per term for each unit of credit. This included class
lectures, labs, computing exercises, fieldtrips, and time spent on assessments.
Illness: You can apply for Special Consideration when illness or circumstances that are
beyond your control, or are unexpected, interfere severely with your academic
performance. More information on Special Consideration can be found at:
https://student.unsw.edu.au/special-consideration
Exam Period: The University expects that all students (domestic and international) be present
and available for the entire duration of the UNSW end of trimester examination
period (26 Nov-9 Dec). Bear this in mind when making end of trimester work or
travel plans.
Evaluation: Student evaluative feedback on the course is gathered every year through UNSW
MyExperience (https://student.unsw.edu.au/myexperience), which is available
through your MyUNSW account and on the Course Moodle page towards the end
of the trimester. MyExperience allows you to provide feedback on both the course
itself and the teaching provided in the course. Student feedback is taken seriously
and will influence course improvements.
4. Course schedule and structure
The lectures and laboratory exercises are organised in four main modules, each 2 weeks long. Most
lectures will be recorded in short sections (10-20 minutes). The four modules cover different
disciplines in the School of BEES:
Habitat restoration
Research projects endeavouring to restore habitats and monitor landscapes
that have been degraded. Examples will include arid zone and marine
habitats.
Climate change
impacts on biota
Research investigating climate change impacts on biota, and ongoing efforts
to build resilience. Examples will include impacts on marine organisms and
impacts on plants.
Earth history
This module will focus on the long-term history of the Earth and its relevance
to environmental change and sustainability. Examples will include how
knowledge of fossils, and fire history can guide conservation.
Evolution and
behaviour
The evolution of animals and their behaviour will be examined in this module.
Examples will include how understanding the evolution of animals can help
with conservation, and how trust evolved in humans.

The following staff will deliver the lectures and laboratories as outlined in the timetable below.
AF - Adrian Fisher MK - Mike Kasumovic RusB - Russell Bonduriansky
AM - Angela Moles MMP - Mariana Mayer Pinto RW - Rebecca West
AV - Adriana Verges MMR - Miriam Munoz-Rojas SI - Shane Ingrey
CT - Chris Turney MO - Mark Ooi SB - Stephen Bonser
HH - Heather Haines MVK - Martin Van Kranendonk SM - Scott Mooney
KM - Katherine Moseby RK - Richard Kingsford TO - Terry Ord
LP - Laura Parker RobB - Rob Brooks WC - Will Cornwell
MA - Mike Archer RP - Recce Pedler
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Module Week
Starting
date
Lecture topics Lab activity
Computer
exercise
Assessments
1 Mon
13 Sep
Introduction to BEES1041 (AF)
Quantitative skills, mapping, and coding (AF)

How to measure trees
(AF)
Accessing and
managing data,
and intro to R

Habitat
restoration
2 Mon
20 Sep
Monitoring desert ecosystems (AF, MMR)
Restoring Wild Deserts (RK, RP, KM, RW)

Tree measurement
discussion (AF)
Exploring data
and the Goulburn
drought

3 Mon
27 Sep
Living Seawalls (MMP)
Operation Posidonia (AV)

Marine measurements
(MMP)
Linear models
and vegetation
structure
Quiz
Climate
change
impacts on
biota
4 Tues
5 Oct
Ocean acidification, warming and oysters (LP)
Topicalization (LP or AV)

Computing help (AF) Introduction to
QGIS

5 Mon
11 Oct
Adaptation and migration in plants (AM, SB, MO)
Citizen Science and conservation (WC, MO)

Indigenous Sydney
(SI)
Intro to python
and spatial data
New technology
report due
6 Mon
18 Oct
Flexibility week

Earth
history
7 Mon
25 Oct
Deep time and planetary history (MVK)
Using fossils for conservation (MA)

Tree rings (HH) Tree heights and
lidar

8 Mon
1 Nov
Ice ages, carbon dating and tree rings (CT)
Were the 2019-2020 fires unprecedented? (SM)

Palaeoclimate (HH) Help with
Communicating
Results Report
Communicating
results report
due
Evolution
and
behaviour
9 Mon
8 Nov
Animal behaviour for ecology and conservation (TO)
Evolutionary principles and their application in medicine (RusB)

Human evolution and
demography (RusB)
Elevation models
10 Mon
15 Nov
Evolution, learning, and intelligence (RobB)
Using videogames to explore human competition (MK)

Using videogames to
explore trust (MK)
Cross sections
Fri
26 Nov
Exam period (Fri 26 Nov – Thurs 9 Dec)
Exam

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4.2 Computer exercises
The computer exercises will focus on building the following quantitative skills for data analysis that are
relevant across all the modules:
Collecting data
Methods of sampling the natural world, including
using new technologies, and accessing existing data.
Managing data
Digitising, tidying, and manipulating data, including
integrating digital technologies with field work.
Visualising data
Simple graphics, plots, and mapping, including
visualising spatial data.
Analysing data
Summarising data, linear models, and investigating
patterns.
Communicating results
Skills for report writing, focusing on the showing
results using visual graphics.

Required Software
The following software is required to complete the computing exercises in BEES 1041.
• Microsoft Excel (https://www.myit.unsw.edu.au/software-students)
• Quantum GIS, QGIS (https://www.qgis.org)
• Cloustor SWAN through a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Vivaldi)

Optional software
if you wish to run Jupyter notebooks containing R and python code on your own computers, in
addition to using Cloudstor SWAN, you can do so using the following software.
• Rstudio (https://www.rstudio.com)
• Anaconda (https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual-d)


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5. Assessment
5.1 Assessment tasks
Assessment task Length Weight Date
Quiz
This is a Moodle quiz that will test your understanding of the
aspects of data analysis that have been presented in the first two
labs and the first three computer exercises. This includes
collecting, accessing, managing and exploring data, and the
basics of coding.
2 hours 15% Week 3
Fri 1 Oct

Quiz on Moodle
New technology report
You need to identify a new technological method for generating
data on an aspect of the natural world that interests you. Methods
can be selected from those presented in lectures, or your own
interests. Write a report with the following three sections:
▪ Describe in your own words how the method works and what
sort of data it produces, including a figure.
▪ Explain how you would design a new experiment that would
use the method to explore the natural world.
▪ Include a list of information sources.
2 pages 15% Week 5
Fri 15 Oct

Submitted using
TurnitIn on Moodle
Communicating results report
Write the results section for a scientific report, that presents the
data collected by the class in Lab 2, other supplied data, and any
other relevant data you have found. The report must include three
important elements:
▪ A written description of the results.
▪ Figures that illustrate the results.
▪ The results of appropriate data analyses, which support
the key findings.
3 pages 30% Week 8
Fri 5 Nov

Submitted using
TurnitIn on Moodle
Exam
The exam for the course will be online. It will include a variety of
question types (multiple choice and short written responses)
selected from the topics discussed in the lectures, laboratories,
and computer exercises.
2 hours 40% Exam period
26 Nov -9 Dec

Further information
UNSW grading system: https://student.unsw.edu.au/grades
UNSW assessment policy: https://student.unsw.edu.au/assessment
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5.2 Assessment criteria and standards
The Quiz assessment will require you to have completed the first two labs and first three computing
exercises. It will require some numerical calculations and will include questions on interpreting the
results of analysis, but you will not have to write any code. The reports will be assessed using
marking rubrics, which will be made available through Moodle. All assessments will follow the UNSW
grading system: https://student.unsw.edu.au/grade. You should also familiarise yourself with the
UNSW assessment policy: https://student.unsw.edu.au/assessment
5.3 Submission of assessment tasks
Students will need to submit their assessments using Turnitin through the course Moodle page, as
either a Word document or a PDF. Late work will be penalised by 10% of the value of the assignment
per day (not including weekends). After 7 late days the work will be given a value of 0%. This is
School of BEES policy and there are no exceptions unless an extension is provided. Extensions are
only provided by the Course Convenor (Adrian Fisher) for valid reasons (medical or otherwise) and
official certification must be appended to the work when handed in. Only valid reasons will be
accepted for missing the Final Exam and appropriate documentation relating to your absence is
required.
5.4. Feedback on assessment
Marking of your assessments will be provided by lecturers with assistance from academic staff in the
School of BEES and a peer review process on occasion. Where multiple markers are involved, the
marks will be checked for consistency. Some specific feedback on assessments will be provided on
the returned Assessments. Generic feedback will be provided through class forums announcements.
Feedback on the final exam is possible by appointment only. Final examinations are retained in the
School of BEES for a period of 6 months, after which they are destroyed.
6. Academic integrity, referencing and plagiarism
Referencing is a way of acknowledging the sources of information that you use to research your
assignments. You need to provide a reference whenever you draw on someone else's words, ideas or
research. Not referencing other people's work can constitute plagiarism. Further information about
referencing styles can be located at https://student.unsw.edu.au/referencing
Academic integrity is fundamental to success at university. Academic integrity can be defined as a
commitment to six fundamental values in academic pursuits: honesty, trust, fairness, respect,
responsibility and courage.1 At UNSW, this means that your work must be your own, and others’
ideas should be appropriately acknowledged. If you don’t follow these rules, plagiarism may be
detected in your work. Further information about academic integrity and plagiarism can be located at:
• The Current Students site https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism, and
• The ELISE training site http://subjectguides.library.unsw.edu.au/elise/presenting
The Conduct and Integrity Unit provides further resources to assist you to understand your conduct
obligations as a student: https://student.unsw.edu.au/conduct.

1 International Center for Academic Integrity, ‘The Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity’, T.
Fishman (ed), Clemson University, 2013.
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7. Readings and resources
This course is available online through the UNSW Moodle system which can be accessed by:
1. Going to https://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/login/index.php
2. Enter your Username (your UNSW zID) and Password (your zPass) and click the ‘Agree and sign
on’ button
3. Look for BEES1041 under the ‘My Courses Tab’
The BEES1041 Moodle page will contain information regarding course announcements, lectures,
labs, computer exercises and assessments. You will find that the course has been divided into
various sections related to Course Information, Trimester Weeks, and others. Please visit the Support
Section at https://student.unsw.edu.au/moodle-support for more information and tutorials about
Moodle.
8. Administrative matters
8.1 Equity and Diversity
Those students who have a disability that requires some adjustment in their teaching or learning
environment are encouraged to discuss their study needs with the course convener (Adrian Fisher)
prior to, or at the commencement of, their course, or with the Equity Officer (Disability) in the Equity
and Diversity Unit (https://student.unsw.edu.au/disability). Issues to be discussed may include access
to materials, signers or note-takers, the provision of services and additional exam and assessment
arrangements. Early notification is essential to enable any necessary adjustments to be made. The
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences aims to provide a safe, supportive and
welcoming environment for all staff and students regardless of their race, sex, age, religion, disability,
sexual orientation or gender identification. As such, the School strongly supports UNSW's Equity and
Diversity Policy in regard to these matters (http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/equity). Definitions, policies
and reporting portals can be found here: https://student.unsw.edu.au/equity
8.2 Grievance policy
In all cases you should first try to resolve any issues with the course convenor (Adrian Fisher). If this
is unsatisfactory, you should contact the School Student Ethics Officer (A/Prof Stephen Bonser,
s.bonser@unsw.edu.au) or the Deputy Head of School (A/Prof Scott Mooney
s.mooney@unsw.edu.au) who is the School's Grievance Officer and Designated Officer under the
UNSW Plagiarism Procedure. UNSW has formal policies about the resolution of grievances that can
be reviewed in myUNSW A to Z Guide (https://student.unsw.edu.au/complaints).
8.3 Additional support for students
• The Current Students Gateway: https://student.unsw.edu.au/
• Academic Skills and Support: https://student.unsw.edu.au/academic-skills
• Student Wellbeing, Health and Safety: https://student.unsw.edu.au/wellbeing
• Disability Support Services: https://student.unsw.edu.au/disability-services