In environment and sustainability fields, research plays a major role in identifying the response of human and natural systems to spatial and temporal differences, disturbances and management actions. Achieving these research outcomes relies upon establishing research questions and testable hypotheses, applying appropriate data collection and analysis methods, critically assessing results, and effectively communicating the observations. That process is common to all science-based disciplines.
ENVS1003 uses a PPDAC (Problem, Plan, Data, Analysis, Conclusion) cycle to introduce fundamental research concepts. You can expect to develop skills in ecological measurement and sampling, and designing and conducting surveys and experiments. You will also develop analytical skills, including data exploration and effective communication and analysis techniques common to all sciences. The course promotes learning through a combination of lectures, and field-/computer-based practical exercises. During field-based exercises you will gain first-hand experience in collecting ecological and social data.
Honours Pathway Option
This course participates in the Honours Pathway option run by the College of Science. Further information and expressions-of-interest will be provided at the commencement of the semester.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate conceptual understanding of inferential statistics and hypothesis testing.
- Interpret quantitative research results reported within scientific literature.
- Summarise data to identify effects and trends.
- Demonstrate understanding of experimental and research design.
- Apply the principles of sampling techniques in the environmental and social sciences.
- Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research results effectively.
Work Integrated Learning
Fieldwork
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course
Other Information
Field-based teaching and learning activity forms an integral and important part of this course. Fieldwork activities are designed to allow you put the skills you’ve learned in the classroom into practice in new environments and provide powerful enrichment to student learning. Students will be expected to develop and practice personal field health and safety.
Indicative Assessment
- Four online quizzes (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research design activity (30) [LO 2,4,5,6]
- Final exam. (30) [LO 1,2,3,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 3 hour field, discussion and computer-based practical per week.
- Approximately 70 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, practicals and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
This course includes local field based teaching within scheduled class time. There are no associated additional student costs.
For specific details please visit the class summary and for general information on field trips please visit: https://students.science.anu.edu.au/program-admin/college-science-field-trips
Students with accessibility concerns are encouraged to discuss with the course convenor.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not required.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2660 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8659 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |