Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.
During fieldtrips, this will assist you in your work with stakeholders i.e., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, government agencies and community groups

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.
When undertaking conservation and ecosystem management tasks and assessment during fieldtrips, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, peers, supervisors and stakeholders. Clear communication assists with completing your fieldtrip tasks safely.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities. 

Fieldtrip activities may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your program manager prior to commencing a fieldtrip.

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking. 

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately in both on-campus and fieldtrip settings to build relationships and assess stakeholder needs 

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require social communication abilities include:

• Using and understanding non-verbal communication and cues with and by peers, such as open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to communicate understanding when sharing equipment, sharing workload, working in pairs and in teams in close proximity
• Responding to stakeholders with open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to demonstrate understanding and empathy.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.  

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, reference material and /or handwritten notes.

In the fieldtrip environment, essential information related to specific environmental locations is communicated in written form.  Fieldtrip tasks which require reading include: 

• Reading maps and plant keys to identify  and categorise flora and referencing field guides to identify birds and animals
• Reading and understanding reports and conservation and ecosystem management literature, instructions in standard operating procedures, warning signs and instructions; for example official signs in parks and reserves

The ability to read, understand and interpret written information is fundamental to working in conservation and ecosystem management.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during fieldtrips may vary and should be discussed with the program manager prior to commencing fieldtrip.

Writing (Written Language)

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to both on-campus learning and fieldtrip settings. 

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing include: 

• contributing to environmental data records, correctly using terminology and abbreviations
• record keeping and report writing related to specific environmental locations

The ability to accurately communicate in writing in accordance with professional and legal standards is fundamental to working in conservation and ecosystem management.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during fieldtrips may vary and should be discussed with the program manager prior to commencement.

Number Skills (Numeracy)

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What do I need to be able to do?

Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and formulae in a time-efficient manner in on-campus learning and fieldtrip settings. 

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require the use of number skills include:

• recording accurate measurements and numerical data when conducting environmental testing of water or soil
• performing accurate population calculations of flora and fauna by counting and accurately recording data
• interpreting graphs and manipulating and analysing data to determine trends.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your numeracy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during fieldtrips may vary and should be discussed with the program manager prior to commencement.

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from the on-campus learning setting during fieldtrip.

In the fieldtrip environment, conservation and ecosystem management tasks which require these cognitive skills include:

• remaining focused on tasks including collecting data, trapping fauna or conducting bird surveys, over an extended period of time and for the duration of the fieldtrip of up to 4 days duration
• planning a work schedule incorporating a systematic sequence of tasks and identifying potential risks and hazards during a fieldtrip 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during fieldtrip should be discussed with the program manager prior to commencement.

Vision

Visual acuity refers to the extent to which a person can see or interpret visual information. This may also include colour vision.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require vision include: 

• moving safely to avoid physical hazards such as uneven terrain, plants and animals
• setting up and using equipment such as small animal traps or motion sensor cameras
• observing and identifying flora and fauna and accessing field guides and associated literature to determine identification

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of assistive technology to enhance vision will be considered. It is recommended that you discuss this with the ELS and your program manager prior to commencing fieldtrip. 

Glasses and other visual aids can be used during fieldtrips.

If you have been deemed legally blind or have a medical condition that may impact your vision, it is recommended that you discuss your condition with Equitable Learning Service.

What do I need to be able to do?

In both the on-campus learning and fieldtrip settings, tasks may involve:  lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting, and bending and maintaining balance. 

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require gross motor skills include:

• travelling long distances while carrying equipment over a range of terrains while maintaining balance in all weather conditions
• setting up equipment digging small trenches for trap lines, weeding, digging and planting  

Safe manual handling minimises the risk of injury. 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments considered should not compromise your safety or that of others.

i.e. The ability to undertake precise coordinated movements of the hands.

What do I need to be able to do?

In both the on-campus learning and fieldtrip settings, tasks may involve: pushing, pressing, turning, pinching, squeezing, and handling objects, flora and fauna.

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require fine motor abilities include:

• using nets and magnifying glasses to catch and identify small fresh-water vertebrates
• carefully handling plant materials such as leaves, flowers and fruits
• using equipment such as binoculars and secateurs

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments considered should not compromise your safety or the safety of others.

This refers to the ability to undertake a task/s over a pre-determined period of time. This could include physical performance such as standing for a period of time, or cognitive (mental) performance such as concentrating for a particular length of time.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the fieldtrip environment, tasks which require physical and mental endurance include:

• Participating in extended fieldtrips, including overnight or 4 day trips in what may be difficult physical conditions such as severe weather and difficult terrain
• Maintaining consistent physical performance throughout a field trip, this may include walking for extended distances up to five kilometres while carrying equipment and enduring  long days and getting up early to check traps
• Remaining mentally focussed in order to undertake routine or repetitive tasks i.e., surveying birds, or routinely weeding and planting

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your circumstances and physical capacities. You may use strategies such as rest breaks to support your performance for on-campus learning contexts. It is recommended that you discuss the use of these strategies during fieldtrips with ELS and the program manager prior to commencing fieldtrip.

Any adjustments should not compromise your safety or that of others.