Key facts
UNE unit code: ENSC220
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces you to the Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Australia.
You will start by taking a global perspective, followed by a deep look into Australian Aboriginal teachings and lore, and how it connects to Country (the environment).
You will learn the importance of accepting Indigenous Knowledge, how it can be embedded into Western Science methods and how to utilise both during research projects.
The unit focuses on important skills for your employability as a graduate, including cross-cultural communication, critical thinking and exploring alternative options.
You will keep a Reflective Journal of your personal journey through this unit.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for all students. Students will gain first hand experience from local land rangers and Indigenous knowledge holders that currently work alongside ERS staff and students in research. This intensive school will be conducted at UNE Armidale campus and in the field. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how Indigenous Knowledge systems in science can be used for a sustainable environmental future;
- analyse and review available information on co-management strategies and the impacts of how these are implemented in practical situations for comprehensive environmental management outcomes; and
- exercise critical thinking and judgement in discussing issues related to Australian Aboriginal Peoples and their connection to Country.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Case Study conducted on the Aboriginal peoples of the area in which you usually reside. No. Words: 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Mid Trimester Exam - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Mid Trimester Exam - will be conducted on paper during the mandatory intensive school. No. Words: 1500 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The entire Intensive School is mandatory for all students to attend. | |
| Practical Book - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Workbook to be filled out throughout multiple practical activities. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Presentation - Assurance Task and Practical Book – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Group work to be designed and presented during the intensive school in 2 presentations, approximately 5 minutes each. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Presentation - Assurance Task and Practical Book – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Indigenous peoples and the collaborative stewardship of nature: knowledge binds and institutional conflicts.
ISBN: 9781598745788
Anne Ross, Kathleen Pickering Sherman, Jeffrey G Snodgrass, Henry D Delcore, Richard Sherman, Routledge 1st Edition 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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