Key facts
UNE unit code: EM351
*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

In a rapidly changing world, ecosystem rehabilitation is a critical, sometimes contentious, issue globally. This unit provides you with a foundation in key concepts for the rehabilitation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems following various types of disturbance and introduces you to social and policy considerations.
Addressing theoretical and practical concepts of ecosystem rehabilitation, you will explore disturbance, ecosystem resilience and successional theories, focusing on a stepwise rehabilitation procedure that has broad real-world applications.
Linking theoretical concepts with the applied aspects of rehabilitation, you will examine case studies involving research, government agencies and private industry projects.
Assessing a range of rehabilitation projects (mine site, wetland, riverine, agricultural and forestry), you will also develop a rehabilitation plan, helping you to hone your problem-solving and communication skills.
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 | 6 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. The ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approximately five days prior to the commencement of this mandatory intensive school. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Teaching includes lectures, tutorials, and practicals including an overnight field trip during the intensive school. All students will have online access to unit materials, including topic notes, guided readings, and Powerpoint presentations.
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 a broad and coherent understanding of the theoretical and conceptual framework, resulting from reading and research experience, underpinning the rehabilitation of aquatic and terrestrial systems;
- demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate information in order to design, implement, and monitor a rehabilitation plan;
- apply practical knowledge of equipment and methods commonly used in rehabilitation projects, and use this knowledge to critically assess existing and proposed projects; and
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of how this knowledge can be used to wisely manage disturbed systems in an ecologically sustainable manner and communicate this information to others via verbal or written forms.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Report | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical Report No. Words: 1500 |
| Project Evaluation - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | 15 minute oral question and answer session. Oral assessments will be done in real time via zoom/teams (off campus). To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Project Evaluation - Assurance Task and Workbook - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
| Rehabilitation Plan | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Rehabilitation Plan No. Words: 1500 |
| Workbook - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical exercises. No. Words: 1000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Project Evaluation - Assurance Task and Workbook - 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.
Ecological Restoration
ISBN: 9781610911689
Clewell, A.F. and Aronson, J., Island Press 2nd ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.