Key facts
UNE unit code: EM551
*You are viewing the 2027 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 | All offerings | Ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approximately five days prior to the commencement of this mandatory intensive school. The Intensive School is mandatory for all students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
For online students teaching will include lectures, tutorials, and practicals including a 2-day field trip. All students will have online access to unit materials, including topic notes and 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 an advanced and integrated 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 critically analyse, research and apply established theories by designing, implementing, and monitoring a rehabilitation plan;
- apply an advanced practical knowledge of equipment and methods commonly used in rehabilitation projects, and use this knowledge to critically assess existing and proposed projects;
- demonstrate autonomy and expert judgement as well as an advanced understanding of how this knowledge can be used to wisely manage disturbed systems in an ecologically sustainable manner; and
- interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas within this discipline to specialist and non-specialist audiences in written and verbal formats.
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: 2000 |
| 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
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