Key facts

UNE unit code: EM551

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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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 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA6 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsAbility 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.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
EM351
Combined units

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)

profile photo of Rhiannon Smith
Rhiannon SmithAssociate Professor in Environmental Management - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. 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;
  2. demonstrate the ability to critically analyse, research and apply established theories by designing, implementing, and monitoring a rehabilitation plan;
  3. 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;
  4. 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
  5. 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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Practical ReportYes20%All offerings

Practical Report

No. Words: 1500

Project evaluation - Assurance TaskYes30%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 PlanYes30%All offerings

Rehabilitation Plan

No. Words: 2000

Workbook - Assurance TaskYes20%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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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.*

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