Operational Safety in Natural Environments

Unit code: SOL1006 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit will introduce students to knowledge and concepts required to operate safely across a diverse range of field based environments. Students will investigate current professional practice requirements and industry common practice. This foundational knowledge unit will provide a basis for further theoretical and conceptual exploration in future units.

On completion of this unit students will understand the considerations relating to operational safely and incident management for dependant groups. Students will consider emergency response protocols, the use of emergency resources and communications technology and incident reporting systems. Students will also develop an appreciation of the physical, mental and emotional demands of safe operation in natural environments with learning provided surrounding diversity and inclusion in adventure-based operational contexts.

This unit will be primarily class based with supporting practical workshops.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate and analyse personal and group safety considerations and incident responses within a range of natural environments and conditions;
  2. Scrutinise and critically reflect on professional practice concepts surrounding diversity and inclusion in an operational context;
  3. Analyse and critically reflect on industry common practice in the application of emergency response resources and systems applicable to operating in natural environments; and
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of considerations and systems relating to the management of issues arising from critical incidents.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 20%
Case study of an incident Response – 750 word (Written)
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 40%
Practicum Analysis and Reflection – Individual 750 words (Written)
Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 40%
Operational Safety Portfolio – individual 1000 words (Written)

Participation in practical workshops are a hurdle task Hurdle tasks link directly to learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Practical tasks will be group activities.

Practical workshops require mandatory attendance of 100% attendance, except under extenuating circumstances. This is due to the unit containing a significant competency component, enabling students to acquire and demonstrate essential skills to meet industry practice (VU Standards for Assessment Procedure (HE) Policy clause 25, 26, 29). Competency is also assessed through assessments connected to hurdle tasks.

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership
SBOL | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

Search for units, majors & minors