Safety in Natural Environments

Unit code: SOL1002 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit focuses on the development of skills and knowledge that represent industry good practice in relation to the promotion of safe conduct and management of outdoor education/recreation experiences for individuals and groups. Students will develop skills to identify and assess potential hazards and risks, and implement safe practice while engaged in an outdoor adventure activity in a natural environment. The SOL1002 field program focuses on vertical environments on natural surfaces. Students will also gain an understanding of legal and organisational policy which governs safe outdoor industry practice in Australia.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Exhibit safe practice of outdoor adventure education/recreation activities;
  2. Identify and assess potential risks to individuals and groups in a range of outdoor activities focusing on vertical environments on natural surfaces;
  3. Enact effective risk and safety responses to varied contexts in natural environments; and
  4. Articulate industry standards and legal considerations that inform good practice of safe outdoor education/recreation adventure activities.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 20%
Completion of multiple choice questions relating to online content
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Incident scenario evaluation and response
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 30%
Field teaching 1 practical skills and knowledge (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 30%
Field teaching 2 practical skills and knowledge (Hurdle)

All unit field practicums are Hurdle Tasks that must be completed and passed to pass the unit. Any failure to complete practicums due to extenuating circumstances such as ill-health will require that the practicum be made up in a subsequent delivery.

Field Teaching requires 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 hurdle practicum assessments.

Required reading

Freedom of the Hills
Linxweiler, E & Maude, M, 2017| Mountaineers Books, Seattle, Washington

As part of a course

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

Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science
SBOE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
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.

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