Catchment to Reef Management is a capstone unit in which you will synthesise the skills and knowledge developed in your degree to date. You will study how abiotic and biotic factors affect ecosystem development in the major regions of a catchment and examine anthropogenic issues in catchment management. During an extended field trip, you will work in teams to quantitatively and qualitatively examine and evaluate a Central Queensland catchment and then develop elements of a whole of catchment management plan. While planning and undertaking field work you will consider the role and needs of stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, Australian legislative and ethical requirements, and environmental and economic factors.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE feedback

One student suggested more information about the expectations of the assessment could be provided.

As for the previous year's offering, more time will be spent explaining the expectations surrounding the assessment pieces in 2024.

Feedback from SUTE feedback In-person feedback

Feedback suggested some students found the lectures too long on occasion.

I agree with this assessment and avenues to trim down the length of lectures without adversely compromising the content will be explored for 2024.

Feedback from SUTE feedback In-person feedback Moodle

Students again noted the residential school as a highlight of the unit, with the twin aspects of meeting local practitioners, and further developing skills in scientific sampling, being most appreciated.

Retain the residential school within the unit as a critical hands-on experience that facilitates personal skills and intellectual development, while also offering unique networking opportunities for employment prior to graduation.