Few places compare to K’gari’s unique natural environment as an immersive outdoor classroom to explore and develop knowledge and hands-on research skills.
From animal ecology and environmental science to mapping with drones, field studies on the Island add an invaluable dimension to several UniSC programs and courses.
K'gari Field Studies
Provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop scientific knowledge on K’gari. The Island is a globally significant example of geological processes and biological evolution. The Island has the most complete age sequence of any dune system in the world and many unique ecosystems that thrive upon these sands. In this course students examine soil, water, plant, and animal systems and processes on and around K’gari.
Coastal and Marine Ecology
In this course students learn about the diversity of marine habitats, the species inhabiting them, and the physical and chemical factors influencing marine ecosystems.
Students explore rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, mangrove wetlands, reefs and openwater ecosystems. Field trips, including K’gari, teaches students fundamental skills in the scientific investigation of coastal ecosystem.
Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
This course focuses on fundamental concepts of sustainability that have application to the management of all forms of tourism, leisure and events. It aims to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of physical, sociocultural and economic sustainability and its prospects for successful implementation in developed and developing countries. A field trip to K’gari allows students the opportunity to investigate sustainable tourism first hand.
Spatial Governance and Planning
Students are introduced to ideas about spatial governance and planning that underpin sustainable development. Field experience on K’gari highlights the issues associated with successful spatial governance. Planners need to understand the formal authority of governments, along with the informal arrangements and partnerships across nongovernmental institutions and civil society at the Commonwealth, State and Regional levels of planning and policy.
Foundations of Outdoor Environmental Studies
In this course students learn about the theoretical frameworks used in outdoor environmental studies with a strong focus on the ideas and cultural beliefs that have shaped the way Australians perceive and
interact with natural environments.
Particular attention is given to the way traditional Western / European and Indigenous belief systems shape human-to-nature relationships and environmental sustainability.
Field trips, including K’gari, help students to explore how world views shape the ways in which different groups respond to natural environments through participation, observation and evaluation.
Other education providers
K'gari Research Station is used by local, national and international educational providers, including state and private schools, colleges, and other higher education institutions.