The evolution of online teaching and learning in engineering at Deakin University

This paper presents a brief history of the use of online technologies in the support of teaching and learning in the School of Engineering and Technology at Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. It addresses the following topics: flexible engineering programs at Deakin University; computer-based learning in the School of Engineering and Technology; progression from individual efforts to formal, centralized control of the World Wide Web (Web); the costs of information technology; experiences with grant funded development projects; managing the development of online material; student access and equity; and staff development and cultural change. A sustainable online content development model is proposed to carry the School&rsquo;s online initiatives in support of teaching and learning activities into the future.<br /

A coastal engineering industry affiliates programme model to enhance student learning

Industry affiliates programmes, which place undergraduate students in the workplace as part of their undergraduate training programme and have been shown to enhance student learning, are growing in popularity. These programmes are an educational collaboration between a university, an industry partner, and - most importantly - a student. The article outlines various aspects of a model chosen for the new Bachelor of Engineering in Coastal Engineering undergraduate degree offered through the School of Engineering at Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia, and shows how, with appropriate design considerations, a student-centred task can lead to enhanced learning by combining practical interactions with rigorous academic pursuits. Also presented are the tasks and benefits for each of the partners to highlight the significance of such a placement scheme in the improvement of student learning, and the development of valuable industry-university relationships.Griffith Sciences, Griffith School of EngineeringFull Tex

Bottom boundary layer cooling and wind-driven upwelling enhance the catchability of spanner crab (Ranina ranina) in South-East Queensland, Australia

Species catchability is an important parameter used to help optimise stock assessment modelling and the economic efficiency of commercial fishing operations. Previous studies have shown several physical oceanographic parameters, including ambient temperature, waves and currents, affect the catchability of spanner crabs (Ranina ranina) throughout the Indo‐Pacific. Most notably in the Australian fishery, where oceanographic processes vary over space and time, a positive relationship between bottom boundary layer temperature (BBLT) and catch rates was observed. Here, we aimed to better understand how localised oceanographic processes affected this relationship in the southernmost South‐East Queensland (SEQ) sector of the Australian fishery at seasonal and short temporal scales. Our results show cooler BBLT, upwelling‐favourable alongshore wind stress and increased catch rates occurred during mating season in austral spring. At the end of austral summer, BBLT began warming, downwelling‐favourable winds were dominant, and catch rates declined around the post‐moult period. Outputs from the generalised linear models (GLMs) that separated these effects in each season show that, at shorter temporal scales, daily catch rates also increased with episodic BBLT cooling and upwelling‐favourable alongshore wind stress, but only during austral autumn and winter. These new findings suggest that region‐specific, short‐term and seasonal variability of oceanographic processes responsible for changes in BBLT play an important role in influencing the catchability of spanner crabs. We suggest that the effects of region‐specific physical oceanographic processes must be considered in future work when investigating the catchability of commercially important fisheries species fished over large spatial domains.David M. Spencer, Ian W. Brown, Mark J. Doubell, Christopher J. Brown, Ana Redondo Rodriguez, Shing Yip Lee, Hong Zhang, Charles J. Lemcker

Preliminary modeling of hydrodynamics of purified recycled water inputs to Lake Wivenhoe.

Water security has become a major issue within Australia and particularly within South East Queensland (SEQ). In response to projected limits to conventional water supply systems in SEQ a range of innovative projects have been initiated. A key element of this water security response has been the development of the SEQ Water Grid, which includes the capacity for introducing Purified Recycled Water (PRW) into the region's largest water supply reservoir, Lake Wivenhoe. The highly dendritic and thermally stratified nature of Lake Wivenhoe suggests that three-dimensional (3-D) flows are likely to exert a controlling influence on PRW mixing. In this investigation we present the results of initial 3-D simulation of PRW mixing in Lake Wivenhoe with a focus on the boundary condition used to simulate PRW inflows

Making the matrix matter:challenges in Australian grazing landscapes

Many ecological theories are based on the concept of patches. Patches are a useful starting point for conservation efforts, but a focus on patches alone will not always achieve desired conservation outcomes. Conservation strategies in the grazing landscapes of southeastern Australia suggest that large patches of trees are widely regarded as 'habitat' while other forms of habitat are largely ignored. We provide data on birds and reptiles from the Nanangroe grazing landscape that illustrate the potential habitat value of areas located between large patches of trees - that is, the matrix. Despite evidence on its potential value, present conservation strategies rarely consider the matrix. Possible reasons for this bias relate to the economics of farming and the history of land use, the current environmental law framework, and also the reluctance of ecologists to study the matrix. More scientific evidence on the role of the matrix will be crucial if conservation strategies are to consider not only patches, but entire landscapes. However, for science to be relevant to land management, there is a need for new research approaches. First, an increased consideration of environmental policy and law will increase the likelihood of scientific findings being adopted by policy makers. Second, at an applied level, more practical on-ground research into farming practices and clearer communication are necessary to achieve more sustainable matrix management in Australian grazing landscapes