UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

EAE3900 Landscapes and environments of Hawai'i

Faculty of Science

EAE3900 Landscapes and environments of Hawai'i is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Summer A at Overseas. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Summer A
Overseas
Assessment
No exam
4 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before EAE3900

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After EAE3900

No unit lists EAE3900 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: 6 credit points of level 2 EAE or Human geography. Other students interested in studying this unit will need permission from the unit coordinator.

PROHIBITION: ATS3281

Overview

This unit offers an immersive field study experience in Hawai’i. You will explore the unique geological and ecological landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands, gaining hands-on experience and deepening their understanding of earth science and geography. Key areas of study include the examination of active and dormant volcanoes, assessing the impact of historical and contemporary land use practices, observing the health and sustainability of marine environments, and understanding the unique biogeography of this remote ocean island chain. Additionally, you will analyse Hawai’i’s climate patterns and the implications of climate change. The unit also explores Indigenous knowledge, incorporating insights into the cultural and historical significance of the Hawaiian Islands. Through guided tours, field work, workshops, and interactive sessions with local experts, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the environmental challenges and opportunities in Hawai’i.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
Summer semester AOverseasImmersive

Assessment

  • Team reportProject
    40%
  • Literature reviewWritten
    10%
  • Field work assessmentsDemonstration
    40%
  • Group oral presentationPresentation
    10%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Understand the range of complex geological, environmental, social and economic interrelationships that shape a particular region and it's cultural and natural landscapes;

  2. 2

    Evaluate the distribution and diversity of plant and animal species in Hawai’i, considering the roles of volcanism, isolation, climate, and human activities in shaping biogeographical patterns;

  3. 3

    Apply practical experience in Earth science problem formulation and solution using field-based techniques of survey and analysis, along with industry-standard presentation skills.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops3 hours
  • Teaching approachResearch activities
  • Teaching approachField trips
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning

A total of 144 hours comprising 10 days of intensive field teaching, a 3-hour workshop before the field trip, plus additional research in your own time before the trip to complete a literature review, and after the trip to complete the group report.

You will complete a research project in a group which combines your groups’ different expertise of atmospheric, climate, earth, environmental and geographical science to explain the landscapes you observe.

You will apply your skills from your studies in the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment in the field during a 10-day intensive field trip in Hawai’i.

You will complete a research project in a group which combines your groups’ different expertise of atmospheric, climate, earth, environmental and geographical science to explain the landscapes you observe.

You will complete a research project in a group which combines your groups’ different expertise of atmospheric, climate, earth, environmental and geographical science to explain the landscapes you observe.

Where it fits

EAE3900 is part of 6 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Associate Professor Ruth Reef
Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Ruth Reef

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for EAE3900?

EAE3900 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is EAE3900 offered?

In 2026, EAE3900 runs in Summer A at Overseas.

How much work is EAE3900?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does EAE3900 have an exam?

No. EAE3900 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include EAE3900?

EAE3900 is part of Environmental earth science, Geographical science and Human geography.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available