Outline

Overview

This Unit will be of interest to any student who calls Sydney home, whether you have recently moved here for university or have lived here for years, you will develop a deeper understanding of Sydney’s unique natures and cultures. Sydney is one of the world’s great cities and like all great cities, it’s a place with many characteristics and contradictions. This Unit will explore Sydney’s fascinating people and places, from the city’s Indigenous people and cultures, to its iconic natural landscapes and buildings, its diverse and dynamic neighbourhoods, its hidden surprises, and its contested futures. As well as attending seminars, students will participate in field trips to different locations in Sydney conducted by leading experts from a range of disciplines and communities. You will learn about the people and processes that have shaped Sydney, and you will develop new skills in field observation and communication as you share your own explorations of Sydney through personalised assessments. Your learning will be supported with online resources, including recommendations for popular culture representations of Sydney in mainstream and social media that connect with Unit content.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rebecca Cross, r.cross@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Lecture quizzes 3x online quizzes based on lectures (10% each). It is COMPULSORY to attempt at least ONE of these quizzes to pass this unit of study.	30%	Multiple weeks Closing date: 29 May 2026	15minutes x 3 lecture quizzes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Fieldtrip Report Fieldtrip reports will be due TWO WEEKS after you have participated in your selected fieldtrip.	50%	Multiple weeks	1000 words + a graphical abstract	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Fieldtrip Participation You must attend and participate in at least ONE fieldtrip.	10%	Multiple weeks Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	3-4hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Observation Skills Quiz - Early Feedback Task Quiz will be based on completion of two online modules that take approximately 1.5hours each to complete. #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03 Due date: 09 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Mar 2026	15 minute quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessments are in the form of online quizzes, fieldtrip participation and submisssion of a written Fieldtrip report - the latter will be based on your selected fieldtrip experience between weeks 5 and 13. You MUST attend a fieldtrip to complete this unit and you MUST submit the fieldtrip report in order to satisfy the requirements of this unit.

Fieldtrip Report Hurdle Requirement: A score of AT LEAST 40% of the total mark, or 20/50, is required to pass this unit of study.

Simple Extensions that extend due dates by 5 days are available for assessments. Please keep up with announcements in canvas to learn how to apply for these.

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
DC	Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit under special circumstances (outlined in clause 92 of the Coursework Policy), after the relevant census date.
DF	Discontinue – fail	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DF deadline, and you have not been granted a discontinuation under special circumstances.
FR	Failed requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
SR	Satisfied requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
WD	Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day will be deducted for written work submitted late. Work submitted 10 days after the due date without a valid special consideration application will not be accepted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Exploring Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Aboriginal Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Sandstone Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Observation Skills Quiz (Early Feedback Task)	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 04	Hazardous Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Generating Graphical Abstracts	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 05	Wild Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Photo Editing and Representation	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 06	Rebel Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Sydney Surfs	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Sydney Eats	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Future Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an introductory understanding of Sydney’s history, culture, economy, infrastructure, landscape, ecology and politics
LO2. Develop and articulate informed views on what it means to ‘belong’ to Sydney, and the many pathways to belonging
LO3. Use field observation to inform analysis of natural and social processes shaping Sydney’s development
LO4. Support field observations with research using appropriate academic, policy and media sources
LO5. Communicate ideas to a broad audience, using public-facing blog entries and appropriate technology

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Based on last year's feedback we have simplified the assessment in this unit with a stronger focus on the field component. Any and all feedback in 2026 is welcome :)

Additional information

Early in the unit you will be able to choose from a menu of Fieldtrip options. The majority of these will be guided by your lecturers and attendance is compulsory. If you cannot attend a rostered fieldtrip for a valid reason, you will be reenrolled in another fieldtrip. If you are unable to complete a fieldtrip by the end of week 13, as a last resort you will complete a self-guided fieldtrip. If you are unable to complete a self-guided fieldtrip for a valid reason, please contact your unit coordinator, Dr Rebecca Cross r.cross@sydney.edu.au as soon as possible.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities. A link to general wellbeing and support services for students is provided (along with other links to important information and resources) at the end of this document.

Practical classes are held in computer laboratories. The following general safety rules apply to these spaces.

Face to face students will occupy every second computer (evenly numbered computers) whilst completing their practical work to maintain social distancing.
For the safety of others and for the protection of equipment, no eating or hot drinks are allowed in practical classes.
In case of fire or any emergency, follow all instructions of your class demonstrator.
Students should act with civility to other students and the class demonstrator. Rude, discrimatory, racist, sexist or bullying behaviour is not acceptable under any circumstances and will not be tolerated.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OLES1600: Exploring Sydney

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links