This course focuses on the observation and interpretation of the environment with a particular emphasis on the interrelationship between geology, climate, soils, hydrology, flora, fauna and humans. Concepts of ecology, sustainability, biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, and landscape ecology are introduced. Students review the fundamental characteristics of a range of regional ecosystems, and analyse human modification of the environment. Through a range of assessment tasks, students record and analyse the landscape using inventory, survey, mapping, reporting and presentation techniques associated with the practice of landscape architecture. The course involves several excursions to local sites. Students are asked to contribute to the cost of these excursions.