EBA UM Fieldwork 2023

The EBA Fieldwork Program is an on-site, immersive experience where participants apply the Evidence-Based Approach to real-world issues. The EBA UM Fieldwork 2023 focuses on urbanization and ecological systems in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, exploring the question, “How much is the impact of urbanization on water quality and the ecological system?” Over the course of the program, learners examine how urbanization affects hydrological systems, surface and groundwater quality, sediment load, groundwater recharge, eutrophication, and ecological habitats.

Participants actively apply the EBA method in practice, by learning through field-based data collection, analysis, visualization and storytelling. In this fieldwork, they investigate urban and rural environments around Kuala Lumpur by collecting evidence on water quality and the presence and abundance of dragonflies and butterflies as bioindicators. Through site visits, field observation, discussion sessions, group analysis, and sharing activities, participants compare different ecological contexts and examine the relationship between urbanization, water quality, and biodiversity.

By completing this program, learners strengthen their ability to collect and interpret environmental evidence, analyze relationships between ecological indicators and water quality, and communicate findings through evidence-based storytelling. The experience deepens their understanding of urbanization, sustainability, and ecological systems, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to designing environmentally resilient future societies

Study Requirement: 90 hours, including pre- and post-fieldwork activities

Topics Covered in This Course

Urbanization and Ecological Systems: Examining how urbanization affects water systems, ecological habitats, and the balance between built environments and natural ecosystems.
Water Quality and Bioindicators: Investigating water quality through field-based assessment and the observation of dragonflies and butterflies as indicators of ecological conditions.
Urban and Rural Environmental Comparison: Comparing evidence collected from urban and rural locations to understand how different levels of urbanization influence water quality and biodiversity.
Locations Visited: Participants collect data in urban areas including Rimba Ilmu, Varsity Lake at the University of Malaya, and Elmina Recreational Park, as well as rural areas including Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest and Sungai Chilling Fish Sanctuary.
Field Observations and Reflection: Participants collect and analyze environmental data, discuss findings across different sites, reflect on the relationship between urbanization and ecological change, and prepare evidence-based sharing outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

This course offers learners the ability to:

Apply the Evidence-Based Approach (EBA) to real-world field research challenges.
Collect, document, and analyze data using observation, discussion and field-based inquiry.
Communicate findings through reflection, discussion, and evidence-based storytelling.
Collect, document, and analyze environmental evidence from urban and rural field sites.
Use bioindicators such as dragonflies and butterflies to examine ecological conditions.
Interpret and visualize data to understand relationships between urbanization, water quality, and biodiversity.
Think together with participants from different backgrounds about sustainable environments.

Related Courses

–

Prerequisite

–

Criteria

This badge was awarded to the learners who completed the following criteria:

Participate in pre-workshop activities in preparation for the fieldwork.
Join the fieldwork and actively participate in all field activities.
Present outcomes of the fieldwork and further developments during the final public presentation.
Successfully complete the fieldwork’s final report.