Unit Outline

In this unit, you are provided the opportunity to employ skills developed across a range of University Preparation Units to complete a guided research project. Using techniques in research, analysis, problem-solving, reflection, and academic communication, you will investigate a topic of your choosing, undertake academic investigation of the key issues or challenges involved and, finally, produce an evidence-based analysis and argument expressing your perspective. The research and writing skills developed and practised in this unit apply to a diverse range of disciplinary environments, from the humanities to the sciences.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Locate and employ evidence from a range of academic sources
2.	Frame and present an academic argument through the appraisal of competing views
3.	Communicate research in both written and oral forms to an academic audience

Alterations as a result of student feedback

To be determined.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Source Comparison	Week 5	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Literature Research Task	Week 9	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Research Project	Week 14	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Source Comparison

Task Description:

You will summarise as well as compare and contrast two sources and evaluate their reliability criteria as academic sources. These sources will be provided, as well as a template document.

Task Length:

500 words

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and explain an academic argument or perspective	LO1, LO2
2	Contrast points of distinction between competing perspectives	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Follow academic standards of writing and presentation	LO1, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Literature Research Task

Task Description:

You will undertake research on a topic that you have chosen in consultation with teaching staff. You will analyse your chosen research question, retrieve academic sources appropriate to writing about it, explain their relevance, and reference your sources. A template will be provided for the completion of this task and further guidance will be provided leading up to and during the task’s distribution.

Task Length:

750 words

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and apply sources relating to the research question	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Analyse and summarise sources and evidence	LO2, LO3
3	Follow academic standards of writing and presentation	LO1, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Research Project

Task Description:

You will write a 1500-word research report, including heading/sub-headings, addressing one of the listed research questions in the unit. You will need to include your report an argument that is based on a discussion of relevant academic literature on the research question.
In addition to a 1500-word research report, you will deliver a 5-minute presentation (in person/or video) communicating your report’s argument and recommendations

Task Length:

Project includes: 1500-word research report; 5-minute oral presentation

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Articulate a perspective supported by a variety of sources	LO1, LO2
2	Follow academic standards of writing and presentation	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Deliver an accessible and informative oral presentation summarising your research topic and findings	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.