Unit Outline

In this unit, you will be 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 an academic investigation of the key issues or challenges involved and, finally, produce an evidence-based analysis and argument expressing your perspective. The research and communication skills developed and practiced in this unit apply to a diverse range of disciplinary environments.

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, evaluate and employ evidence from a range of academic sources
2.	Reflect on learning associated with project development
3.	Frame and present an academic argument through the analysis of competing views
4.	Communicate research outcomes to an academic audience.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	UPP016

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:	AT1: Research Pitch	Week 4	25 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Literature Research Task	Week 8	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Research Project	Week 13	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Research Pitch

Task Description:

With the assistance of a series of guiding questions, and through guidance provided in tutorials, you will develop a question on which to undertake sustained research. Your pitch will include a research question as well as background information suggesting why the research should be undertaken. You will include a value proposition, considerations of approach (methodology), and feasibility.

Task Length:

2-3 minute recorded video pitch - Visual template provided

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain and substantiate the topic selection	LO3
2	Present a preliminary analysis of the research question	LO1, LO3
3	Identify and communicate academic ideas effectively	LO4

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Literature Research Task

Task Description:

You will undertake research on a topic that you have chosen in consultation with teaching staff, completing a template of short-answer questions that require you to engage with the content of those sources This task will involve analysing your research question retrieving sources appropriate to writing about it, and briefly explaining their content and relevance. 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:

1500 words approx.

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Select sources appropriate to your research question	LO1, LO2
2	Summarise sources and demonstrate their relevance	LO2, LO3
3	Follow appropriate academic standards of writing and presentation	LO1, LO4

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Research Project

Task Description:

You will produce a project presentation reporting the outcomes of your research. Throughout the semester, guidance will be provided to help students choose the most appropriate format for their skill set and research topic. The available formats will be scaffolded including a basic reporting structure that can be applied. You must support your perspectives through ample reference to the relevant academic literature, producing a bibliography to accompany the presentation. You should also produce a short reflective piece (400 words max.) addressing the challenges and complexities that arose during the research process.

Task Length:

A project presentation to be presented in the one of the following formats: • 1500-word research report • 10-minute recorded video/multimedia presentation • 10-minute recorded podcast • Digital poster recorded presentation with a video and/or audio explanation • Webpage (1000 words) To include: Bibliography and Reflective Statement

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Articulate a perspective supported by a variety of sources	LO1, LO3
2	Reflect on the research process	LO2
3	Present research outcomes according to academic conventions	LO3, LO4
4	Develop and deliver a brief presentation for your peers that effectively outlines your topic and informed perspective on that topic	LO2, 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.

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.