Students
ENVG700 – Research Frontiers in Environment and Geography 1
2015 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Andrew McGregor
Contact via 9850 7993
W3A 412
Co-convenor
Tim Ralph
Contact via 9850 6378
E7A 628A
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is designed to engage students with current research in Environment and Geography. It
will introduce students to a number of the current open research questions across the discipline. The unit is based on
focused ‘Dialogue’ sessions in which the frontiers of core research topics are introduced by a variety of staff members
who explain how the topic is influencing their work. The unit addresses research across the breadth of the discipline,
while also requiring students to apply core concepts to their preferred research topics. Activities may include such
things as weekly classes, cross-university seminar attendance, directed reading of research papers, and the discussion
and critiquing of research topics. Presentation of a seminar and a written report / essay based on the topics examined
are required for completion of this unit.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Ability to critically assess seminars and identify research processes
- Ability to contribute to academic discussion and present ideas
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Understanding research | 15% | Thursday 19 March |
| 2 Seminar report | 20% | Thursday 30 April |
| 3 Research presentation | 20% | Thursday 21 May |
| 4 Research frontiers essay | 40% | Monday 9 June |
| 5 Participation | 5% | all semester |
1 Understanding research
Due: Thursday 19 March
Weighting: 15%
Why is environmental research important? Write a short essay that reflects on why you have chosen to pursue a research project focused on environmental issues. Your report should be reflective, discussing your own goals and motivations, while also reflecting on a discussion with at least one staff member in a related field. You are welcome to utilise academic articles, however, this is not essential. 1000 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
2 Seminar report
Due: Thursday 30 April
Weighting: 20%
How do people do environmental research? This assessment requires students to attend and report on at least five research seminars they attended during semester. These seminars can be from across the university or at other research institutions. Students are required to write five reports detailing the research components of the seminars in accordance with a pro-forma to be distributed in class. The combined word length of all reports should not exceed 2000 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Ability to critically assess seminars and identify research processes
3 Research presentation
Due: Thursday 21 May
Weighting: 20%
What are the frontiers in environmental research? This assessment requires students to give a brief oral presentation (10-15 minutes) in which they discuss how researchers are approaching a particular environmental issue. They should focus on the current state of knowledge, debates and future challenges. The presentation should conclude with some ideas about how students would like to contribute to these debates through a research project and why.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Ability to contribute to academic discussion and present ideas
4 Research frontiers essay
Due: Monday 9 June
Weighting: 40%
How do different disciplines research environmental issues? Different disciplines approach environmental issues in different ways. In this essay you are required to analyse the research frontiers of at least two different disciplines (or sub-disciplines) in relation to a particular environmental issue. The environmental issue you choose and the disciplines or sub-disciplines you focus upon should be agreed upon with a course convenor. Your essay should contrast how different disciplines conceptualise and approach the research area, the different types of methods used, and key findings and insights different disciplines bring. Your essay should conclude with a discussion on the strengths and challenges of multi-disciplinary environmental research. 2500 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
5 Participation
Due: all semester
Weighting: 5%
You are expected to attend and participate in all class workshops. The quality of your contribution each week in terms of preparation, interaction and understanding will be assessed to determine the final grade for this assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to contribute to academic discussion and present ideas
Delivery and Resources
ENVG700 will make use of web-based teaching support through iLearn. Students will require access to the internet and regular contact with the unit’s iLearn site. To complete assignments students will need access to basic word processing programs and some may wish to make use of PowerPoint for class presentations.
Unit Schedule
Program Thursdays 3-5pm EMC-G240
The program is arranged around a series of group workshops that align with upcoming assessment tasks. In addition you are expected to be in regular contact with either course convenors or other staff members most aligned to the research frontiers you are exploring for assessments 3 and 4.
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Week |
Date |
Topic |
Assessment |
Staff |
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1 |
26/2 |
Introduction + doing research |
AM / TR |
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2 |
5/3 |
No class |
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3 |
12/3 |
Seminar report workshop |
AM / TR |
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4 |
19/3 |
No class |
Assessment 1 |
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5 |
26/3 |
Research topic workshop |
AM / TR |
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6 |
2/4 |
No class |
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Mid semester break |
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7 |
23/4 |
Research frontiers workshop |
AM / TR |
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8 |
30/4 |
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Assessment 2 |
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9 |
7/5 |
Presentation workshop |
AM / TR |
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10 |
14/5 |
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11 |
21/5 |
Student presentations |
Assessment 3 |
AM / TR |
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12 |
28/5 |
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13 |
4/6 |
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Assessment 4 |
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Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
Assessment tasks
- 1 Understanding research
- 2 Seminar report
- 3 Research presentation
- 4 Research frontiers essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Ability to critically assess seminars and identify research processes
Assessment tasks
- 1 Understanding research
- 2 Seminar report
- 3 Research presentation
- 4 Research frontiers essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
- Understanding of core research frontiers in environmental research
- Awareness and appreciation for how different disciplines approach similar environmental research topics
- Awareness of the potential and challenges of adopting multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Ability to critically assess seminars and identify research processes
Assessment tasks
- 1 Understanding research
- 2 Seminar report
- 3 Research presentation
- 4 Research frontiers essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Ability to contribute to academic discussion and present ideas
Assessment tasks
- 3 Research presentation
- 5 Participation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to reflect upon and identify the importance of environmental research
- Ability to contribute to academic discussion and present ideas
Assessment tasks
- 1 Understanding research
- 2 Seminar report
- 3 Research presentation
- 5 Participation