SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS

All assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site. Assessment tasks must be submitted either as a PDF or MS word document by the due date. Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process. The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convener. Any requests for extensions must be made in writing before the due date for the submission of the assessment task. Extensions beyond one week are subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html#purpose). 

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS 

If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late. For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20). The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date. 

WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS 

Stated word limits do not include references, bibliography, or title page. Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure. If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of he awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%). The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener. 

REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER 

Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately (http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html). This process involves all assignments submitted for that unit being reassessed. However, in exceptional cases students may request that a single piece of work is reassessed. The Department process for the reassessment of assignments for marking during the semester is as follows: You must consult with the unit convenor - A reassessment will only be granted if you have sought and received feedback about your performance on the assessment from the convenor. Apply to PICT’s Director of Learning and Teaching (or delegated authority) for a reassessment - no more than 7 days after the unit convenor or class tutor has returned the assessment to you. You must make a sound academic case, which demonstrates that you have consulted the unit convenor and as a result of this there is evidence that either the marking criteria were not provided, or there is insufficient feedback to justify the mark given. If appropriate, the Head of Department (or delegated authority) will organise the reassessment of work. The mark determined after reassessment will be the final mark in that assessment task, and this mark can be lower than the original. 

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS 

You should spend an average of at least 12 hours per week on this unit. 

Whilst there are no lectures or tutorials for this unit, students are expected to be in attendance at the Research Seminar Series throughout the year, and are highly encouraged to seek the opportunity to present their own research in the second session of their studies. As an independent research project, you are expected to initiate and request guidance and feedback from your academic mentor on a consistent basis throughout the year. The nature and frequency of these meetings should be negotiated by you and your supervisor at the outset of the Session. The unit convenor will be available, either via email, phone or in person to answer queries about the research process or assessment submission.

REQUIRED READINGS The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, and at Macquarie University's Library EReserve site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed at the EReserve site.  

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement. This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/ Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient. For technical support go to: http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/informatics/help For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm