Students
ACSC100 – Academic Communication in Science
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener
Deanna Wong
Administration
Margaret Wood
Tutor
Christine Joyce
Tutor
Dana Skopal
Tutor
Louise Katkins
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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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 support students in their transition to university by enabling them to understand and achieve standards of performance required in an academic environment. The unit provides a three-level focus which is initiated by facilitating the development of academic practices, behaviours and values. Secondly, it fosters a level of familiarity with the disciplinary language, texts and conventions used when studying in programs offered by the Faculty of Science. Finally, it raises an awareness of the impact of scientific knowledge and the role of scientists when they act to solve problems and implement innovations affecting contemporary society. Learning and assessment activities are designed to build the capacity for independent and collaborative approaches to learning. Students are guided to develop their capacity for reading, thinking and expressing ideas effectively and critically.
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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:
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
General Assessment Information
Assignment Submission
For all but the oral presentation, you are expected to bring a completed first draft of the assignment to your tutorial, usually one week before the final submission is due. The draft will be peer-reviewed and edited in the tutorial, following which you have a week to re-write the assignment and produce a final copy for submission and marking.
Peer review will take place in groups, so you MUST bring a printed copy of your draft for each member of your group. Please note that it is not sufficient to bring an electronic copy of your draft, nor is it appropriate to bring an incomplete version. Peer review is a requirement of ACSC100. If you do not bring a draft copy of your assignment to the appropriate tutorial, your mark for that assignment may be reduced by 20%. If you are unable to attend a tutorial in which peer-review is carried out, you MUST submit a formal request to be excused through the ask.mq.edu.au web portal. Supporting documentation (eg a medical certificate) must be provided.
All assignments (except the oral presentation) need to be submitted to Turnitin using the link available on the ACSC100 iLearn website:
Presentation of Assignments
Add a footer to each page of the assignment, with page numbering, student name and student number, and the unit code in the footer, for example:
Robin Brown 40112333 ACSC100
All assignments should be word-processed, double-spaced and printed using black ink. Turnitin will mark the assignment with submission time and date.
Please keep a copy of all assignments in case of misadventure.
Extensions
Extensions are granted only on grounds of illness or misadventure, and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted.
If you need an extension, you MUST put in a request through ASK@mq before the due date for the assignment. You need to outline the reason for your request and suggest a new submission date. In suggesting an alternative date, you need to consider what is reasonable, both from your own point of view and from that of your tutor. A request for a two week extension is not likely to succeed!
Late Submission of Assignments
Assignments that are submitted after the due date (without an extension) will attract a penalty of 5% for each day it is overdue (i.e. -5% for 1 day late; -10% for 2 days late; - 15% for 3 days late). Work submitted after the return of marked assignments, and without an extension, will not be accepted.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information report | 30% | No | Friday March 31st, 5.00pm |
| Group Oral Presentation | 15% | No | Week 8 tutorial |
| Research report | 40% | No | Friday May 26th, 5.00pm |
| Brochure | 15% | No | Friday June 16th, 5.00pm |
Information report
Due: Friday March 31st, 5.00pm
Weighting: 30%
An information report for an academic audience outlining a major issue with regard to a topic of social concern, indicating potential areas of further research
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Group Oral Presentation
Due: Week 8 tutorial
Weighting: 15%
Group oral presentation on scientific information regarding a social issue.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Research report
Due: Friday May 26th, 5.00pm
Weighting: 40%
Formal report on research
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Brochure
Due: Friday June 16th, 5.00pm
Weighting: 15%
Brochure aimed at a popular audience
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Delivery and Resources
Attendance
ACSC100 incorporates 2 weekly one hour lectures and a 2 hour tutorial. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures and tutorials, as failure to do so is likely to impact on assignment marks. In particular, students should attend tutorial 3, when an in-class summary writing exercise will allow tutors to identify problem areas and suggest possible remedial action. They should also attend tutorials 4, 5, 10 and 13, which will involve peer review of draft assignments, and tutorial 8, during which student group oral presentations will be made.
Expectations
Students are expected to submit all assignments. They are also expected carry out extensive reading and to bring draft copies of assignments to tutorials for evaluation, editing and feedback. Failure to bring a draft copy of Assignments 1, 3 and 4 to the relevant tutorial for peer review may result in a 20% reduction in the final mark for the assignment.
Text book
ACSC100 has a set text book: Brick, J, Herke, M & Wong, D 2016, Academic Culture: A student's guide to studying at university, 3rd edn, Melbourne: Palgrave Macmillan
iLearn and Echo
Lecture notes and tutorial worksheets will be posted on the iLearn site for ACSC100 (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au)
Lectures will be recorded on Echo.
Unit Schedule
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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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment tasks
- Group Oral Presentation
- Brochure
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment task
- Research report
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment task
- Brochure
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment tasks
- Information report
- Group Oral Presentation
- Research report
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment tasks
- Information report
- Group Oral Presentation
- Research report
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Read efficiently to gather specific information and ideas from discipline-specific sources.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Analyse the purpose, language and features of academic, disciplinary and professional genres.
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment task
- Research report
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply concepts from sources used in the discipline.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Apply reasoning to formulate and support a position or argument.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment tasks
- Information report
- Group Oral Presentation
- Research report
- Brochure
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Apply academic referencing conventions accurately and appropriately.
- Plan and produce texts to reflect academic and disciplinary standards.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment tasks
- Information report
- Group Oral Presentation
- Research report
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from academic, disciplinary and professional sources.
- Express ideas using appropriate language and structure for academic and professional purposes in written and/or oral texts.
- Engage in independent and collaborative learning activities.
Assessment tasks
- Information report
- Group Oral Presentation
- Research report
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 12/02/2017 | Updated assessment and attendance requirements in line with Macquarie University Assessment Policy |