ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Details of assessments will be provided in class, on iLearn.

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION

Digital copies of all assessments will be required.  Assessments will be run through Turnitin.  All assessments need to be written in the student’s own words.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Plagiarism is the presentation of thoughts and work of another as one’s own.

Examples include:

• Copying thoughts or work of another without appropriate acknowledgement
• Paraphrasing another person’s work with very minor changes
• Piecing together sections of the work of others into a new document.

All assessments need to be written in the student’s own words.  The penalties imposed by the University for plagiarism are serious and may include expulsion from the University.  ANY evidence of plagiarism will be dealt with following University policy.  Penalties for plagiarism will be imposed for each assessment and clearly defined in marking grades.  Further penalties imposed by the Faculty disciplinary committee may range from a loss of all marks and the award of zero depending on the circumstances.

EXTENSIONS, PENALTIES AND DISRUPTION TO STUDIES

The deadlines for assignments are not negotiable. If an assignment is submitted late a penalty of -5% of the mark allocated for the assignment will be deducted per day (i.e. 6 days late = -30% of marks available).  Submission must occur within one week (7 days) of the due date or the assignment will not be marked.

If you experience a serious and unavoidable disruption to your studies and require an extension for an assessment please submit a Disruptions to Studies notification via ask.mq.edu.au with supporting documentation, and a Professional Authority Form completed by your healthcare professional.  If you anticipate a potentially serious and unavoidable disruption (e.g., upcoming surgery) speak to the unit staff early and apply for an extension before the due date.

UNIT COMPLETION

To pass this unit you must attend the field trip and achieve an overall minimum grade of 50%.

OVERALL RUNNING OF THE UNIT

Access to iLearn is required to complete assessment tasks and unit resources. Marine ecosystems play a crucial role in the health and functioning of our world, and consist of a complex and dynamic interplay of biological, chemical and physical processes. Once thought to be relatively stable in the face of adversity, we now know that most marine systems are fragile and easily disturbed. In BIOL773 we assess what constitutes a 'healthy' marine habitat, and explore how such habitats can be conserved in the face of adversities such as human exploitation, habitat modification and climate change. BIOL773 takes a problem-solving approach to gain an advanced understanding and communication of such issues. Students receive first-hand experience in designing and carrying out a research project, which is written in journal format with the ultimate aim of producing a document of publishable quality. Students will also receive advanced skills for presenting key concepts in marine conservation and management to a range of audiences via novel assessment items such as giving short presentations, 100-word summaries and elevator pitches. BIOL773 enhances ecological and marine biological knowledge and skills for students intending to continue with higher degree research. This unit is part of the Biological Sciences Master of Research Program (MRES).

This unit is run as a compulsory field trip at Heron Island, from the 6^th April until the 15th April inclusive.  The field trip starts and ends at the Gladstone ferry terminal. There are various logistic issues that you need to work through prior to the field trip. Please ensure that you read those in iLearn and follow the instructions as soon as possible. It is assumed that you will arrive in Gladstone for the ferry fully prepared.

The unit also has one on-campus morning, run at a mutually agreed time in March, from 9.30 to 12.30. It is essential that you attend this session, as the podcast topics for the presentation will be decided in the session. Logistics for the field trip will also be finalised. Please read the practical notes for the “Podcast Presentation” prior to this date. Please notify the convenor ASAP if you wish to enrol in BIOL773 but cannot make this meeting.

The field trip fee is $2,000 and must be paid to the University Cashier by 23^rd March. The payment form is on iLearn. Students who fail to pay the required fee by the due date will forfeit their place in the Unit. Any student who is unable to pay by this date or for whom the fee is prohibitive should contact the unit convenor at their earliest convenience. Depending on circumstances, extensions may be possible. The fee covers bench fees, food accommodation and return boat transport between Gladstone and Heron Island.

Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements and costs to and from Sydney and Gladstone Marina. The ferry departs Gladstone Marina at approximately 13:30 on the 6th of April and returns to the marina at approximately 13:00 on the 7th of April. See http://www.heronisland.com/Getting-Here.aspx for additional information. The cost of the ferry is included in your levy. Should you miss the allocated ferry you will need to organise and pay for your own transport to (or from) the Island.

There are a number of logistics outlined on the iLearn site for this Unit. It is essential that students work through these and fulfil these deadlines. Please contact the Convenor if any difficulties arise.

The field activities can be physically strenuous so please ensure you give the Convenor a realistic assessment of your capabilities.

We will be eating and preparing communal meals. Students must inform the Convenor of any dietary requirements during the on-campus session and via iLearn so that we can prepare appropriately for you. Any food allergies or other medical issues also need to be disclosed to the Convenor at (or before) the on-campus session.

Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own snorkelling equipment and wetsuits and to label any equipment or personal items that they bring.

UNIT WEBSITE

The unit web page can be accessed via the student portal (log in at https://iLearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/).  There you will find unit information, resource material, announcements, forums and dialogue facilities.  You are encouraged to use the discussion and email facilities for communication amongst your fellow MQ students and the MQ unit convenor.  Please check the unit website regularly for any announcements and additional resource material.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Students are expected to access all unit material through the iLearn website.  Basic multimedia software (e.g., Windows Media Player, Quicktime) will be needed to listen to recorded podcasts.  Students will be required to use internet resources for sourcing information and to use the appropriate software.

We are designing and analysing large datasets.  You are strongly encouraged to bring your own laptop as it will be easier to work.  It is often difficult to get access to a good computer at the research station as they are heavily used by many researchers.

Before coming to class please do the following:

• Ensure you are running up-to-date software with all security patches installed
• Install Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and some form of a word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word). There are student versions of these available, and there are also some free alternatives.
• Have your computer language and keyboard set to English for any analyses conducted in R.

ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE

This unit is data-intensive.  You will be downloading, manipulating and analysing datasets with many observations.  As a result, you will need to be proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and basic statistics.  Please check the assumed knowledge section of the iLearn website prior to the field trip for online tutorials covering these topics.