Students

GEOS7711 – Research Topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences

2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Emilie Ens
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
GEOS8811
Unit description Unit description

This unit comprises study of special topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences and is designed to supplement a student’s existing knowledge and coursework with targeted material and techniques that will be required for their MRes thesis project in year two. Activities may include attending a national or international summer school, cross-institutional study or highly tailored units of study that are exemplars of current analytical/theoretical concepts or problem-solving applications of Earth and Environmental Sciences research methods. Topics and activities are selected with an academic advisor to encourage students to explore emerging themes in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students develop skills in investigation and deep analysis required to undertake more advanced research.

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:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within the discipline
  • ULO2: Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods
  • ULO3: Synthesize and analyse information from a variety of sources
  • ULO4: Articulate clearly a coherent argument in written, oral or technical communication as relevant to the specific activity chosen

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Unit plan 5% Yes Week 2
Assessment portfolio 95% No Week 13

Unit plan

Assessment Type 1: Learning plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Week 2
Weighting: 5%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

With your supervisor develop a learning plan for the unit including assessment tasks and total time to be spent on the tasks.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within the discipline
  • Articulate clearly a coherent argument in written, oral or technical communication as relevant to the specific activity chosen

Assessment portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 132 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 95%

 

Supervisor and student to determine Assessment Tasks and weightings for project based units OR as listed in unit guides where components of other units are being undertaken; and approved by the Unit convenor. Minimum 3 tasks required, with a maximum of 60% weighting for any one task. Tasks can vary and may include a scientific report, report, essay or exam, as appropriate for a 10cp unit.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within the discipline
  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Synthesize and analyse information from a variety of sources
  • Articulate clearly a coherent argument in written, oral or technical communication as relevant to the specific activity chosen

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

This Unit consists of tailored projects or activities relevant to the Masters (Research) program, as discussed with and agreed to by the students supervisor. In Week 1 all students should meet up with their supervisor and discuss projects or activities that are relevant for this Unit. If students can't find a suitable supervisor, please contact the Unit convenor. Students should meet weekly with their nominated supervisor. 

Unit Schedule

There is no fixed timetable or ilearn site for this unit. Please contact the Unit convenor if you have any questions or concerns. 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.