Students
GEOS7922 – Advanced Field and Laboratory Techniques
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
Heather Handley
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
GEOS8822
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This foundation unit provides opportunities for preparative training and hands-on experience in learning cutting-edge field and/or laboratory techniques in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Generic research skills developed include research planning, time management, budgeting, note-taking, sketching and formulation of a field sampling or laboratory investigation campaign. Students will explore advanced analytical techniques that may include using high-end equipment and/or completing a field trip that develops field methods, such as geomorphological, soil or outcrop analysis, or terrestrial or marine sample collection. Students will gain a highly tailored experience of advanced techniques relevant to their specific research interests in consultation with a research group or research mentor. Students will demonstrate mastery of new skills through production of a field or laboratory report and associated activities. |
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 knowledge of research methods and advanced analytical techniques through the design and implementation of a project plan to answer a specific research question
- ULO3: Work professionally with a research supervisor, and other research collaborators as required to plan and undertake a research project.
- ULO2: Effectively communicate the design of a field sampling or laboratory investigation to your peers and project-relevant academics using verbal and written methods
- ULO4: Appropriately record research findings and utilise these records to produce a research report and reflect on initial project design.
General Assessment Information
Assessment Criteria
Assessment at Macquarie University is standards-based, as outlined in the Assessment Policy. This means that your work will be assessed against clear criteria, and these criteria (e.g. in a rubric) will be made available when the assessment tasks are released to you on iLearn.
Submission of Assessments
All assessments must be submitted online through Turnitin unless otherwise indicated. Links for the submission of each assessment will be available on iLearn.
You should always check that you have uploaded the correct file. If you have a problem, please email the Unit Convenor with your correct file. You must also keep a copy of your assessments until the end of semester in case there is a problem with your submission. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can provide a copy of your assessment if requested.
Marking of Assessments
Assignments will usually be marked through Turnitin with grades provided through Gradebook on iLearn. Please do not submit your assessments via email or in hard copy unless requested (e.g. a sketch or drawing).
We aim to return your assessment grades and feedback within two to three weeks of the date that you submitted it. We appreciate your patience and will advise you through iLearn when your marked assessments and feedback are available for viewing.
Penalties for Late Assessments
The penalty for late submission of assessments in this unit is ten percent (10 %) of the assessment value per day, calculated from the due time and date. This means that if the assignment is worth a total of 30 marks (or 30 % of the unit) you will lose 3 marks for each day it is late. This is a hefty penalty designed to make you aware of the importance of organising yourself around assessment due dates. The penalty will be applied over weekdays and weekends unless you have been granted an extension prior to the due date.
Extensions for Assessments
To obtain an extension for an assessment task, you will need to follow the formal process as outlined in the Special Consideration Policy, and you must provide appropriate supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate - see advice for Special Consideration requests). The final decision regarding the granting of an extension lies with the unit convenor. Permission for extensions must be sought before the due date unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please let us know of problems in advance or as soon as possible, not after the event. We are likely to be much more sympathetic and able to accommodate your circumstance if you follow this advice.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Plan Presentation | 10% | No | 18/8/2020 |
| Lab/Field notebook | 30% | No | 20/10/2020 |
| Project Report | 50% | No | 30/10/2020 |
| Reflection task | 10% | No | 3/11/2020 |
Project Plan Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 18/8/2020
Weighting: 10%
A 10 minute presentation and 5 minute Q&A on the proposed project plan including methods, budget and timeline
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methods and advanced analytical techniques through the design and implementation of a project plan to answer a specific research question
- Effectively communicate the design of a field sampling or laboratory investigation to your peers and project-relevant academics using verbal and written methods
Lab/Field notebook
Assessment Type 1: Lab book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: 20/10/2020
Weighting: 30%
Record of field and/or laboratory activities including reflections on limitations and assumptions of the project design. May contain raw, observational data acquired in the field or in a practical activity, Records may include analyses of data and a discussion of what the data reveal.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Appropriately record research findings and utilise these records to produce a research report and reflect on initial project design.
Project Report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 57 hours
Due: 30/10/2020
Weighting: 50%
Project report to include introduction to research question, methods and research plan and research findings.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methods and advanced analytical techniques through the design and implementation of a project plan to answer a specific research question
- Work professionally with a research supervisor, and other research collaborators as required to plan and undertake a research project.
- Appropriately record research findings and utilise these records to produce a research report and reflect on initial project design.
Reflection task
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 3/11/2020
Weighting: 10%
Written reflection on initial individual project plan and recommendations in planning and undertaking research projects to avoid potential pitfalls based on group discussion and reflection.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Appropriately record research findings and utilise these records to produce a research report and reflect on initial project design.
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
Unit iLearn
This unit has an iLearn page that can be accessed through ilearn.mq.edu.au. It contains important information and other materials relating to the unit, including details and links for assessments.
Communication
The unit iLearn is the primary way that we communicate with you. Please check it regularly for announcements and posts. You are encouraged to use the Discussion Board on iLearn to post questions and generate discussion with other students. Please only email the convenor with private matters – all other questions should be posted on iLearn.
Unit Organisation
The organisation of the unit is outlined in a detailed unit schedule which is available on iLearn.
Classes
The class timetable for this unit can be found through the Timetable portal. You should also check the unit schedule as some weeks may have other instructions or locations.
Workload
The expected workload for this 10-credit point unit is 150 hours of activity.
Requirements to complete this unit satisfactorily
To complete this unit satisfactorily, you must:
1. Participate in all scheduled classes;
2. Complete all assessments; and
3. Achieve a pass grade or higher.
The descriptions for grades common to all coursework units offered by Macquarie University are outlined in Schedule 1 of the Assessment Policy.
Recommended Texts and/or Materials
There or no recommended texts for this unit. Please see iLearn for additional resources
Technology Used and Required
This unit will use iLearn and Echo360. See the Instructions on how to log in to iLearn and the iLearn quick guides for students which will help you:
- Getting started - Find out how to navigate and familiarise yourself with the iLearn environment
- Activities - Learn how to effectively complete the activities required of you in iLearn
- Assignments and Gradebook - Find out how to submit assessments and view your grades using iLearn
- Online study tips - Studying online is a unique experience, learn how to navigate it here
- Discussion forums - Explore the different types, and features of discussion forums in iLearn
- Lecture recordings - Find out how to access lectures online, as well as the features available to you
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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.