Students
GEOS8822 – 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
30cp in GEOS units at 3000 level
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
GEOS7922
|
| 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
- ULO2: Effectively communicate the design of a field sampling or laboratory investigation to your peers and project-relevant academics using verbal and written methods
- ULO3: Work professionally with a research supervisor, and other research collaborators as required to plan and undertake a research project.
- ULO4: Appropriately record research findings and utilise these records to produce a research report and reflect on initial project design.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection Task | 10% | No | 3/11/2020 |
| 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
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.
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.
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
Please see iLearn for up-to-date information on deliver and resources including the unit schedule.
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
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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.