Assignments are the means used to assess if you have reached the learning outcomes for the unit. The criteria by which the assignment will be marked are made clear in each case. As a rough guide, 10 marks is equivalent to about 10 hours of quality work.

Evidence of wide and comprehensive reading is required, drawing on journals, international examples, thought pieces, and reports. All ideas must be cited inclusove of the source/author. See notes on academic honesty in the Unit Guide. Unless otherwise stated in the detailed assessment guide, any recognised referencing style may be used so long as it is consistent and accurate.

Detailed information on the assessments tasks, marking criteria, and supporting resources will be provided via the iLearn site.  Assessment marks and ffeedback will generally be provided within 4 weeks after submission. 

Submitting assignments

All assignments must be submitted electronically on the iLearn site.

Each assignment has a separate upload site. The assignment site will usually be a ‘Turnitin’, where your work is reviewed for similarity to websites, articles or other students’ work. If you have not given credit for ideas used to the author or source you will be penalised (failure of the assignment and reporting to a disciplinary committee to determine whether you have breached the University’s Academic Integrity Policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/academic-integrity). See information on academic honesty on the iLearn site and techniques on how to avoid common plagiarism errors (https://www.students.mq.edu.au/public/download.jsp?id=201272).

 You do not need an assignment cover sheet for electronic submission to ENVS8229, it is understood that you are signing a declaration of honesty. Be sure to add your name, title of work and unit to your work.

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. 

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 four 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.

The unit is delivered by face to face and virtual mode.

Classes will be held in 21 Wally’s Walk 2.300 Active Learning Space on Tuesday evenings from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Zoom classes are available via the link: https://macquarie.zoom.us/j/87997313298

The content is based on a weekly lecture program and tutorial activities supported by a core reading/s.

There is a mandatory field trip scheduled for Saturday 11 September, 2021. This will be a full day and will be based within the Sydney area. An exemption for attendance may be granted to students due to COVID or other exceptional reasons. Approval must be sought and is to be granted in advance of the 9 September.

The unit is delivered with a mixture of live and pre-recorded video lectures and inclass and online tutorials. There will also be on- and off-campus field trips spread over the semester. The teaching process includes:

• Background reading by the students
• Lecture bytes to introduce basic concepts
• Interactive group sessions to provide opportunities for experiential learning on tasks and through discussion with other class members (preparation is essential)
• Talks from guest lecturers that introduce innovations in science and technology used to make cities sustainable and the policy and planning to facilitate change
• A field trip to appreciate the practical, technical and socio-ecological aspects of sustainable cities.
• Assignments that require students to practice key skills, including critical and integrative thinking and communicating through diverse forms including writing and presenting in a logical and clearly argued manner.
• Assignments provide opportunities for presenting in different formats, working with people of different skills and cultural perspectives.

Students are expected to:

• Participate in group activities;
• Read set readings in advance for classes; and
• Follow current developments about sustainable cities in the media/ internationally.