Students

GEOS3136 – Applied Marine Science

2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Katherine Dafforn
Convenor
Matthew Kosnik
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
120cp at 1000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
20cp from BIOL373 or GEOS309 or ENVE301 or ENVS301 or BIOL3440 or GEOS3130 or ENVS3101
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

In this interdisciplinary PACE and capstone unit students consolidate their learning across the biological, earth and environmental science subjects and prepare themselves for appropriate transition to the next stage of their careers. This involves active reflection on prior learning, building and articulating a positive self-understanding, exploring opportunities, clarifying goals, acquiring adequate employability and workplace skills, and building linkages with professional communities and industries. A series of activities including guest speakers will facilitate students' reflection on their studies and desires for their own career paths. The course also covers key topics such as communicating science, the publication and review process, research ethics, and career pathways.

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: Develop and manage a research project to investigate a specific marine science issue.
  • ULO2: Apply theoretical, practical and analytical skills to a real world research project in marine science
  • ULO3: Communicate matters relevant to marine science effectively to colleagues and the public as well as grasp and synthesise information from oral presentations and the literature
  • ULO4: Work effectively within a marine science environment, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary linkages and how marine processes are of relevance to the wider community
  • ULO5: Assess and plan for future careers through the recognition and development of transferable skills and reflection on professional ethics

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 proposal and scientific notebooks 30% No Week 3 and 8
Online professional profile 15% No Week 10
Data report and Presentation 45% No Week 12 and 13
Reflective journal 10% No Week 13

Project proposal and scientific notebooks

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 3 and 8
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will write a group project proposal prior to commencing activities, and will keep an individual scientific notebook to document their research project

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop and manage a research project to investigate a specific marine science issue.
  • Apply theoretical, practical and analytical skills to a real world research project in marine science
  • Communicate matters relevant to marine science effectively to colleagues and the public as well as grasp and synthesise information from oral presentations and the literature

Online professional profile

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 15%

 

Students will build a professional online presence in stages throughout the unit

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Work effectively within a marine science environment, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary linkages and how marine processes are of relevance to the wider community
  • Assess and plan for future careers through the recognition and development of transferable skills and reflection on professional ethics

Data report and Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 12 and 13
Weighting: 45%

 

Students will summarise their research findings into a written report and will give a group oral presentation on their research project

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop and manage a research project to investigate a specific marine science issue.
  • Apply theoretical, practical and analytical skills to a real world research project in marine science
  • Communicate matters relevant to marine science effectively to colleagues and the public as well as grasp and synthesise information from oral presentations and the literature
  • Work effectively within a marine science environment, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary linkages and how marine processes are of relevance to the wider community

Reflective journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

 

Students will complete a reflection on their experience of planning and executing a research project and how that experience has informed their future plans

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Work effectively within a marine science environment, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary linkages and how marine processes are of relevance to the wider community
  • Assess and plan for future careers through the recognition and development of transferable skills and reflection on professional ethics

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

This unit is delivered in weekly topics. The organisation of these 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.

Lectures, seminars and SGTAs can be joined online (link available through iLearn) or face to face depending on current COVID-19 restrictions. The delivery of PACE activities in S2 will be guided by the requirements of the NSW Government, the University, and PACE partner organisations. Activities include entirely online or online with face-to-face options that will be transitioned to online-only delivery if this is required. 

Workload 

The expected workload for this 10-credit point unit is 150 hours of activity, comprising the PACE activity, lectures, seminars, lab meetings, class preparation and readings.

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

Unit Schedule

Please see iLearn for details

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.


Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook