Students
FOAR7001 – Research Communications
2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
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
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and Lecturer
Kirstin Mills
Contact via Email
Room B710, Level 7, 25 Wally's Walk
By appointment (email to set up a time to talk either in person or via Zoom)
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
FOAR7000
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will prepare students for their transition into the second year of the MRES Degree. Through a combination of faculty-level and departmental seminars it will provide students with advanced disciplinary knowledge about research processes, practice and planning, with a particular focus on research writing and communication. Students will be exposed to leading research in their discipline and learn about the mindsets, habits and practices that shape the way researchers communicate knowledge for a range of different outputs and audiences. Through a variety of research-related communication activities students will have the opportunity to demonstrate competence in the application of generic research and communication skills to their area of research, and to produce written material that will provide an ideal foundation for their eventual second-year MRES research project and future academic writing. |
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: Display a high level of oral and written communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
- ULO2: Demonstrate an understanding of the key theories, principles and concepts in your area of specialisation
- ULO3: Evaluate the research principles, practices and methods used within your discipline area.
- ULO4: Identify appropriate research practices to support the development and completion of a research project.
General Assessment Information
PLEASE NOTE the new Late Assessment Submission Policy, effective from Session 2, 2021:
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
Important Note on Final Marks:
All assessment results will be moderated during the teaching session in accordance with the assessment standards and criteria stipulated in the prescribed task rubrics. The first assessment, which practices communicating research to a general audience, is marked by the Unit Convenor, Dr Kirstin Mills. The Abstract task is marked by the Discipline Lecturers for the unit and moderated by the Unit Convenor. The Research Proposal is marked by the Discipline Lecturers and another member of your Department.
Please see the FOAR7001 iLearn site for the most up to date information about each assessment (including descriptions, marking criteria and due dates).
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Pitch | 25% | No | 23:59 05/09/2021 |
| Research Abstract and Biography | 25% | No | 23:59 04/10/2021 |
| Research Proposal | 50% | No | 23:59 14/11/2021 |
Research Pitch
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 23:59 05/09/2021
Weighting: 25%
Write a brief exploratory overview of the research project you would like to explore for your MRes thesis. This research pitch should be written for a diverse audience including both specialist and non-specialist readers.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Display a high level of oral and written communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key theories, principles and concepts in your area of specialisation
- Evaluate the research principles, practices and methods used within your discipline area.
- Identify appropriate research practices to support the development and completion of a research project.
Research Abstract and Biography
Assessment Type 1: Professional writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 23:59 04/10/2021
Weighting: 25%
Write a 300 word abstract for the research project you would like to explore for your MRes thesis, and an accompanying 100 word (maximum) author biography.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Display a high level of oral and written communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key theories, principles and concepts in your area of specialisation
- Identify appropriate research practices to support the development and completion of a research project.
Research Proposal
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23:59 14/11/2021
Weighting: 50%
Students will follow appropriate disciplinary requirements to write a formal research proposal for their Year 2 projects.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Display a high level of oral and written communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key theories, principles and concepts in your area of specialisation
- Identify appropriate research practices to support the development and completion of a research project.
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
Lectures in this unit are recorded and made available online. Students should complete each week's lecture, including the embedded writing tasks, before attending the tutorial.
Please see the FOAR7001 iLearn site for a schedule of lectures, tutorials, readings and learning activities.
Unit Schedule
This Unit is taught with a blend of Faculty and Department-led teaching:
Weeks 1-6 and 11-13 are taught centrally by the Unit Convenor, Dr Kirstin Mills and cover writing and research skills, how to use creative and critical thinking to write, developing a sustainable writing practice, peer-reviewing and more essential communication skills for researchers. You will practice and develop your writing craft through various writing activities both at home and in class.
During weeks 7-10 you will divide into departmental groups during which classes will be led by departmental lecturers. These department-led sessions consolidate the earlier weeks' content and apply it to discipline-specific contexts. You will practice the essential communication skills for your research discipline and further develop your research topics.
Schedule:
Week 1: Writing as a Researcher
Week 2: Developing a Research Question
Week 3: Crafting a Literature Review
Week 4: Academic Writing: Style and Craft I
Week 5: Academic Writing: Style and Craft II
Week 6: Abstracts and Presenting Research
Week 7-10: Discipline-led Weeks (class times may be different)
Week 11: Feedback, Editing and Peer Review
Week 12: Student Peer Review Sessions
Week 13: Research Planning (Preparation for Year 2)
Please see the FOAR7001 iLearn site for a more detailed weekly schedule.
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:
- 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
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 2021.02 of the Handbook