Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Kate Lloyd
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPlan or MEnv
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
with GEOP2010
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Unit description |
Unit description
Research skills are essential to understanding space and place, and for contributing to social change. This unit introduces students to the process of designing and undertaking research. It provides an overview of theoretical frameworks in human geography and planning and explores their importance in shaping how researchers and organisations identify and engage with contemporary issues. Students will develop knowledge about research methodologies and gain skills in research design, data collection and analysis through applying a variety of research methods in real life contexts. Through the unit, students will consider how research generates different types of geographical and planning knowledge, and gain an appreciation for the wider role of research in society. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Detailed requirements and marking rubrics for each assessment are available from the iLearn site. All written assignments should be submitted online to Turnitin via the relevant links provided in iLearn. You are not required to submit a hardcopy of any assignments or include a cover sheet.
Circumstances that affect your ability to complete assignments by the deadline must be discussed with the convenor (Kate) prior to the due date. Extensions will be granted only in unforeseen or exceptional circumstances according to the University Special Consideration policy. Students must apply online via AskMQ and provide appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate).
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm except for workshop skills assessments which are due at the end of the workshop. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as the quiz, workshop activities, etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Feedback for assignments will be made available online and where relevant in the workshops. The grade will be in the form of a letter as consistent with University policy (HD, D, Cr, P, F) alongside written feedback.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Quizzes | 30% | No | Weeks 2, 6, 9, 12 |
Research methods toolkit | 40% | No | Week 13 Wednesday 29th May |
Research skills exercises | 30% | No | Weeks 2, 6, 9, 12 |
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Weeks 2, 6, 9, 12
Weighting: 30%
Online quizzes drawing on unit content and readings
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: Week 13 Wednesday 29th May
Weighting: 40%
A research methods toolkit based on detailed analysis and reflections of readings and practical exercises
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Weeks 2, 6, 9, 12
Weighting: 30%
Skills exercises focusing on a range of research activities and tasks, including research design, data collection and data analysis.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Unit design
The unit is designed in four modules. The content for each will be made available at the start of each module for you to work through in your own time (so Module 1 will be available at the start of week 1, Module 2 at the start of week 3 and so on).
There is a 2 hour timetabled lecture slot each week (Monday 11-1pm). In week 1, the lecture will be delivered on campus as an introduction to the unit (recorded for students who are unable to attend). From weeks 2-13 students are expected to access the prerecorded content via iLearn and echo360. In addition academic staff will offer weekly Zoom drop-in sessions where we will be available to answer any questions about the unit. Please see iLearn for details.
Quizzes
Each module will end with a quiz and a workshop and these will run in weeks 2, 6, 9, and 12. You will not be able to access the assessed quizzes unless you have first reviewed all module content. You need to have reviewed all module content and completed the quiz before attending the on-campus workshop.
Workshops
There are 4 compulsory on-campus workshops, scheduled for weeks 2, 6, 9 and 12. You need to review all material and complete the quiz before you attend the workshops. Each workshop will be 3 hours- you should sign up for your preferred time and attend the same workshop each time. Tasks completed in the workshops will be assessed and will also generate the data needed for the final assessment task. There is no online alternative for these workshops. Students need to attend all four workshops to successfully complete the unit.
Reading/viewing
Required reading (journal articles and chapters) and viewing (video material) will be listed on iLearn and available via Leganto.
Technology used and required
GEOP6080 will use the GEOP2010 iLearn site. Please let me know if you do not have access. iLearn will provide access to lectures (powerpoint presentations for download and recordings through the University's Echo360 lecture recording facility) as well as readings, links and forum discussions. Regular access to iLearn is required in order to complete the unit.
Week |
w/c |
Topic |
Workshop |
Assessment |
1 |
19th Feb |
MODULE 1: Introduction to unit and your research skills toolkit |
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Practice quiz |
2 |
26th Feb |
|
Workshop 1 |
Quiz and research skills exercises (1)
|
3 |
4th March |
MODULE 2: Qualitative Research
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|
|
4
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11th March |
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|
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5 |
18th March |
|
|
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6 |
25th March |
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Workshop 2 |
Quiz and research skills exercises (2) |
7 |
1st April no zoom drop in due to public holiday on Monday |
MODULE 3: Quantitative Research |
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8 | 8th April | |||
Recess (15-26 April) |
||||
9 |
29th April |
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Workshop 3
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Quiz and research skills exercises (3)
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10
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6th May |
MODULE 4: Data analysis and communication of research findings |
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11 |
13th May |
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|
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12 |
20nd May |
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Workshop 4 |
Quiz and research skills exercises (4) |
13 |
27th May |
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Research skills toolkit due Wednesday 29th May 11:55pm |
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Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
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Unit information based on version 2024.01R of the Handbook