Students
ENVS834 – Environmental Research Report
2016 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Vladimir Strezov
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnv and 16cp at 800 level
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
ENVS834 Environmental Research Report is the independent research unit in which students conduct research on a specific topic within the subject area of environmental sciences. The identification of the subject is to be negotiated with the unit supervisor prior to commencement of the unit and a workplan signed by the student, supervisor and the Head of the Department. Students will work individually under the supervision of a member of staff and/or a suitably qualified external professional. With ENVS834 students will gain in-depth understanding of the research methods applied to the selected environmental science research subject, conduct research project through evaluation of published data or by conducting original experiments. The students will also present the research outcomes to audience specialised in the field.
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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:
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
- Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
- Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
General Assessment Information
Submission of all assignments is through iLearn only. Hard copy assignments will not be accepted.
Late submission of assignments attract penalty of 10% off the mark for each day of late submission. Extensions may be given upon request for exceptional circumstances substantiated with supporting evidence. Other work or study commitments are generally not accepted as a reason for late submission of assignments.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review of research methods | 30% | Week 6 (4 April 2016) | No | ||
| Presentation | 20% | Week 12 (30 May 2016) | No | ||
| Research report | 50% | Week 13 (6 June 2016) | No |
Review of research methods
Due: Week 6 (4 April 2016)
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Students should select a topic for the environmental research report. In this assessment at least 3 different methodological methodologies used to conduct the research topic of choice should be reviewed and compared. A 2,000 word assignment should be written which demonstrates the working principles of the selected methods.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
- Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Presentation
Due: Week 12 (30 May 2016)
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Individual 10 minute class presentations of the literature review and design of a 1 year original project plan, which will include a timeline and budget.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Research report
Due: Week 13 (6 June 2016)
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Students should select a research topic of choice, and perform original research or review of relevant state of information in peer-reviewed literature or high level scientific reports. The topic of choice can be based on a case study, evaluation of institutional practice, empirical investigation, or a critical review of the science, policy or practice by different institutions either nationally or globally.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
- Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Delivery and Resources
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Date |
Time |
Location |
Session |
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29 February |
6pm-8pm |
E5A 230 |
Unit introduction Unit objectives and assessment Introduction principles to literature review |
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7 March |
8pm |
by email |
Research topic selection |
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14 March to 1 April |
by appointment |
E8A 374 |
Consultation |
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4 April |
8pm |
iLearn |
Assignment on review of research methods due |
|
25 April to 27 May |
by appointment |
E8A 374 |
Consultation |
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30 May |
6pm -8pm |
E5A 230 |
Student presentations |
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30 May to 9 June |
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Independent research |
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6 June |
8pm |
iLearn |
Research report assignment due |
Students are expected to allocate 12 hours per week of their workload towards this unit to successfully deliver the assignments.
Resources
Students are expected to source original peer-reviewed literature relevant for their topic of choice for the methodological review and research report. The databases used to search literature are:
Macquarie University Library http://multisearch.mq.edu.au/
ISI Web of Knowledge http://isiknowledge.com/
Scopus http://www.scopus.com/home.url
Science Direct http://www.sciencedirect.com/science
Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com.au/
Example journals where high impact articles in the discipline of environmental sciences are published:
Environmental Science and Technology
Environmental Health Perspectives
Remote Sensing of Environment
Energy and Environmental Science
Global Environmental Change
Science of the Total Environment
Environmental Pollution
Atmospheric Environment
Journal of Environmental Management
Environment International
Environmental Research Letters
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of 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/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, 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.
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 improve your marks and take control of your study.
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
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.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
- Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Research report
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
Assessment tasks
- Review of research methods
- Research report
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
- Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
- Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
Assessment tasks
- Review of research methods
- Research report
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to design an individual research project
- Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
- Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
- Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
Assessment tasks
- Review of research methods
- Research report
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Assessment tasks
- Review of research methods
- Presentation
- Research report
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Assessment task
- Presentation