Students
PICT846 – Intelligence Analysis Platforms
2016 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Rebecca Vogel
Contact via rebecca.vogel@mq.edu.au
PICT offices
Business hours Monday-Friday
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MPICT MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud) and (16cp in PICT units at 800 or 900 level including PICT813) and GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) and permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In intelligence analysis, the use of Intelligence Analysis platforms provides analysts with powerful tools for discovering, developing and delivering timely knowledge about the external environment to facilitate effective decision making. This unit will examine the application of intelligence analysis processes and procedures using a commercial software platform. We will examine the practices of gathering and analysing information to provide decision makers with actionable intelligence. The unit will look at aspects of database knowledge assets and use historical and current examples as case studies.
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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:
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement and Participation | 25% | Throughout unit |
| Research Essay | 50% | Week 8 |
| Analytical Product | 25% | Week 11 or 12 |
Engagement and Participation
Due: Throughout unit
Weighting: 25%
For details see ilearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Research Essay
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 50%
For details see ilearn.
A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Analytical Product
Due: Week 11 or 12
Weighting: 25%
For details see ilearn.
A detailed marking criteria is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Delivery and Resources
DELIVERY AND RESOURCES
UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
- You should spend an average of 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes listening to lectures prior to seminar, reading weekly required materials as detailed in iLearn, and preparing assessments.
- Students are expected to attend all seminar sessions.
- In most cases students are required to attempt and submit all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.
REQUIRED READINGS
- The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, and at Macquarie University's library site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed through the library or will be made available by other means.
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
- Computer and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
- This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
- Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.
SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS
- All text-based assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.
- Assessment tasks must be submitted as a MS word document by the due date.
- Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
- The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convener or nominated delegate such as a tutor. Any requests for extensions must be before the due date for the submission of the assessment task. Extensions beyond one week are subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS
- If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late.
- For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
- The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.
WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS
- Stated word limits include footnotes and footnoted references, but not bibliography, or title page.
- Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure.
- If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of the awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%).
- The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener.
REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER
- Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately
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
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement and Participation
- Research Essay
- Analytical Product
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
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement and Participation
- Research Essay
- Analytical Product
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
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement and Participation
- Research Essay
- Analytical Product
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
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement and Participation
- Research Essay
- Analytical Product
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 outcomes
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement and Participation
- Research Essay
- Analytical Product
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 outcomes
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- Model academic research and analytical skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
- Critically analyse and interpret a case study, demonstrating professional judgment and assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement and Participation
- Research Essay
- Analytical Product
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 22/07/2016 | Assessment dates were changed to allow Research Essay to be submitted in Week 8, prior to the Analytical Product. Students will then have more time at the end of the Session to apply their cumulative knowledge to the Analytical Product in Week 11 or 12. |
| 20/07/2016 | New Delivery and Resources verbiage (re extensions etc) added. |