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Course profile

Research Project (ENVM7120)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
4
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
The Environment School

Project on issue related to a particular industry or industry sector. A research topic approval form must be submitted before enrolment can be completed. Contact School for details. Students completing in single semester enrol in ENVM7110. Students completing over a year and commencing in Semester 1 enrol in ENVM7120 for Semester 1 and Semester 2; students commencing in Semester 2 enrol in ENVM7121 for Semester 2 and the following Semester 1; students commencing in Summer Semester enrol in ENVM7122 for Summer Semester and the following Semester 1; students commencing in Semester 2 and completing in the following Summer Semester enrol in ENVM7118.

This is a research-based course where a student investigates in detail a topic defined by the student in conjunction with their academic supervisor. The purpose of this course is to allow students to develop a deeper understanding of keyᅠissues in the fields of their studies that interest them.

It is the responsibility of the student to identify a supervisor with expertise in their chosen topic and negotiate details of the research project with the supervisor. Supervisor availability is not guaranteed, as supervision of research projects is in demand. Students are advised to contact potential supervisors well in advance of the semester in which they plan to enrol.

Prior to the semester of commencement and once the student and supervisor agree on a topic, students will need to submit a completed special topics permission form online in order to obtain permission to enrol. The form is available atᅠᅠhttps://environment.uq.edu.au/current-students/apply-research-project.

*Make sure you have selected the correct course. The School offers a range of courses carrying different unit values (which reflect the scale and scope of the research) and durations. Read the information at https://environment.uq.edu.au/envm-coded-research-courses-postgraduate-students to choose the most suitable research course.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Permission of Head of School.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

E9893

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

Additional timetable information

There are no timetabled classes for this course. Contact with your academic supervisor should be discussed and arranged during your initial supervision discussions.

Guidance on workloads: As a 4ᅠUnit course, it would be expected that a workload of around 10 hours per week of self-directed learning would be the norm, for a two semester workload.

Aims and outcomes

This is a research-based course where students investigate in detail a topic in environmental management.

The course aims are:

  • To enable advanced students to pursue in-depth study in a chosen research field;
  • To enhance students’ capacity for independent research;
  • To enable students to acquire research skills appropriate to an area of specialisation

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate enhanced content knowledge in the chosen research field

LO2.

Demonstrate enhanced information resource access skills

LO3.

Demonstrate enhanced data base access and interrogation skills (if applicable)

LO4.

Demonstrate enhanced field research skills (if applicable)

LO5.

Demonstrate enhanced laboratory research skills (if applicable)

LO6.

Demonstrate enhanced skills in critical thinking and/or logical analysis

LO7.

Demonstrate enhanced written and/or oral communication skills (as applicable)

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Research Proposal 20%

21/03/2025 2:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Final report 80%

10/11/2025 2:00 pm

Assessment details

Research Proposal

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20%
Due date

21/03/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L07

Task description

In no more than 2000 words (maximum total length), prepare a proposal outlining:

  • the background to the intended research;
  • the research question, aims and objectives;
  • the research methods;
  • the expected outcomes;
  • the significance of the research and its contribution to new knowledge;
  • the budget for the research and funding sources, if applicable.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Electronic submission via turnitin. You will also need to negotiate with your academic supervisor what format is required for feedback and grading purposes.
Students are advised to ensure their academic supervisor is available to provide feedback and grading on their proposal to ensure progress to complete the project on time.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

Final report

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
80%
Due date

10/11/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Details of the report format should be negotiated between the student and academic supervisor, in consideration of the marking criteria. Recommended word limit approx 8000 maximum.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Electronic submission via turnitin.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work of a very poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a very low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0%

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work of poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 2 is: 30%

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 3 is: 45%

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work of fair quality demonstrating a basic understanding of most aspects of subject matter and a modest appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, but with serious deficiencies in some areas, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 4 is: 50%

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work of a good quality demonstrating a good understanding of most subject matter and a competent level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, although possibly with some lapses and inadequacies, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 5 is: 65%

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work of a very good quality demonstrating a strong understanding of a wide, but not complete, range of subject matter and a good level of appreciation of issues, although not necessarily of the finer points, covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 6 is: 75%

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work of exceptional quality showing a deep understanding of a wide range of subject matter and a clear appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 7 is: 85%

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Assessment Submissionᅠ

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.ᅠ

Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.ᅠ

Turnitinᅠ

All written assessment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission portal, which can be found within the Blackboard site. You are responsible for ensuring that your submission is complete. It is wise to re-enter the Turnitin portal and confirm that your submission is there and that it has not been altered during the submission process.ᅠ

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.ᅠ

In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.ᅠ

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
  • Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
  • If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
  • If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
  • If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
  • For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for timeframes. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
  • An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
  • If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
  • Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
  • There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Project

This course is for self-directed learning in a topic approved by your supervisor. No formal classes are required; however contact expectations should be discussed with your supervisor.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.