Course coordinator
Dr Annie Lau
Course overview
- Study period
- Summer Semester, 2024 (25/11/2024 - 21/06/2025)
- 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 atﾠhttps://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.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Background in the theory and application of related topics is assumed through the successful completion of relevant courses.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Permission of Head of School.
Course contact
Course staff
Course administrator
Dr Annie Lau
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 four (4) Unit 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% |
20/12/2024 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Final report | 80% |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Research Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
20/12/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, 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 final 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.
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.
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.
Final report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 80%
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Final report: Details of the report format should be negotiated between the student and academic supervisor, in consideration of the marking criteria. 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. You will also need to negotiate with your academic supervisor what format is required for final grading purposes.
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.
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.
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.
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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Final grade for the course will typically fall within the ranges mentioned above.
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
Turnitin
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.”
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.