GEOG 5505 - Planning Dissertation

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

Dissertation on Planning topic approved by the Convenor of the Planning program.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 5505
    Course Planning Dissertation
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Restrictions Available to MPlanning & MPlan(UrbDes) students only
    Quota A quota may apply
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jennifer Bonham

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Identify a research topic and construct a viable research question
    2 Locate, synthesise and report on the literature that addresses the
    research question
    3 Explain the theoretical framework which informs your research question
    and research method
    4 Construct a research method appropriate to addressing the question
    5 Gather and analyse relevant data in an ethical manner
    6 Report on research findings
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1 - 6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 4, 5, 6
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 5, 6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Face-to-face small group meetings – students and supervisor each fortnight.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 hour supervision per week 12 hours per semester
    11 hours research per week 132 hours per semester
    10 hours dissertation writing per week 120 hours per semester
    48 hours revising and editing dissertation 48 hours
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 312 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    There is no schedule for this course. Students meet regularly with their supervisor and conduct research and writing.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    The assessment for this course is based exclusively on the planning dissertation.
    Assessment Detail
    12,000 word planning dissertation - weighting 100%

    Submission
    Two soft-bound copies of the dissertation must be submitted to the School of Social Sciences Office,
    Ground Floor Napier Building.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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