GEOG 5550A - Dissertation Env Pol & Mgt (Applied) F/T Part 1

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

The Major Dissertation Environmental Policy & Management (Applied) F/T involves the undertaking of a full-year (semester 1 and 2) research project and the submission by the due date of a dissertation on the project of approximately 20-24000 words, with an accompanying seminar. The Dissertation Environmental Policy & Management (Applied) P/T will have two years (four semesters) to complete the dissertation and seminar. Students are asked to nominate the topic area for their research project and to identify potential dissertation supervisors. Students may consult anyone who has expertise or information relevant to their research projects, but there is no provision for external supervision at the Masters level. The exact topic for the research project is normally decided through consultation between the student and the dissertation supervisor, but is subject to approval by the Masters Co-ordinator. A suitable member of staff, with whom the student should meet regularly, supervises the dissertation.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 5550A
    Course Dissertation Env Pol & Mgt (Applied) F/T Part 1
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites 24 units in the MEnvPolicy&Policy(App)
    Restrictions Available to MEnvPolicy&Policy(App) students only
    Course Description The Major Dissertation Environmental Policy & Management (Applied) F/T involves the undertaking of a full-year (semester 1 and 2) research project and the submission by the due date of a dissertation on the project of approximately 20-24000 words, with an accompanying seminar. The Dissertation Environmental Policy & Management (Applied) P/T will have two years (four semesters) to complete the dissertation and seminar.

    Students are asked to nominate the topic area for their research project and to identify potential dissertation supervisors. Students may consult anyone who has expertise or information relevant to their research projects, but there is no provision for external supervision at the Masters level. The exact topic for the research project is normally decided through consultation between the student and the dissertation supervisor, but is subject to approval by the Masters Co-ordinator. A suitable member of staff, with whom the student should meet regularly, supervises the dissertation.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Upon completing this course students will:

    1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the different steps in research
    2. Critically reflect on and interrogate literature in thier field
    3. Demonstrate capacity to undertake research at post graduate level 
    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, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2, 3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2, 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1, 2, 3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 2, 3
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1, 2, 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There are no prescribed texts for this course
    Recommended Resources
    Students will receive advice on supporting texts that wil be useful to their disseration by the dissertation coordinator and/or other staff as relevant and needed for completion of thier particular topic of research.
    Online Learning
    There are no  set  online  activitite for this course though students wil be given many sites that are online (ie referencing sites, research technique toolkits etc)  to support their research.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is designed to encourage students to undertake active independent learning by research. They will be provided with a number of learning resources via online, face to face interaction with their supervisor and a number of workshops designed to build skills in doing research
    Workload

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

    This course requires students to undertake a substantial portion via independent learning and research.

    They are also required to attend a number of workshops and have regular meetings with their coordinator who will offer supervisory one on one advice on their search.

    Thus it is anticipated students will spend:

    1 hours a fortnight @ 14 weeks meeting the coordinator: 7 hours
    8 hours a week @ 14 weeks reading and doing research: 112 hours
    2 hours a week @ 12 weeks completing formative assessments: 24 hours
    Attendance at 3 workshops @ 2 hours each: 6 hours
    4 hours verbal preparation and presentation: 4 hours

    Total: 153
    Learning Activities Summary
    As this is a research course, there is not a weekly timetable of activities.

    However, there are a series of workshops that students must attend.

    These workshops will be held at fortnightly intervals during the semester.

    Students will undertake the following activities:

    Regular meetings with supervisor: Ongoing throughout term
    Workshop 1: Induction: Doing dissertation research
    Workshop 2: How to write a literature review
    Workshop 3: Writing workshop
    Workshop 4: Verbals
  • 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
    Assignment 1: Completion of literature review: Formative
    Assignment 2: Full draft of Masters dissertation:  Formative
    Assignment 3: Verbal presentation of dissertation topic: Formative
    Assignment 4: Dissertation (10 or 20 thousand words depending on units): 100%
    Assessment Detail
    Assignment 1: Completion of literature review

    Students will be required to present a full copy of their literature review – on the Masters topic they have chosen, to the coordinator for feedback

    Assignment 2: Full draft of Masters dissertation

    Students will be required to present a full copy of their Masters dissertation, to the coordinator for feedback

    Assignment 3: Verbal presentation of dissertation topic

    Students will present a 15 minute verbal summary of their dissertation to their peers and other staff for feedback

    Assignment 4: Dissertation (10 or 20 thousand words depending on units)

    Students will present a full revised copy of their dissertation to the Course coordinator for assessment.
     
    Submission
    Submission dates are given to students at the start of each Semester
    Course Grading

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

    NOG (No Grade Associated)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing

    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.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.