The dissertation presents a major piece of guided independent research on a topic agreed between the student and their supervisor. It typically involves a literature review and an appropriate form of critical analysis of sources of primary and /or secondary data; it may involve field and/or laboratory work. The dissertation must show evidence of wide reading and understanding,  of critical analysis and/or appropriate use of advanced research techniques. All students must attend relevant seminars, present at least one seminar, and comply with any other prescribed conditions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. plan, and engage in, an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic relevant to environment and society
2. systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, apply appropriate techniques and draw appropriate conclusions
3. engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
4. appropriately apply qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation processes to original data
5. understand and apply ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data and other resources
6. communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally

Research-Led Teaching

The entire course is devoted to teaching and learning research skills and conducting original research for potential publication. Students will learn core knowledge about conducting research and will implement that.

Additional Course Costs

Students wishing to undertake field and laboratory work to support their project may incur small additional costs relating the travel expenses and equipment. The School provides a Student research project allocation to the value of $1350 (per 48-unit enrolment).

Examination Material or equipment

Not applicable.

Required Resources

Enrolled students who wish to include field and/or laboratory activity within their project must contact the relevant staff below to confirm that the activity is supportable by the School:

• Field work - Piers Bairstow (Piers.Bairstow@anu.edu.au)
• Laboratory work - Andrew Higgins (Andrew.Higgins@anu.edu.au)

Recommended Resources

A series of resources will be available on the course Wattle site.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Oral and class feedback for the Presentations
• Oral and written feedback by Supervisors on drafts
• Written feedback on the Dissertation from the (two) Examiners

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Adjustments to delivery in 2020

Course delivery and assessment in 2020 was adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any information below that replaces what was published in the Class Summary for Semester 1, 2020 was approved by the Associate Dean Education (as is required after 10% commencement of a course). Where an activity or assessment is not referenced below, it remains unchanged.

Teaching Activities

• Workshops and Tutorials were done remotely.
• Meeting with supervisors were done remotely.

Assessment

Adjustments were made to assignment due dates; for details see the course Wattle site.

• Mid-term review was done remotely.
• Final Seminar was done remotely.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	This course can be taken as variable unit course (12-24). For every 6 units of enrolment, the expectation is that the student would work a minimum of 8-10 hours/week over the course of the semester. Course structure, assessment and deadlines must be defined and communicated to students within the first two weeks of the first enrolment period. This should include the learning outcomes for the course, a copy of the assessment criteria that will be used by the examiners, information on academic and research integrity and a copy of the CHM/CoS statement for students on mark moderation. The student should: Maintain a close dialogue and constructive working relationship with your supervisor(s); Plan your research program with your supervisor(s); Consider advice seriously. If advice is not taken, the supervisor should be informed and given the reasons for the decision; Consult regularly with your supervisor. Students should prepare in advance for consultations, by determining the help they require and the areas in which advice would be useful; Complete the formal requirements for the course; Complete, to the best of your ability, a well written, thorough and competent project. The supervisor should: Assist in selecting and defining the scope of a suitable topic or problem; and in devising a schedule of work; Ensure the student is appropriately trained to undertake the research, including any safety and ethics requirements; Guide the student in the selection and application of appropriate data collection and analysis procedures and advise on a solution if difficulties arise; Advise on matters of research report content, organisation and writing, including the timely provision of feedback; Meet frequently with the student to discuss and evaluate each stage of the project; Ensure appropriate ethics clearance is gained before the student commences the research work.	Please note that the assessment outlined below covers a Semester 1 commencement into a 48-unit program (i.e. 24-units in Semester 1 2020 and 24-units in Semester 2 2020).

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Annotated Bibliography	0 %	01/03/2020	31/03/2020	1,2,5,6
Mid-term Review	0 %	01/04/2020	30/04/2020	1,2,3,5,6
Final Seminar	10 %	01/09/2020	30/09/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6
Dissertation	90 %	29/10/2020	03/12/2020	1,2,3,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

To be discussed and confirmed with the supervisor. There is no assessable participation requirement of this course. However, students are strongly encouraged to attend regular meetings with their supervisor and all of the presentation seminars for their student colleagues.

Examination(s)

There is no formal examination associated with this course.

Assessment Task 1

Annotated Bibliography

This will be an early non-assessed, hurdle item to assist with developing a strategic approach to reviewing literature. It will also include a context statement to help you with explaining their research approach and justifying a need for the project.

Assessment Task 2

Mid-term Review

The mid-term review is a non-assessed, independent evaluation of your research with a panel of nonsupervisory researchers, usually members of the Fenner School. The reviewers are selected by the Course Convener and Associate Director (Education) in consultation with your supervisors. Think of the mid-term review as an opportunity to discuss your progress with some experienced researchers, and to take on board feedback as you move into the second semester. 

You should use the opportunities afforded by the review process to discuss your progress and prospects, and consider suggestions for the remainder of your project. The review can be helpful in identifying and bringing to the School’s attention any issues that could affect your ability to produce the best possible thesis. You should also use the mid-term review as an opportunity to discuss independent feedback with your supervisors. 

Your submitted materials and progress will be reviewed by the reviewers, and you will receive advice about your progress and on the further development of your dissertation. 

The material you are required to submit for the mid-term review include:

• A project overview (up to 10 pages of material, including any graphics or diagrams). This should include:
• A plain language summary of your work; o your draft research question(s);
• Sources of data and proposed methods of analysis
• A concise list of things you’d like to discuss with your mid-term reviewers (e.g. any issues with data, refinements to your research questions or literature review, advice for how to evaluate your results) o Any other elements you’d like to include for specific discussion (e.g. feedback from ethics committee)
• A draft literature review

The assessment start and end dates listed against this item refer to the refer to the proposed month when the assessment is proposed to be held. Final dates are to be negotiated with the course convener within the first 2 weeks of enrolment.

Assessment Task 3

Final Seminar

Oral presentation outlining the project; its importance; how you completed it and how you know you succeeded.

Assessment Rubric The oral presentation will be independently assessed by at least 2 academics who will be looking at your demonstrated ability to identify the important aspects of your work without destroying the bigger picture and context of the project. The assessment will include both engagement with your audience and the content of the presentation:

EFFECTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH AUDIENCE

• Delivery (e.g. clear voice and readable slides)
• Awareness of audience (e.g. good “contact” with audience, not talking to the screen or notes)
• Interaction(e.g. look like you are sharing not just reading a fixed book)
• Effective Narrative (a ‘story’ with good connections, not just a list of things to talk about)
• Hooks to gain attention and focus or retain learning
• Graphics or illustrations that support an argument or point

CONTENT

• Information (accurate, clear and thorough …but not EVERYTHING at the same level of depth)
• Supporting statistics / references / observations / authority (no unsupported declarations on critical points)
• Evidence of Understanding your project and where it fits in the ‘whole’
• Staying on Topics (points relevant and seen to be relevant)
• Completeness (presented sufficient to provide a comfortable understanding)

Presentation requirements: Formal presentation with Powerpoint, 20 minutes + 5 minutes discussion

Value: 10%

The assessment start and end dates listed against this item refer to the refer to the proposed month when the assessment is proposed to be held. Final dates are to be negotiated with the course convener within the first 2 weeks of enrolment.

Assessment Task 4

Dissertation

A comprehensive written dissertation covering the important aspects of the Research Project and its consequences.

Word limit (where applicable): up to 40,000 words

Value: 90%

Presentation requirements: Three (3) softbound copies and a digital version lodged via Turnitin (students will submit via the JCOS Wattle site).

Estimated return date: In line with the University Results release for Semester 1 2020

Rubric: Please refer to the course Wattle site.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Feedback will be provided in the form of written reports and/or verbally for oral assessments. Where permission has been granted by an nominated examiner, students may also be given access to an annotated copy of their dissertation.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission is not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students