This is a research-intensive course normally taken after the methodology course ENVS8003 Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation, as part of the Master of Climate Change degree program. The course allows you to explore in greater depth a research topic relevant to climate change adaptation. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor you will extend and hone your research skills by following the process of identifying and defining a research topic; developing and presenting a research proposal and plan; conducting research by obtaining and analysing primary and/or secondary data and information; and presenting your findings in a seminar and in writing.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Plan and conduct independent research on a supervised topic related to climate change adaptation.
2. Communicate the context, methodologies and findings of that research clearly and effectively both orally and in writing

Recommended Resources

Useful resources are available on the ENVS8013 Wattle course page.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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

• Official course messages will be sent to your ANU email address in ‘Wattle digest’ emails, and copies are archived on the ‘News forum’ on the Wattle course page;
• You are expected to devote an average of 10 hours per week to this project;
• You are expected to schedule work for this project to manage your study and other obligations;
• You must be familiar with ANU and Fenner School policies on academic misconduct, referencing, late assignment and over word policies, that are on the Wattle course page;
• If you need advice on academic life, presentation and writing, please make an appointment to meet the Fenner School’s academic advisor. Academic study is stressful, people get sick, many students are a long way from home. This is normal. If you are having difficulties please talk to Jamie or Julie to work out how we can support you – the earlier the better! As students you can access the free ANU health service and the counselling service – get certificates from them if you need an extension. To manage longer term issues, make an appointment with the Access & Inclusion Office and ask for an Education Access Plan that will tell lecturers how they can help you.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Meet Jamie	Introduction to course requirements and resources, identify research supervisors
2	Update meeting	Check on progress in drafting research question and meeting supervisors
3	Update meeting	Check on progress in drafting research proposal and meeting supervisors
4	Research proposal	A written research proposal (10% of marks) needs to be submitted in text form (3 pages or less) via TurnItIn.
5	Feedback, individual research	Individual research and meet supervisor; Individual feedback and grades on your research proposal from Jamie
6	Individual research	Individual research and discussion with your supervisor
7	Individual research	Individual research and discussion with supervisor to finalise your research paper. Editing your report. Check against assessment criteria. Check English expression, spelling and referencing.
8	Submit report	Your 5,000 word research paper (90% of marks) needs to be submitted before midnight via TurnItIn.
9	Results	Results posted on Wattle

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Development and presentation of a research plan	10 %	1,2
Research paper	90 %	1,2

* 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.

Examination(s)

There is no examination associated with this course.

Assessment Task 1

Development and presentation of a research plan

A written research proposal (3 pages of less) as per outline available on Wattle.

Students should consult the course Wattle site for assessment due date.

Assessment Task 2

Research paper

5000 word research paper on selected topic.

Students should consult the course Wattle site for assessment due date.

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

n/a

Late Submission

  Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• 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.

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.

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