Achieving food and nutrition security, poverty reduction, improved wellbeing and greater equity, while conserving and enhancing natural capital, and delivering climate change mitigation and adaptation outcomes, are amongst the greatest and most demanding challenges of this century. The UN Sustainable Development Goals articulate ambitions for each of these elements, and progressing towards those ambitions requires that we also address the synergies and tensions between the SDGs.

 

Over the past 50 years, a global network of institutions and initiatives has emerged to catalyse and communicate research, enable and link researchers, in support of agriculture and natural resources-based development to address these global challenges. Australian researchers, policy makers and practitioners have contributed to this network and activities in a variety of ways; the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) has played a central role in many of these. ACIAR’s partnership mode of research for development is acknowledged globally as an exemplar that other seek to emulate.

 

This course capitalises on ANU researchers’ engagement in ACIAR and related work, the partnerships developed in those activities, and ACIAR’s presence in Canberra and its wider global role, to explore approaches to partnership research for agricultural and natural resource-based development, modes of working in these partnerships, and to develop knowledge and skills relevant to this work. The course draws on ANU and partner researchers, staff of ACIAR and research for development networks and institutions, and case study examples of partnership research for agricultural and natural resource-based development to provide students with both conceptual and contextual knowledge, and opportunities to develop skills and experience grounded in real cases and projects.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Appreciate and critique contexts of, rationales for and approaches to partnership-based research for agricultural and natural resource-based development;
2. Understand and give effect to the foundations of successful research for development partnerships in agriculture and natural resources and related fields;
3. Undertake elements of research project conceptualisation, development, implementation and communication;
4. Contribute to capacity-building in partnership-based research for agricultural and natural resource-based development contexts;
5. Communicate their learning to relevant audiences.

Research-Led Teaching

The course draws from the Convenor's, Tutors' and Contributors' experience in partnership research for agricultural and natural resource development. This research is and has been conducted in various topic areas and modes, and with the support of various agencies - notably ACIAR and the CGIAR system .

Field Trips

None

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

None

Required Resources

Only those accessed through the ANU Library or internet.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos 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/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, and individuals.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Students should refer to the Wattle site for current delivery information for the course this semester. ?Topic and course overview, context setting, key actors and elements; breadth of PRANRD activities and modes	Learning summarised in Short Review Paper and weekly Learning Journal
2	Core concepts – development, knowledge systems, theories of change, pathways to impact	Learning summarised in Short Review Paper and weekly Learning Journal
3	Foundational elements – co-design, capacity building, ethics, equity, inclusion, partnerships	Learning summarised in Short Review Paper and weekly Learning Journal
4	PRANRD Practice focus 1 – developing a Concept Note as a basis for scoping and structuring research rationale and mode	Individual Concept Note
5	Designing, conducting and monitoring research for technical innovation and policy impact	Group Project Proposal
6	PRANRD Practice focus 2 – developing a Research Proposal; communicating and engaging	Group Project Proposal and Presentation

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Learning Journal	35 %	*	*	1, 2, 5
Short Review Paper	15 %	17/04/2023	01/05/2023	1, 2, 5
Concept Note for a PRANRD Project	15 %	01/05/2023	08/05/2023	2, 3, 5
Presentation of Concept Note	0 %	01/05/2023	*	2, 3, 4, 5
Presentation of Group Research Proposal	10 %	23/05/2023	*	2, 3, 4, 5
Research Proposal for a PRANRD Project	25 %	13/06/2023	29/06/2023	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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

You are expected to participate in classes and discussions. Your participation in the presentations is a course requirement.

Examination(s)

None

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Learning Journal

Your weekly learning journal records your reflections on key learnings from that week's classes and supporting material, and from your own relevant life and professional experience. Each week's entry should be 300-400 words, with a final entry of 600-700 words reflecting on the course as a whole. No journal is required for weeks 7, 9 or 11; the total number of entries by the end of semester is 9.

Submission dates & time/ weighting/ marking rubric

Due: 16:00 on the Monday of the following week (eg. Monday of Week 2 for the Week 1 entry).

Returned: One week following submission

Weighting: 35% in total. Each of the first 8 entries will be worth 3.5%; the final entry is worth 7%.

The marking rubric for each learning journal entry is:

• only reports facts and/ or does not show evidence of reflection or reading; presentation of minimal quality: 50-59%
• mostly reports facts and/ or show limited evidence of reflection and reading; presentation of modest quality: 60-69%
• some evidence of reflection/ critical thinking drawing from a range of sources and experience; well-presented: 70-79%
• insightful reflections/ critical thinking drawing from a range of sources and experience; very well-presented: 80-89%
• outstanding reflections/ critical thinking drawing deeply from a range of sources and experience; excellently-presented: 90-100%

Assessment Task 2

Short Review Paper

Your Short Review Paper (1000 - 1200 words, exclusive of references) summarises a key topic of your choice (probably but not necessarily one covered in the first half of the course), agreed with the Course Convenor, relevant to Partnership Research for Agricultural and Natural Resource-Based Development. The paper should have concise Introduction and Conclusions sections, which introduce the significance of the topic and suggest key implications for PRANRD, respectively. The structure of intermediate sections should reflect the topic. Your paper should draw from at least 10 references (journal articles, book chapters or reports), the majority of which should have been published in the last decade.

Submission date & time/ weighting/ marking rubric

Due: 09:00am, 17 April.

Returned: Two weeks following submission

Weighting: 15%

Marking rubric:

• scope - 5
• structure, expression, grammar - 10
• content - 10
• sources - 5

Assessment Task 3

Concept Note for a PRANRD Project

Your Concept Note makes the case for a PRANRD Project, and outlines the focus and intended outcomes of the research project, the research partners, and principal research and related activities. You may choose any PRANRD topic; course contributors will suggest a range of potential topics. Your Concept Note should follow a nominated template (to be provided); you will be directed to examples of Concept Notes.

Submission date & time/ weighting/ marking rubric

Due: 09:00 1 May

Returned: One week following submission

Weighting: 15%

Marking rubric:

• rationale and scope - 10
• content and logic - 10
• expression, grammar - 5
• feasibility – 5

Assessment Task 4

Presentation of Concept Note

You are required to make a short presentation (5 -10 mins) of your Concept Note to the class, using appropriate visuals (eg 5 – 10 Powerpoint slides). The presentation should focus on the rationale for and scope of the project, the key intended outcomes, and how and by whom the project will be conducted.

Submission date & time/ weighting/ marking rubric

Due: in class, week 9 (1 or 2 May)

Weighting: There is no mark assigned to the presentation; but presentation is a course requirement. 

Assessment Task 5

Presentation of Group Research Proposal

You will present a 12-15 minute overview of the Research Proposal being developed for Assessment Task 6. The presentation should cover the rationale for and scope of the project, the key intended outcomes, how and by whom the project will be conducted, and (indicatively) the resources required. You should speak to appropriate visuals (eg 10 --15 Powerpoint slides).

?Submission date & time/ weighting/ marking rubric

Due: In class, week 12 (22 or 23 May)

Returned: Following day

Weighting: 10%

Rubric:

• structure and content of presentation - 10
• clarity and quality of delivery, including visual material – 10

Assessment Task 6

Research Proposal for a PRANRD Project

You will develop a Research Proposal for a PRANRD Project. The Proposal will address a topic agreed with the Course Convenor, and follow a designated format (you will be advised of this by Week 7). The proposal will include the context, rationale for and scope of the project; the key intended outcomes and how they will be achieved; the partnerships through which the project will be conducted; the resources required and timeline for the project; and capacity development, communications and monitoring strategies. The proposal will take account of equity, ethics and gender principles.

??Submission date & time/ weighting/ marking rubric

Due: 09:00 13 June

Returned: Three weeks after submission

Marking rubric:

Please refer to Wattle site.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

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

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded. This applies to Assessment Tasks 4 and 5.
• 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. This applies to Assessment Tasks 1, 2, 3 and 6.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Via Wattle

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

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 Access 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