This course allows students to pursue a special topic of individual or small-group study in order to gain particular or additional knowledge in a science topic, usually not covered in courses taught elsewhere in the University. Depending on the topic, students may be required to develop and implement a research plan under the supervision of an academic member of staff; to pursue a guided reading program; to develop and implement a project with external stakeholders and/or practitioners under the supervision of an academic member of staff; and/or to take part in selected lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars, discussion groups, field trips and other activities.

The details of the topic will be negotiated between the student and the supervisor/s and be approved by the relevant Associate Director (Education). 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Under supervision, pursue a sustained, guided critical investigation and evaluation of the agreed topic/s.
2. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts and draw evidence-based conclusions using appropriate methodology, tools and/or analysis of data.
3. Explain the fundamental concepts of the special topic in the relevant scientific discipline/s.
4. Demonstrate use of specific techniques relevant to the scientific discipline/s.
5. Demonstrate capacity for scientific reasoning through analysing and explaining concepts from the scientific discpline/s.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will actively engage with the process of research via conducting their own critical investigation and evaluation during the field trip, drawing upon existing literature in the field. Students will be encouraged to actively critique and reflect upon the literature in their own development of their investigation and to demonstrate their ability to apply appropriate theory and data collection and analysis techniques to address problems.

Field Trips

Students are required to make their own travel arrangements to/from Kuala Lumpur. Students should ensure that they arrive in Kuala Lumpur by 1700 1st July to commence the field trip. Students should arrange to depart Kuala Lumpur any time from the evening of 15th July.

Transport and accommodation (including breakfast) for all students and staff during the field trip is organised by the course convenor and included in the course fee.

ANU travel insurance allows up to 30% extension for personal holiday.

Additional Course Costs

$2250 ($1750 retained by Global Prog + $500 to be paid to CHM) + normal course fees. The $1750 covers accommodation (01/07-14/07) + local transport (in Malaysia) + most meals + most incidentals.  

Additional student expenses include:

• travel to/from Kuala Lumpur,
• lunch & evening meals plus incidentals (most meals and incidentals are covered by the $2250)

Students may cover these costs from their NCP Grant and/or OS Help if eligible. More details will be released on Wattle site.

Required Resources

None.

Recommended Resources

Please see Wattle site.

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). 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.

Other Information

Enrolment in this course is restricted to 20 students. Preference will be given to students who have completed HLTH1001 in the BHLTH program

To participate in the trip, students must be able to:

·        Comply with the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program Guidelines

·        Comply with the ANU travel, health and safety policies and procedures

·        Comply with Malaysian travel, health and safety requirements

The maximum number is 20 students due to the number of NCP supported places available, staff/student ratios and limitation on numbers re transport/support from international colleagues. Further details on the NCP travel conditions are available via Global Programs.

This is an international field trip to be conducted in person.

Students must respect local customs and law and conduct themselves accordingly throughout the field trip. Students will be provided with pre departure information about this.

To be eligible for OS Help, check the requirements: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/os-help.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. Under supervision, pursue a sustained, guided critical investigation and evaluation of an agreed topic experienced during the field trip.

2. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts and draw evidence-based conclusions using appropriate methodology, tools and/or analysis of data.

3. Explain the fundamental concepts of the environmental and health challenges experienced during the field trip.

4. Discuss the effective use of specific techniques to manage solid waste, drinking water or waste water in either the urban or rural environment. 

5. Demonstrate capacity for scientific reasoning through analysing and explaining concepts discussed and evidenced during the field trip.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	19th June: Pre-departure briefing.	Students will be requested to engage with Wattle where relevant information will be posted.
2	21st June: Pre-departure briefing.	International SOS presentation (the material from which will also be available via the wattle site).
3	23rd June: Pre-departure briefing.	KL partners presenting on field trip (online).
4	Indicative in-country itinerary - subject to change On or before 1st July: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur 2nd July: Cameron Highlands - Tea Plantation field trip plus old town. 3rd July: Agricultural visits plus environmental impact. 4th July: Visit municipal waste facility and water treatment (fresh + black). 5th July: Classroom briefing/workshop - Collaborate with EHSAN (Environmental Health Students’ Association). 6th July: Daily life in village. Firefly habitation. 7th July: Black soldier fly food waste treatment centre. 8th July: Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple and the National Mosque, Patronas Tower visit. 9th July: R&R – self study. 10th July: Classroom briefing/workshop - Collaborate with Envosh students' club. 11th July: Recycling of used cooking oil – community. Health Service system delivery for aborigines. 12th July: Paper mill 13th July: Group presentations and factory visit + local market. 14th July: Visit MoH + visit H.E. Dr Justin Lee Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 15th July: Group to depart for onward travel or return to Australia.	Group to assemble and meet at the hotel: Parks Hotel 5pm. Accommodation in hotels, uni hostels and house boat. See Wattle course page for details. Assessment task 2 due in-country 14th July
5	22nd July: Submission of assessment tasks	Individual reflections and group meeting diary due

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Individual reflections	48 %	22/07/2023	1,2,3,4,5
Group presentation	42 %	14/07/2023	1,2,3,4,5
Group meeting diary	10 %	22/07/2023	1,4,5

* 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

Students should be able to walk unaided over level but rough ground for up to 1 hour. If there is any medical conditions Course Convener need to be notified ASAP so that accommodations/adjustments can be made.

Assessment Task 1

Individual reflections

8 x 250 words (or equivalent) each on an innovative, exciting, novel element, experience, reflection of the day. Students can submit reflections in a number of media including but not limited to written or video – in other words utilise the technology at your disposal to create exciting, informative individual reflections.

Final submission of all 8 due 22nd July, in addition, time will be built into the field trip to complete these in country.

Assessment Task 2

Group presentation

Delivered on the last day of the field trip to an international audience.

Assessment Task 3

Group meeting diary

Evidence of engagement, discussion, negotiation and decision making in support of the group presentation.

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

N/A

Late Submission

Late submission permitted with agreement of course convenor. 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

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 Turnitin.

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

No.

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