GEOG 7027A - Dissertation EnvPol&Mgt (Applied) (Two-Year) Cont

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2021

The Major Dissertation Environmental Policy & Management (Applied) Pt 1 & 2 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) T/Y will have two years (four consecutive Semesters) to complete the dissertation and seminar.

Open All

Course Details

Course Code	GEOG 7027A
Course	Dissertation EnvPol&Mgt (Applied) (Two-Year) Cont
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
Assessment	20000-24000 word internal and external assessment of research dissertation on a theme appropriate to Environmental Policy and Management

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Yan Tan

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this program students will be able to:

1.      Write a research proposal;

2.      Demonstrate understanding of the research process from initiation to completion;

3.      Explain the theoretical/analytical framework which informs your research question(s) and research methods; and

4.      Demonstrate the capacity to gather and analyse relevant data, and write a dissertation summing up the research process.

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)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1, 2, 3, 4
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	1, 2, 3, 4
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	1, 2, 3, 4
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1, 2, 3, 4
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	1, 2, 3, 4
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	1, 2, 3, 4

Learning Resources

Required Resources

There are no set texts for this course. However, students would benefit from accessing some key texts on research methods. Some of these include:

·      Bryman, A. 2016. Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

·      Cresswell J. 2014. Mixed Methods Research. Sage.

·      Denzin N, Lincoln Y. 2017. Handbook of Qualitative Research. Sage.

·      Neuman, WL. 2014. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Harlow,
Essex: Pearson.

·      Paton JM. 2015. Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage

Online Learning

MyUni/Canvas is a critical learning tool and means of communication and knowledge exchange in this course. The Canvas/MyUni website for the course provides you with access to the following features to help manage your study:

·      Announcements;

·      PowerPoint slides of Workshops where relevant;

·      Course Readings regarding methods;

·      Course Guide;

·      Discussion Board; and

·      Any additional materials.

You are advised to regularly visit the MyUni/Canvas website for the course to receive course announcements and reminders and to submit
their dissertation and relevant work.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course will be delivered via:

(1)           5 workshops which you are highly encouraged to attend during your candidature.

(2)           Each student must arrange a time to see the Coordinator on a regular basis to discuss the progress of his/her research.

(3)           Regular meetings with the Course Coordinator (minimum of 4) to discuss the progress of your dissertation are on an individual basis.

Workload

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

It is expected that each student will coordinate their learning activities on a weekly basis.

Students are expected to invest a minimum of 8-16 hours a week (full time). This will include attendance at workshops, reading, research, and writing up.

Learning Activities Summary

Workshop 1: Research planning; Proposal

Workshop 2: Literature survey; Literature review; Research methods and discussions

Workshop 3: Thesis writing

Workshop 4: Thesis writing discussion & feedback

Workshop 5: Thesis writing feedback

Specific Course Requirements

None
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

Your final dissertation will be assessed.

Please note the Coordinator will assist with the preparation of, and provide comments on, several formative tasks, and liaise with you on a weekly (if necessary) basis. However, the Coordinator will only read – in detail – one full draft of the thesis. It is a good idea to make sure the draft you submit to MyUni for full review is your best attempt. You can then revise it prior to the submission of your final dissertation for assessment. Any additional review will be at the Coordinator’s discretion.

In order to pass the course, it is necessary that students attend all the workshops and submit a dissertation.

The notional word limit is set at 22,000–25,000 words for a 24-unit dissertation.

Assessment Detail

No information currently available.

Submission

Students must submit electronically via MyUni/Canvas. To check for plagiarism we use TURNITIN.

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
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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.

NOG (No Grade Associated)
Grade	Description
CN	Continuing

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.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator