Unit rationale, description and aim
Graduates working in geographical, environmental and social sciences need to apply a wide range of tools and approaches to solve the complex problems of our world, and they need the knowledge and skills of project management to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate projects.
In this practical-based unit, students will gain an understanding of key quantitative and qualitative research skills and geographical methods that can be used to address real-world environmental and social problems. The unit is built around project-based work and learning, where students will be introduced to the study of project management and develop skills needed to manage research projects through project life-cycles, from the initial stages of planning, budgeting and applying for funding, through to evaluation. This unit features applied work integrated learning (WIL) whereby students will experience coursework and work-related opportunities that may include interaction and feedback with industry professionals.
The aim of this unit is for students to develop expertise in key research skills and approaches used in geographical, environmental and social sciences including research project management approaches. This unit forms part of the Geography, Environment and Society major, but it is also suitable for students from different backgrounds who wish to gain hands-on experience in learning and applying research and project management skills required in the many industries and sectors today.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe ethical and responsible behavior in resea...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply quantitative and qualitative research skills...
Learning Outcome 02
Explain research outcomes clearly and coherently i...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse a geographical problem, develop an appropr...
Learning Outcome 04
Develop a research project proposal including rati...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
The first half of the unit is focused on the following subjects
- Forming a research question
- Collecting evidence: Quantitative and Qualitative research methods
- Different views and scales of geographical research
- Field work in geographical. environmental and social research
- Evidence-based decision-making frameworks and practices
- Introduction to statistics in geographic and environmental research
- Ethics and professional practice in Geography
- Approaches for engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in research
In the second half of the unit, learning and skill development will focus on project management for environmental and social science projects, including:
- Understanding different approaches to project management in geography and the environment
- Project life cycle, planning and initiation
- Scheduling and budgeting
- Research proposals and grant applications
- Risk management and ethical considerations
- Project evaluation and monitoring
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The assessment strategy allows students to engage in a variety of tasks, each aligned to their own learning outcomes.
Assessment in this unit is designed to teach and guide students through the process of conducting a research project. The first two assessments are based around the mastery of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, where students will complete a quiz that examines their understanding of key research concepts, and also develop a portfolio of geographical research results that demonstrate proficiency in these approaches. Assessment in the 2nd half of the unit is focused on a six-week project undertaken in tutorials where students design and develop a full project proposal, using knowledge and skill developed through the unit. A passing grade in this third assessment task (which examines LO5) is required to pass the unit.
Overview of assessments
Understanding research methods: this assessment i...
Understanding research methods: this assessment is a quiz, the purpose of which is to allow students to consider their understanding of key Geographical research methods at an early stage in the unit, with rapid feedback
20%
Research methods portfolio: The purpose of this a...
Research methods portfolio: The purpose of this assessment task is to allow students to develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates their understanding and application of qualitative and quantitative methods used in geographical, social science, and environmental research
40%
Project proposal: The purpose of this assessment ...
Project proposal: The purpose of this assessment task is to design and develop a full project proposal including rationale, logical framework, schedule, budget, and risk management plan.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit will use both face-to-face and/or multimedia forms of instruction during class. The in-class lecture component is used to convey new material and offer students the chance to engage and ask questions in person. The tutorial portion of the course is to be used to gain hands-on experience in key geographical research methods and project management.
This is a 10-credit point unit and has been designed to ensure that the time needed to complete the required volume of learning to the requisite standard is approximately 150 hours in total across the semester. To achieve a passing standard in this unit, students will find it helpful to engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy. Attendance at tutorials is strongly encouraged to ensure that you learn the appropriate tools and techniques in research and project management. The learning and teaching and assessment strategies include a range of approaches to support your learning such as reading, reflection, discussion, webinars, podcasts, video etc.