CQUniversity Unit Profile
AGRI13005 Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project
Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project
All details in this unit profile for AGRI13005 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will develop your professional capacity and prepare you to enter your chosen career. In this unit you will either complete a supervised work placement or undertake a short research project relevant to sustainable crop production. If you select the research project option you must have a GPA of 5.0 or higher. You will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in your degree in the professional work or research environment. You will complete a minimum of 160 hours, equivalent to 4 weeks, and a maximum of 300 hours. Prior to commencement, you will work with your industry supervisor to design a placement program that is beneficial to the organisation and meets the academic requirements of the unit. To undertake a research project, you will work with an academic supervisor on a project that has been approved by the unit coordinator.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite Students to complete 48 credit points prior to enrolment.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2021

Bundaberg
Emerald
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
2. Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Report
Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Grading

This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students highlighted that work placements provided them with a great experience broadening their learning and widening their horizons.

Recommendation

Maintain the opportunity for students to conduct work placements.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students felt supported by the unit coordinator.

Recommendation

Unit coordinator to maintain a high level of support.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Using the Sonia Online software can be problematic.

Recommendation

Unit coordinator to discuss this feedback with the Work Integrated Learning team with the aim to continuously improve the Sonia Online software.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

The placement should be also offered in Term 3.

Recommendation

Allow flexibility regarding placement starting times.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Apply knowledge of how research methods can be used to evaluate crop production systems
  2. Plan an effective work placement / research project oriented activity
  3. Behave ethically as a cropping management consultant
  4. Communicate effectively to a professional audience
  5. Critically analyse and interpret data, arguments and conclusions presented in a report.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 0%
2 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0%
3 - Report - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 0%
2 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0%
3 - Report - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • ZOOM
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Sabine Tausz-Posch Unit Coordinator
s.tausz-posch@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Preparation for your Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Email the unit coordinator with the following: Details of placement including contact information OR Research Project title and supervisor's contact information.

If you have not organised a placement or research project yet, contact the unit coordinator.

Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

If you have not organised a placement or research project yet, contact the unit coordinator immediately.

Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment Due: Week 4 Friday (6 Aug 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Completion of your Cropping Industry Placement or Research Project.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Placement or Research Project Diary Due: Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Report Due: Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 18 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

N/A

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

You will prepare a Placement Overview if you are on a Cropping Industry Placement or a Research Proposal if you conduct a Research Project.

Placement Overview (1000 to 1500 words):

In this assessment you will develop an understanding of your chosen industry at large and the operations at your placement site more specifically. In your assessment you will include evidence from relevant industry-related literature as well as refer to consultations with the site owner/manager and other staff.

Your report will include the following areas:

  • Title
  • Introduction and overview of the chosen cropping industry
  • Description of the specific operations at your placement site
  • Your work placement program including activities that you will undertake during your placement including timeline

Research Proposal (1000 to 1500 words):

In this assessment you will develop an understanding of your chosen research area. In your assessment you will refer to independently sourced relevant scientific literature as well as to consultations with your supervisor.

Your proposal will include the following areas:

  • Title
  • Background of the research topic
  • Research aim and objective
  • Methodology and timeline

Note: Your work placement or research project must be related to cropping.


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Friday (6 Aug 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (27 Aug 2021)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

This is a non-graded unit (PASS/FAIL). In order to PASS this assessment, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Placement Overview:

  • The work placement is related to the cropping industry
  • Background of the chosen cropping industry is included
  • Information about the host organisation is provided
  • Details of the activities to be undertaken are included and a timeline is provided
  • The report is well presented and structured according to instructions, no grammar or spelling errors, correct referencing
  • 1000 to 1500 words

Research Proposal:

  • The research project is related to crop science
  • Background of the research topic is provided
  • The research aim and objective are clear
  • Information about the methodology is included and a timeline is provided
  • The report is well presented and structured according to instructions, no grammar or spelling errors, correct referencing
  • 1000 to 1500 words


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply knowledge of how research methods can be used to evaluate crop production systems
  • Plan an effective work placement / research project oriented activity


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work

2 Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books

Assessment Title
Placement or Research Project Diary

Task Description

You must keep a diary entering daily workplace/research project activities and responsibilities. Your diary must be signed by your workplace or research supervisor at the end of your placement or research project, respectively. The workplace or research supervisor is also required to complete a short feedback form that includes an assessment of your progress and work ethic during the placement or project. The form will be provided in Moodle and the completed and signed form must be included in the diary as an appendix.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

In order to PASS this assessment, you will need to:

  • Demonstrate that your activities/responsibilities are related to cropping
  • Provide a clear and brief record of the daily activities and responsibilities in your work placement or research project
  • Ensure your diary is signed by your supervisor at the end of the placement or research project
  • Include your completed and signed supervisor form as an appendix


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Plan an effective work placement / research project oriented activity
  • Behave ethically as a cropping management consultant
  • Communicate effectively to a professional audience


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Report

Assessment Title
Report

Task Description

Industry Placement Report (3000 to 4000 words)
If you have undertaken a Cropping Industry Placement, you must write an Industry Placement Report (1) detailing the nature of the work and providing a detailed description of the type of activities undertaken; (2) describe the knowledge gained and the skills learned during the placement; (3) reflect how the knowledge and skills gained during your placement relate to your course of study (Bachelor of Agriculture) and how they may be useful in your future career.

Your Industry Placement Report will include the following areas:

  • Title
  • Executive summary
  • Description of the nature of your work and activities
  • Exemplification of acquired knowledge and skills including links to your course of study and future career
  • Discussion and conclusion
  • References

Research Project Report (3000 to 4000 words)
If you have undertaken a research project, you must write a Research Project Report. In your Research Project Report you will (1) introduce your research field including research question and hypothesis and (2) accurately present, describe and discuss the findings of your research project.

Your Research Project Report will include the following areas:

  • Title
  • Abstract
  • Main body of text including, e.g., introduction of research field, research question and hypothesis
  • Discussion and conclusion
  • References


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Criteria

In order to PASS this assessment, your Industry Placement or Research Project Report needs to meet the following criteria:

Industry Placement Report:

  • Clear description of the activities undertaken during your placement
  • Clear identification of the knowledge gained and skills learned during your placement including links to your course and future career
  • The report is well presented and structured according to instructions, no grammar or spelling errors, correct referencing
  • The length is 3000 to 4000 words
Research Project Report:
  • A detailed introduction into your research field is provided including a clear research question and hypothesis
  • The methodology and findings of your research project are accurately described, presented and discussed
  • The report is well presented and structured according to instructions, no grammar or spelling errors, correct referencing
  • The length is 3000 to 4000 words



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply knowledge of how research methods can be used to evaluate crop production systems
  • Communicate effectively to a professional audience
  • Critically analyse and interpret data, arguments and conclusions presented in a report.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Ethical practice
  • Social Innovation

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?