CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLAR14019 Built Environment Research Plan
Built Environment Research Plan
All details in this unit profile for BLAR14019 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

In this unit, you will work and learn autonomously, demonstrate professional capabilities expected of a graduating industry practitioner, formulate and adhere to a research plan, communicate progress, and prepare interim reports and presentations. You will define and scope a research topic by applying detailed technical knowledge and industry based methodologies, assessing safety and risk factors, preparing a feasible plan and drafting an implementation schedule. The unit will give you an opportunity to develop your personal and interpersonal skills and use effectively different modes of communication. Note: Prior to the commencement of term and before an enrolment can be accepted, you must confirm with the unit coordinator that you have identified a suitable research interest and an academic supervisor is available. Students who have successfully completed BLCN14036 or BLSV14012 should not enrol in this unit.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 4
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisite Condition: Successfully completed 126 units of credits in the Building Surveying (Honours) or Construction Management (Honours) course.

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 1 - 2023

Online

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. Presentation and Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Presentation and Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

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 Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey

Feedback

Data showed that students were satisfied with the assessment items and found the feedback they received supporting their learning.

Recommendation

The teaching team continues to include relevant assessment items and provides timely constructive feedback for students.

Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey

Feedback

One student felt the unit would be more suited to those who would consider continuing with a research degree.

Recommendation

The teaching team ensures the relevance of the unit content and the advantage of skills in contemporary research developed in the unit for working in the industry will be highlighted to students in the first weekly online session and across the unit modules.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Formulate and operate a research plan.
  2. Apply detailed technical knowledge and industry based methodologies, assess safety and risk factors, and prepare a feasible plan and implementation schedule.
  3. Discover and use information sources and technology to collect, analyse and interpret data, notes and references.
  4. Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
  5. Use effectively different modes of communication.
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 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 40%

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 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 40%
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)
  • Endnote (available through Library - see Moodle link)
  • Microphone and camera for use with 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
Neda Abbasi Unit Coordinator
n.abbasi@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 1. Introduction to Research Methodology and Methods of Knowing

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 2. Literature Reviews and Annotated Bibliographies

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 3. The Research Process: from ideas to results

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 4. Research Design and Strategies

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 4. Research Design and Strategies (continues)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1: develop a proposal Due: Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 5. Data Collection Methods

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 5. Data Collection Methods (continues)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 6. Research Ethics and Sampling Strategies

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2: Literature review Due: Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 7. Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 7. Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis (continues)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 8. Writing a Research Report for Publication

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 8. Writing a Research Report for Publication (continues)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3: Research Report Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 1: develop a proposal

Task Description

You are to develop a proposal for a research topic/field of built environment. This topic could be interdisciplinary. The specific tasks include selection of a title of your topic, background of the topic, identification of the objectives and significance of the topic, possible research methodology and discussion on the expected benefits of the research. This assessment item relates to the unit learning outcomes 1, 2, and 5. The task will address Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Study Guide.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Monday (1 May 2023)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will address the following attributes:

  • Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues;
  • Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide;
  • Use of quality supporting documentation;
  • Use of original thought and content;
  • Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics; and
  • Demonstration and application of core knowledge.

Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.

Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.

Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.

You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Deliver the team presentation via Zoom sessions scheduled by your lecturer and submit the individual report online via the assessment block of the Moodle page of the unit

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Formulate and operate a research plan.
  • Apply detailed technical knowledge and industry based methodologies, assess safety and risk factors, and prepare a feasible plan and implementation schedule.
  • Discover and use information sources and technology to collect, analyse and interpret data, notes and references.
  • Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
  • Use effectively different modes of communication.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2: Literature review

Task Description

You are to develop a Literature Review for your research proposed in assignment 1 previously. This literature review includes but is not limited to: literature search method, the current status of research, and identification of the variables that are required to achieve the research objectives. This will demand extensive searching of peer-reviewed Journals/papers and articles by use of Scopus database as a minimum. You will use EndNote to assist your referencing, and this is available to all students via the Library.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (22 May 2023)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will address the following attributes:

  • Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues;
  • Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide;
  • Use of quality supporting documentation;
  • Use of original thought and content;
  • Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics; and
  • Demonstration and application of core knowledge.

Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.

Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.

Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.

You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online via the assessment block of the Moodle page of the unit

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Formulate and operate a research plan.
  • Apply detailed technical knowledge and industry based methodologies, assess safety and risk factors, and prepare a feasible plan and implementation schedule.
  • Discover and use information sources and technology to collect, analyse and interpret data, notes and references.
  • Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
  • Use effectively different modes of communication.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3: Research Report

Task Description

This assessment involves writing a research report based on the research plan outline that you developed in the previous assessment. This assessment relates to the unit learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The task will address Topics 1-8 of the Study Guide.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Within two weeks of the submission due date and before the certification of grades.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum of 30% from A3 (12 out of 40).

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will address the following attributes:

  • Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues;
  • Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide;
  • Use of quality supporting documentation;
  • Use of original thought and content;
  • Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics; and
  • Demonstration and application of core knowledge.

Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.

Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.

Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.

You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
Online via the assessment block of the Moodle page of the unit

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Formulate and operate a research plan.
  • Apply detailed technical knowledge and industry based methodologies, assess safety and risk factors, and prepare a feasible plan and implementation schedule.
  • Discover and use information sources and technology to collect, analyse and interpret data, notes and references.
  • Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
  • Use effectively different modes of communication.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

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?