QCD111 Communication 1

Unit Outline: College 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

A high level of English communication skills is essential for success in an Australian higher education context. This unit focuses on the ability to systematically source, integrate and communicate information effectively. These skills will be applied to both written and spoken form in academic and real world contexts. This unit complements QCD211 in developing key academic skills required to be a successful, ethically responsible, independent learner at the postgraduate level.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Adhere to the ethical responsibilities of students in Australian universities through appropriate use of academic integrity practices
   Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: SE (5.1)
2. Research, organise and analyse information obtained from a range of sources
   Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: HO (2.1), KS (1.1)
3. Use written and spoken academic genres, appropriate conventions and correct expression to effectively communicate concepts and ideas to a range of audiences
   Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1), PC (3.2)
4. Work collaboratively in both formal and informal contexts
   Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching. You will be provided with both eContent and timetabled activities such as tutorials, workshops and practicals. eContent will be clearly identified on your Canvas site for you to engage with on a weekly basis before your classes. eContent could include videos, readings, self-reflection and/or peer activities designed to enhance your learning experience. During the timetabled activities, the unit coordinator and/or your tutor will further explain content and you will be provided with opportunities to explore this content in a collaborative learning environment. After your weekly classes, you should continue to engage with unit resources to ensure you consolidate your understanding of unit content. Teaching team members will also be available for one-on-one consultations to assist you with your learning journey.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

There are four summative assessment tasks to be completed in this unit. Formative assessment activities, undertaken in class, will provide you with opportunities for feedback and discussion. Assessment activities in this unit are designed to support your learning and enable you to provide evidence of your achievement of the unit learning outcomes.

Summative Assessment (SA) Summative assessment is included in the calculation of the final grade.

Formative Assessment (FA) Formative assessment is used to provide feedback to assist with students' progress.

See the Canvas site for this unit for assessment submission details.

Modification to assessment may be required based on mode of study.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Annotated Bibliography

You are required to write an annotated bibliography entry that summarises the main arguments in a journal article, evaluates the quality of the article and reflects on its usefulness. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Case Study

For this assessment task you are required to analyse and discuss a given topic. You will develop your discussion within the context of your faculty discipline justifying your comments with evidence from the literature. This task will be undertaken in two parts:

Part A – Interim document (15%)

Part B - Final Submission (25%)

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Oral Presentation

You will work with a group of your peers to present an oral proposal persuading the audience on the importance of the case study topic, justifying your ideas with evidence from the literature.

This assessment item is completed as a group, but graded individually.

Assessment: Examination

A written examination assessing key skills developed through this unit.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO2, Oral Presentation, Examination

KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge

Relates to: ULO2, Examination

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO3, Examination

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation

SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding

Relates to: ULO1, Oral Presentation, Examination

TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills

Relates to: ULO4, Oral Presentation

Course Learning Outcomes

BS37 Graduate Certificate in Business and Communication

1. Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
   Relates to: ULO2, Examination
2. Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, Oral Presentation, Examination
3. Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
   Relates to: ULO3, Examination
4. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
   Relates to: ULO1, Oral Presentation, Examination

EN60 Graduate Certificate in Communication for Engineering

1. Demonstrate and apply specialised knowledge and technical skills in at least one Engineering discipline.
   Relates to: Annotated Bibliography, Case Study, Examination
2. Critically investigate real world engineering issues and solve complex problems drawing on specialised creative skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, theory and practice.
   Relates to: Case Study, Examination
3. Employ effective written and oral professional communication skills across social, cultural and discipline domains.
   Relates to: Annotated Bibliography, Case Study, Oral Presentation
4. Exercise responsibility and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice including working independently, ethically and collaboratively.
   Relates to: Case Study