QCD210 Academic Communication 2


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Unit Outline: College 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:QCD210
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Morag Kobez | morag.kobez@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit helps to further develop the academic writing and literacy skills needed to be a successful, ethically responsible, independent learner in undergraduate university programs. In this unit you will engage with more complex academic tasks that require you to think critically, synthesise information from multiple sources and construct well-supported arguments using appropriate academic conventions. This includes developing an understanding of how to effectively and ethically use Generative AI in your studies. 

You will study this unit concurrently with discipline specific units related to your chosen undergraduate degree. The skills you engage with in this unit are transferrable to your discipline specific units.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Source and critically evaluate relevant academic sources to support analysis and argumentation.
  2. Synthesise insights from multiple academic sources to develop coherent arguments that demonstrate critical thinking
  3. Develop proficiency in academic writing by organising and presenting complex ideas with clarity, coherence, and following appropriate academic conventions.
  4. Develop and present persuasive oral arguments through peer collaboration and critical group discussion.
  5. Demonstrate critical evaluation of Generative AI outputs

Content

Major topics covered in this unit include:
 
  • Writing as a process
  • Critical reading strategies
  • Critical thinking
  • Sourcing and critically evaluating academic sources
  • Ethical and responsible use of Generative AI as a research tool
  • Critical evaluation of Gen AI outputs
  • Managing complex information
  • Language of argument and evidence-based argumentation
  • Synthesising and expressing ideas
  • Effective collaboration and critical discussion with peers

Learning Approaches

This unit encourages you to be an active learner by engaging you in a variety of learning opportunities such as lectures, tutorials and eContent to support your learning. After classes, you are expected to continue engaging with unit resources to consolidate your understanding, with one-on-one support available from the teaching team as needed.

The unit provides a supportive learning environment in which you are encouraged to take risks when developing your academic communication skills. You will be challenged through regular tasks that are designed to build your critical thinking and synthesis skills. During lectures and tutorials, opportunities will be provided for you to develop and refine your academic practices.

The knowledge and skills you gain in this unit should also be applied to your discipline units. An important aspect of your development as a successful learner is the ability to transfer the knowledge and skills gained in this unit to other contexts.

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

This unit takes a scenario-based approach to assessment. Assessment items are connected to each other and build in complexity over the course of the unit. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Small Group Discussion

You will source a peer-reviewed journal article that offers evidence or insight on a provided research topic. Your task is to attend a mock meeting to discuss the key findings of your article and contribute to a critical group discussion where you compare your findings and formulate practical, evidence-based recommendations on the research topic.

Each group will have 3-4 members and 10-12 minutes to participate in the discussion. This assessment item is completed as a group but graded individually.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Weight: 30
Length: 10-12 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Week 5
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5

Assessment: Academic Blog

You will develop a clear, evidence-based point of view on a provided research topic, and you will present your position through writing an academic blog post. This task requires you to read widely, critically evaluate and synthesise from a range of sources.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 35
Length: 1200 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Assessment: Examination

You will be required to write one annotated bibliography entry based on an article that will be provided. This assessment requires the use of evaluation, reflection and  analysis skills.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Weight: 35
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

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.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

QCD210 Canvas site
QUT Cite/Write

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 (Diploma)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO2, Examination

KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills

Relates to: ULO1, Small Group Discussion, Examination

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO1, Examination

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: Small Group Discussion

TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability

Relates to: ULO3

TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills

Relates to: ULO3, Small Group Discussion

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS40 Diploma in Business

  1. Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
    Relates to: ULO2
  2. Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination
  3. Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of oral genres.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion

EN02 Diploma in Engineering

  1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination

HL10 Diploma in Health Science (Nursing)

  1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills relating to the provision of safe, person-centred, evidence-based practice across the lifespan.
    Relates to: Academic Blog
  2. Apply critical thinking, problem solving and digital literacy skills to evidence-based decision making that aims to promote the health and wellbeing of individuals and/or groups in the community.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Academic Blog, Examination
  3. Demonstrate the ability to apply communication and interpersonal skills to the promotion of positive outcomes in both academic and healthcare contexts
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination

HL11 Diploma in Health Science (Health Studies)

  1. Demonstrate broad, foundational knowledge and skills for future studies in a range of health science disciplines.
    Relates to: Academic Blog
  2. Apply critical thinking, judgement and evaluative skills to the analysis and synthesis of a range of predictable problems related to the health and wellbeing of individuals and/or groups in the community.
    Relates to: Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination
  3. Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner to a range of audiences using a variety of formats.
    Relates to: Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog
  4. Demonstrate the ability to apply teamwork skills to work productively with others in addressing health and wellbeing challenges
    Relates to: Small Group Discussion
  5. Apply self-reflective, ethical, and inclusive approaches to health professional practice with a diverse range of individuals and/or groups in the community.
    Relates to: Examination

IF06 Diploma in Creative Industries

  1. Apply critical and creative thinking, digital literacy and problem solving skills to identify, analyse and evaluate a range of authentic creative enterprise issues
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Academic Blog, Examination
  2. Communicate effectively using a range of forms across different professional settings and diverse audiences.
    Relates to: ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination
  3. Apply leadership and teamwork skills to work productively with others in addressing real-world challenges
    Relates to: Small Group Discussion

IT10 Diploma in Information Technology

  1. Communicate effectively in academic contexts
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination