QCD110 Academic Communication 1
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | QCD110 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | QCD111, QCD120 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: College 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | QCD110 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | QCD111, QCD120 |
| Coordinator: | Emily Seager | e.seager@qut.edu.au |
Overview
A contributing factor to success in a higher education context relates to the understanding and use of communication skills specific to academia. This unit helps to develop your academic language and literacy skills including your academic study skills to support your learning in undergraduate university programs. This introductory unit is studied concurrently with discipline specific units related to the undergraduate degree in your chosen field of study. It focuses on foundation knowledge, understanding and use of academic language and literacy skills.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of academic integrity through appropriately integrating print and/or visual sources using APA Referencing style.
- Research, analyse and reason from evidence to reach an effective outcome.
- Plan and produce academic texts with the required structure and language features appropriate to audience, purpose and context.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and interpersonal communication competence.Relates to: Diploma Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Exercise reflective thinking in response to personal performance and feedback.
Content
Major topics covered in this unit include:
- time and task planning
- notetaking
- decoding and comprehending texts
- thinking and argument
- academic communication
- working with peers
- academic honesty and referencing
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.
This unit encourages you to be an active learner by engaging you in a variety of learning opportunities around content which helps prepare you for study within a higher education context. It provides a supportive learning environment in which you are encouraged to take risks with your academic language production. You will be challenged by regular tasks that incrementally build your academic literacy and language knowledge and skills. In this process, you will learn to use reflective practice to improve your awareness around seeking and using feedback. The knowledge and skills you gain in this unit will also apply to your discipline units.
This unit adopts an approach which relies on your engagement in activities prior to and after classes. An important aspect of this unit are weekly Learning Forums and Language Labs. These sessions are designed to meet your needs as students new to QUT and the Australian educational landscape, additionally, they allow you to develop their functional academic language skills. This unit values the knowledge you bring with you and as such, there is an emphasis on sharing and building on this knowledge while understanding how to work with your peers.
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
Modification to assessment may be required based on mode of study.
Formative assessment will occur to give you an opportunity to gauge your own progress and for tutors to provide feedback on your learning. Summative assessment tasks will occur at points throughout the unit so you can better pace your workload. This will also allow for scaffolded learning where your academic literacy skills are slowly built though incremental tasks at greater levels of complexity. The assessment tasks and associated feedback will be learning opportunities and will provide support for you to complete the unit successfully. There will be a focus throughout the unit on drafting and redrafting your work based on feedback to support your learning and skill development. In Academic Communication 1, there is emphasis on learning through dialogue and teamwork. This is assessed through both formative and summative methods on an ongoing basis.
Assessment in this unit is designed around academic skills necessary for successful participation in undergraduate university programs. They are authentic and relevant tasks that will support you in your future studies in your chosen discipline area.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Group Presentation
You will work with one or more of your peers to prepare and deliver a presentation focusing on a prescribed academic reading. Each person in your group will be required to present for 4-5 minutes. This assessment item is completed as a group, but graded individually.
Assessment: Analytical Report
You will plan and write a 1400 word report based on research and analysis of a chosen targeted skill. You will investigate the issue, justify your argument and provide recommendations
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
Students are required to write a critical reflection.
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
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
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO5
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS40 Diploma in Business
- Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
Relates to: ULO2 - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group Presentation, Examination - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of oral genres.
Relates to: Group Presentation - Exercise initiative, judgement and personal responsibility to enhance organisation and performance of own work and demonstrate self reflection in relation to own learning and practice.
Relates to: ULO5 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
Relates to: ULO4
EN02 Diploma in Engineering
- 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, Group Presentation, Analytical Report, Examination - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Presentation
HL10 Diploma in Health Science
- 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: ULO2, Examination - Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner across a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation, Examination - Apply foundational knowledge of leadership and advocacy to the promotion of positive individual and community outcomes across a diverse range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO5
IF06 Diploma in Creative Industries
- critically analyse, synthesise and use information to address creative enterprise issues
Relates to: ULO2, Examination - have cognitive, technical and communication skills to design and evaluate approaches to problems in at least one Creative Industries discipline.
Relates to: ULO5 - have communication skills to transfer technical and theoretical concepts of a Creative Industries discipline to others.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation
IT10 Diploma in Information Technology
- Communicate effectively in academic contexts
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation, Examination - Work independently and within effective teams
Relates to: ULO4
Unit Outline: College 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | QCD110 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | QCD111, QCD120 |
| Coordinator: | Emily Seager | e.seager@qut.edu.au |
Overview
A contributing factor to success in a higher education context relates to the understanding and use of communication skills specific to academia. This introductory unit provides a fundamental understanding of the academic communication genre and is designed to introduce you to essential academic language and literacy skills needed to support your learning in undergraduate university programs. As part of this, you will also begin to explore the ethical and responsible use of Generative AI tools to support academic communication and learning.
The unit is studied concurrently with discipline specific units related to the undergraduate degree in your chosen field of study. This unit supports your transition into university by building the academic communication skills necessary for success across all areas of study.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Read and interpret academic texts to identify key arguments.
- Research, analyse and reason from evidence to build an academic argument
- Plan and produce academic texts with the required structure and language features appropriate to audience, purpose and context.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and interpersonal communication skills.Relates to: Diploma Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Develop reflective thinking skills to evaluate and adapt academic practices.
Content
Major topics covered in this unit include:
- Time and task planning (Study Advantage)
- Notetaking
- Searching for academic sources
-
Decoding and comprehending academic texts
-
Critical thinking and argument
-
Academic language features
-
Collaborating with peers
-
Developing feedback strategies
-
Critical reflection
-
Academic honesty and referencing
-
Ethical and responsible use of Generative AI
-
Basic Generative AI prompting
Learning Approaches
This unit encourages you to be an active learner by engaging you in a variety of learning opportunities such as lectures, workshops and tutorials. You will also engage with weekly eContent on Canvas 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.
Within the unit there is a supportive learning environment where you are encouraged to take risks with your academic language production. You will be challenged by regular tasks that incrementally build your academic literacy and language knowledge and skills. In this process, you will learn to use reflective practice to improve your awareness around seeking and using feedback. The knowledge and skills you gain in this unit will also apply to your discipline units.
The unit adopts an approach which relies on your engagement in activities prior to and after classes. An important aspect of this unit are weekly Study Advantage and Language Lab sessions. These sessions are designed to meet your needs as students new to QUT and the Australian educational landscape, additionally, they allow you to develop your academic language skills. This unit values the knowledge you bring with you and as such, there is an emphasis on sharing and building on this knowledge while understanding how to work with your peers.
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
Formative assessment will occur to give you an opportunity to gauge your own progress and for tutors to provide feedback on your learning. Summative assessment tasks will occur at points throughout the unit so you can better pace your workload. This will also allow for scaffolded learning where your academic literacy skills are slowly built though incremental tasks at greater levels of complexity. The assessment tasks and associated feedback will be learning opportunities and will provide support for you to complete the unit successfully. There will be a focus throughout the unit on drafting and redrafting your work based on feedback to support your learning and skill development. In Academic Communication 1, there is emphasis on learning through dialogue and teamwork. This is assessed through both formative and summative methods on an ongoing basis.
Assessment in this unit is designed around academic skills necessary for successful participation in undergraduate university programs. They are authentic and relevant tasks that will support you in your future studies in your chosen discipline area.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Group Presentation
You will work with one or more of your peers to prepare and deliver a presentation focusing on a prescribed academic reading. Each person in your group will be required to present for 4-5 minutes. This assessment item is completed as a group, but graded individually.
Assessment: Analytical Report
You will plan and write a 1400-word report that investigates a key skill relevant to success in your field of study. Based on the research and analysis, you will justify the importance of this skill and provide recommendations to a client.
Use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools is permitted to support the research process, provided it is ethical, appropriately acknowledged, and all writing is your own.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
You will be required to write a critical reflection on knowledge acquired throughout the unit.
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
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
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO5
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS40 Diploma in Business
- Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
Relates to: ULO2 - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group Presentation, Examination - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of oral genres.
Relates to: Group Presentation - Exercise initiative, judgement and personal responsibility to enhance organisation and performance of own work and demonstrate self reflection in relation to own learning and practice.
Relates to: ULO5 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
Relates to: ULO4
EN02 Diploma in Engineering
- 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, Group Presentation, Analytical Report, Examination - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Presentation
HL10 Diploma in Health Science
- 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: ULO2, Examination - Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner across a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation, Examination - Apply foundational knowledge of leadership and advocacy to the promotion of positive individual and community outcomes across a diverse range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO5
IF06 Diploma in Creative Industries
- critically analyse, synthesise and use information to address creative enterprise issues
Relates to: ULO2, Examination - have cognitive, technical and communication skills to design and evaluate approaches to problems in at least one Creative Industries discipline.
Relates to: ULO5 - have communication skills to transfer technical and theoretical concepts of a Creative Industries discipline to others.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation
IT10 Diploma in Information Technology
- Communicate effectively in academic contexts
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation, Examination - Work independently and within effective teams
Relates to: ULO4
Unit Outline: College Summer 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | QCD110 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | QCD111, QCD120 |
Overview
A contributing factor to success in a higher education context relates to the understanding and use of communication skills specific to academia. This unit helps to develop your academic language and literacy skills including your academic study skills to support your learning in undergraduate university programs. This introductory unit is studied concurrently with discipline specific units related to the undergraduate degree in your chosen field of study. It focuses on foundation knowledge, understanding and use of academic language and literacy skills.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of academic integrity though appropriately integrating print and/or visual sources using APA Referencing style.
- Research, analyse and reason from evidence to reach an effective outcome.
- Plan and produce academic texts with the required structure and language features appropriate to audience, purpose and context.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and interpersonal communication competence.Relates to: Diploma Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Exercise reflective thinking in response to personal performance and feedback.
Content
Major topics covered in this unit include:
- time and task planning
- notetaking
- decoding and comprehending texts
- thinking and argument
- academic communication
- working with peers
- academic honesty and referencing
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.
This unit encourages you to be an active learner by engaging you in a variety of learning opportunities around content which helps prepare you for study within a higher education context. It provides a supportive learning environment in which you are encouraged to take risks with your academic language production. You will be challenged by regular tasks that incrementally build your academic literacy and language knowledge and skills. In this process, you will learn to use reflective practice to improve your awareness around seeking and using feedback. The knowledge and skills you gain in this unit will also apply to your discipline units.
This unit adopts an approach which relies on your engagement in activities prior to and after classes. An important aspect of this unit are weekly Learning Forums and Language Labs. These sessions are designed to meet your needs as students new to QUT and the Australian educational landscape, additionally, they allow you to develop their functional academic language skills. This unit values the knowledge you bring with you and as such, there is an emphasis on sharing and building on this knowledge while understanding how to work with your peers.
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
Modification to assessment may be required based on mode of study.
Summative assessment tasks will occur that points throughout the unit so you can better pace your workload. This will also allow for scaffolded learning where your academic literacy skills are slowly built though incremental tasks at greater levels of complexity. The assessment tasks and associated feedback will be learning opportunities and will provide support for you to complete the unit successfully. There will be a focus throughout the unit on drafting and redrafting your work based on feedback to support your learning and skill development. In Academic Communication 1, there is emphasis on learning through dialogue and teamwork. This is assessed through summative methods on an ongoing basis.
Assessment in this unit is designed around academic skills necessary for successful participation in undergraduate university programs. They are authentic and relevant tasks that will support you in your future studies in your chosen discipline area.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Group Presentation
You will work with one or more of your peers to prepare and deliver a presentation focusing on a prescribed academic reading. Each person in your group will be required to present for 4-5 minutes. This assessment item is completed as a group, but graded individually.
Assessment: Analytical Report
You will plan and write a 1400 word report based on research and analysis of a chosen targeted skill. You will investigate the issue, justify your argument and provide recommendations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
Students are required to write a critical reflection.
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
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
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO5
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB02 Diploma in Architectural Studies
- Communicate fundamental knowledge, ideas and creative solutions to a range of audiences using diverse modes.
Relates to: Group Presentation, Analytical Report, Examination
BS40 Diploma in Business
- Use technical and technological skills to understand real world business operations.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3 - Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
Relates to: ULO2 - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5 - Exercise initiative, judgement and personal responsibility to enhance organisation and performance of own work and demonstrate self reflection in relation to own learning and practice.
Relates to: ULO5 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
Relates to: ULO4
EN02 Diploma in Engineering
- Make decisions ethically within the social, cultural, and organisational contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO5 - 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, Group Presentation, Analytical Report, Examination - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Presentation
HL10 Diploma in Health Science
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills relating to the provision of safe, person-centred, evidence-based practice across the lifespan.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5 - 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: ULO2 - Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner across a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Group Presentation, Analytical Report, Examination