QCD210 Academic Communication 2
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: | QCD210 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | QCD211 |
| 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: | QCD210 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Morag Kobez | morag.kobez@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit helps to develop the academic writing and literacy skills needed to be a successful, ethically responsible, independent learner in undergraduate university programs. 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:
- Source and evaluate information from a range of academic texts
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise information to form an academic argumentRelates to: Diploma Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Apply knowledge to the construction of a variety of academic texts.
- Demonstrate the ability to participate effectively in a small group discussion
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of academic integrity through appropriately integrating print and/or visual sources using APA Referencing Style.
Content
Learning Approaches
This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching and is designed to encourage the learner to actively engage in a variety of learning opportunities around content. During the course of the unit you will have access to both timetabled activities such as workshops, tutorials, and to eContent. During the timetabled activities, you will be provided with opportunities to explore the unit content in a collaborative learning environment. eContent will be clearly identified on your Canvas site for you to engage with on a weekly basis. eContent could include videos, readings, self-reflection or peer activities and is designed to enhance your learning experience. After your weekly classes, it is expected that you continue to engage with the available resources to ensure you consolidate your understanding of unit content.
This unit provides a supportive learning environment in which you are encouraged to take risks with your academic language production. Teaching team members will be available for one-on-one consultations throughout the teaching period to assist you with your learning journey.
You will be challenged through regular tasks that are designed to build your academic language and literacy knowledge. During workshops and tutorials, opportunities will be provided for you to develop and refine your academic practices.
The knowledge and skills you gain in this unit can 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.
This unit adopts strategies which support and promote independent learning.
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.
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. You will be required to progressively provide evidence of your engagement with the assessment items as this unit aims to build sustainable academic practices.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Summary Notes table
You will complete a summary notes based table for four journal articles that will be provided to you.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Literature Review
You are required to narrow the broader topic provided and identify an area of focus. This focus area will become the topic of your literature review. As a literature review requires you to read widely and critically evaluate sources, you are strongly encouraged to show your tutor a draft of at least one paragraph of your work.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Small Group Discussion
You must select what you consider to be the most significant or influential source you used in your literature review. You should evaluate and reflect on this source as you will need to prepare to discuss it with a small group of your peers. You will be provided with questions that the group will need to use to guide the discussion. Each group will have 3-4 members and 12-15 minutes to participate in the discussion.
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 synthesising skills.
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, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: Literature Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Small Group Discussion, Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Examination
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO5, Small Group Discussion
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO3
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, 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
- Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
Relates to: ULO2, Literature Review - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of oral genres.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
Relates to: ULO5
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, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO5
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: ULO1, ULO2, Examination - Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner across a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination
IF06 Diploma in Creative Industries
- have cognitive and communication skills to identify, analyse, consolidate and synthesise information in at least one Creative Industries discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Summary Notes table - critically analyse, synthesise and use information to address creative enterprise issues
Relates to: ULO1, Summary Notes table, Literature Review - have communication skills to transfer technical and theoretical concepts of a Creative Industries discipline to others.
Relates to: ULO4, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination
IT10 Diploma in Information Technology
- Communicate effectively in academic contexts
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination
Unit Outline: College 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | QCD210 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Morag Kobez | morag.kobez@qut.edu.au |
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:
- Source and critically evaluate relevant academic sources to support analysis and argumentation.
- Synthesise insights from multiple academic sources to develop coherent arguments that demonstrate critical thinkingRelates to: Diploma Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Develop proficiency in academic writing by organising and presenting complex ideas with clarity, coherence, and following appropriate academic conventions.
- Develop and present persuasive oral arguments through peer collaboration and critical group discussion.
Content
- Sourcing and critically evaluating academic sources
- Critical reading strategies
- Writing as a process
- Critical thinking
- Managing complex information
- Synthesising and expressing ideas
- Language of argument
- Evidence-based argumentation
- Effective collaboration and critical discussion with peers
- Effective academic referencing and citation practices
- Generative AI as a research tool
- Critically evaluating Generative AI outputs
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 12-15 minutes to participate in the discussion. This assessment item is completed as a group but graded individually.
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.
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 one annotated bibliography entry based on an article that will be provided. This assessment requires the use of evaluation, reflection and analysis skills.
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
- 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, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination - 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
- 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
- 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, Examination - Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner across a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination
IF06 Diploma in Creative Industries
- have cognitive and communication skills to identify, analyse, consolidate and synthesise information in at least one Creative Industries discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3 - critically analyse, synthesise and use information to address creative enterprise issues
Relates to: ULO1 - have communication skills to transfer technical and theoretical concepts of a Creative Industries discipline to others.
Relates to: ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination
IT10 Diploma in Information Technology
- Communicate effectively in academic contexts
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Examination
Unit Outline: College Summer 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | QCD210 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Morag Kobez | morag.kobez@qut.edu.au |
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:
- Source and critically evaluate relevant academic sources to support analysis and argumentation.
- Synthesise insights from multiple academic sources to develop coherent arguments that demonstrate critical thinking.
- Develop proficiency in academic writing by organising and presenting complex ideas with clarity, coherence and following academic conventions.Relates to: Diploma Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Develop and present persuasive oral arguments through peer collaboration and critical group discussion.
Content
- writing as a process
- critical reading strategies
- critical thinking
- sourcing, critically evaluating academic sources
- ethical and responsible use of Generative AI as a research tool
- 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 12-15 minutes to participate in the discussion. This assessment item is completed as a group but graded individually.
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.
Assessment: Examination
You will be required to write an annotated bibliography entry based on an article that will be provided. This assessment requires the use of evaluation, reflection and critical thinking skills.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
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: ULO3, Academic Blog, Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO1, Academic Blog
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Small Group Discussion, Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Academic Blog, Examination
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: Small Group Discussion
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO4
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Small Group Discussion
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB02 Diploma in Architectural Studies
- Demonstrate foundational theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills relevant to the disciplines of architecture and built environment.
Relates to: Examination - Communicate fundamental knowledge, ideas and creative solutions to a range of audiences using diverse modes.
Relates to: Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog
BS40 Diploma in Business
- Demonstrate and apply foundational theoretical and technical knowledge across the broad field of business.
Relates to: Examination - Use technical and technological skills to understand real world business operations.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4 - Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
Relates to: ULO3, Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Academic Blog, Examination - Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of oral genres.
Relates to: Small Group Discussion - 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: ULO1 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
Relates to: Small Group Discussion - Apply knowledge of ethical and legal perspectives in analysing and addressing business issues.
Relates to: ULO1
EN02 Diploma in Engineering
- Make decisions ethically within the social, cultural, and organisational contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1 - Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Academic Blog, Examination - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Small Group Discussion - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO3
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, ULO3 - Demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, inclusive and culturally safe approaches to person-centred care.
Relates to: ULO1 - Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner across a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination
IT10 Diploma in Information Technology
- Demonstrate IT discipline knowledge
Relates to: Examination - Communicate effectively in academic contexts
Relates to: Small Group Discussion, Academic Blog, Examination - Work independently and within effective teams
Relates to: Small Group Discussion