Independent Study Unit

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Students are expected to devote approximately 9 hours per week to this subject.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject involves a learning contract to be negotiated between the student and the subject co-ordinator. The student is given the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and increased understanding in an area of their own choice that is not taught in other subjects. It can be linked with another subject for the purpose of forming a sequential development of knowledge.

At the completion of this subject the student should be able to:

• develop a topic of enquiry to explore at an advanced level and present as a comprehensive project
• use an evidence based approach to exploring a topic of enquiry
• learn independently by designing and completing a learning contract
• set achievable learning objectives
• identify learning deficits, reflect on learning experiences and evaluate learning strategies;
• formulate outcome criteria by which achievement of objectives can be measured
• produce a record of learning achievements consistent with stated learning outcomes

Assessment goals specific to the individual content are to be contracted between the student and co-ordinator. A project or assignment would be a typical assessment requirement (100%). The overall assessment will be equivalent to a 10,000 word essay.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject the student should have developed:

• Problem solving skills by exploring a topic of enquiry;
• Analytical skills by researching and evaluating the literature;
• Writing skills by completion of assessment tasks;
• Time managment skills by planning work and submitting by the required deadlines.