PROP 7004 - Property Dissertation

Course Details

Course Code	PROP 7004
Course	Property Dissertation
Coordinating Unit	School of Architecture and Built Environment
Term	Semester 2
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	Up to 6 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	ARCH 7042
Assumed Knowledge	Property development, valuation, economics and marketing
Restrictions	Available to Master of Property students only
Assessment	Attendance and participation 10%, interim report 20%, Final dissertation 70%

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Catherine Kain

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Use appropriate research methodologies and methods to address a defined research topic
Identify, access and evaluate data appropriate to the defined research topic
Demonstrate independent learning skills and self-direction in solving problems
Structure, write and present a coherent and relevant argument in response to a defined research topic
Write cogently and succinctly using the conventional language of scholarly inquiry
Demonstrate rigour in the implementation of the study and respond positively to criticism and guidance

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1,2
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	3,4,6
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	4,5
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1,2,3,6
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	6
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	1,2,3,6

Required Resources

Learning resources will be advised on an individual by the dissertation supervisor. Any general resources will be provided on the course MyUni site by the course co-ordinator.

Learning & Teaching Modes

The learning and teaching strategy is an active learning one, with the student taking responsibility for defining the research topic, choosing and applying appropriate research methods, time management and production of the final dissertation. The approach to assessment is one of integration with teaching and “assessment for learning” rather than of learning.

Study will be structured through regular meetings with the dissertation supervisor who will monitor and advise on progress but day to day work may be undertaken at the student’s convenience. Deadlines for assessment will be strictly enforced which will provide an overall framework for the semester of study.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Students are not required to attend regular weekly classes but will have access to the dissertation supervisor for face to face advice. Regular meetings are strongly encouraged. Peer interaction and support will also be used to encourage active learning and create a community of practice.

The time allocation should reflect the assessment weighting in the schedule below.

Learning Activities Summary

Essential information on property specific research and approaches to research in the built environment are provided in two separate courses namely PROP 7001 Property Research and Marketing and ARCH 7042 Designing Research. The approach to learning is progressive, building upon fundamental concepts and knowledge acquisition culminating in this course which tests students ability to apply the research approaches outlined in these two courses. Students are advised to prepare a research topic outline as part of ARCH 7042 Designing Research. This can form the basis for this Dissertation course. Regular meetings with the allocated supervisor aim to ensure that students are clear in defining their research question/ aim and make appropriate choice of research methods. The attendance and participation and interim report milestones are designed to monitor progress as well as provide progressive feedback to students.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Collaborative/Individual	Weighting	Word Count/Time	Due Date	Related Learning Outcome
Attendance & participation	Individual	10%	At least 6 supervisor meetings	Over semester	3,6,7
Interim report	Individual	20%	2,500 words	Mid semester	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Final dissertation	Individual	70%	8-10,000 words	End of semester	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Total		100%

Assessment Detail

Attendance & Participation: Up to 10% of the marks are available for attendance and participation. Students need to attend and participate well in the workshops and have evidence of at least six sessions with their supervisor(s) so as to be able to receive up to 10%.

Interim report: Students must present an individual written interim report which outlines the research field, states the research topic, aim/ question and outlines the methodological approach to be used to address the stated aim/question. An indication of the current state of knowledge of the chosen research topic derived from academic literature review is expected, though this may not be comprehensive. Students are expected to give a verbal presentation which summarises the content of their written report , to the supervisor and other students in the class at a point approximately mid way through the semester of study.

Final dissertation: The final dissertation consists of a structured 8-10,000 word report containing relevant data and supporting materials which clearly states the research question/aim of the work, explains the methodological basis of the enquiry, provides background evidence of literature search and review of relevant sources to explain the current state of knowledge on the chosen topic. The dissertation will also demonstrate evidence of the application of appropriate research methods to address the research question /aim, analyse any data or information gathered and seek to address the research question /aim by drawing conclusions from the analysis. All sources of information are expected to be referenced in an appropriate style.

Submission

All details about the individual assignment submissions and online participation tasks will be provided on MyUni.

Please note the following general points about Submissions:

General
All submissions must include Student Name and Student ID Number. Submissions without Student Name or ID Number will not be considered for marking, and will receive zero marks in accordance with the guidelines.

Please adhere to submission deadlines and follow instructions provided.

Students must not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course without prior approval from the Course Coordinator.

On occasion, the lecturer/tutor may wish to retain students’ work for future reference and the relevant student will be informed at such a time.

All work should be submitted electronically using the course MyUni site. Students should ensure that work is submitted on time on or before the due date

Late Submission
The school will NOT accept late submissions and any such assignment will receive zero marks. This also applies to electronic submissions.

Printing delays & hard disk crashes will not be entertained as legitimate causes for delay, so please ensure that the work is finished in advance. Online submissions can also take time when file sizes are large and this can result in delayed submissions. The School recommends submissions < 50MB.

Good Practice
Students should ensure that they regularly backup their work on multiple locations as hard-disk crashes are an unfortunate reality. When relying on community printing facilities, students should attempt to finish their work in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted (digital or hardcopy), as originals may be lost during the submission process.

Modified Arrangements (General)
Extensions will be granted for valid reasons such as illness but these must be arranged with the course co-ordinator before the submission deadline.

Students can apply for extensions or modified arrangements based on Medical conditions or other Extenuating circumstances. However, students need to submit their application along with supporting documents within 5 business days of the condition becoming applicable.

The application form is available online at /policies/3303/?dsn=policy.document;field=data;id=7446;m=view and needs to be submitted to the Course Coordinator along with any supporting documentation. It is not sufficient, for example, just to submit a medical certificate. If you are sick a medical certificate needs to be appended to the application form.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance and the Course Coordinator will inform the applicant if the application is accepted.

Medical Reasons
In case of an extended medical condition which makes it impossible for the student to submit the work on time, an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Medical Circumstances may be lodged with the Front Office along with a doctor’s certificate within 5 business days.

Extenuating Circumstances
If the student is unable to submit the work on time due to extenuating circumstances an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Extenuating Circumstances may be lodged with the Front Office. Please note that this is only available for certain military, religious, or legal obligations and does not extend to minor personal problems.

Compassionate Grounds
In case of certain extraordinary personal problems students can apply for extensions based on compassionate grounds. However, these must first be discussed with the Course Coordinator through appointment during the assigned office hours.

Student Support
For a full range of student support services visit /student/

Additional Assessment
If a student receives a Fail grade for the course with an overall mark between 45 and 49, they may be eligible for an Offer of Additional Assessment which would allow them to get a maximum of 50 Pass for the Course.

Additional Assessment offers are made by the School and the student will be informed directly once these are made available.

Disability
Students who have a disability and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements can contact the
University Disability Services at /disability/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person by appointment.

Elite Athlete
Students who have national/international sporting commitments and wish to seek modified submission or assessment
arrangements need to register with the University Elite Athlete Support Scheme at /eliteathletes/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person by appointment.

Referencing
Harvard referencing conventions should be used.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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