Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is the second in a suite of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units which may be done sequentially or (to a limited extent) concurrently; each WIL unit having its own specific focus and outcomes in relation to work integrated learning. The focus of this unit is a critique of organisational culture, knowledge, and learning based on your first hand work experience and understanding of current research.

Aims

This unit aims to develop your understanding of professional practice as a cultural setting and the relationship between the individual and the collective. Based on your first hand experience of the work place, you will develop a range of understandings of the cultural characteristics of the work place relevant to your chosen profession.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following capabilities in a discipline specific context:

1. Keep an accurate and comprehensive work log and reflective journal of your work place learning activities and experiences.
2. Analyse and critique relevant literature to do with organisational culture, knowledge and learning.
3. Report and critically reflect on the impact of cultural aspects of professional practice relevant to your professional development.

Content

This unit consists of critical reflection, literature review, observations, discussions and report writing. The focus is on learning from work place experiences by application of theory. The content will cover broad contextual aspects such as the culture of practice; organisation of work and the sociology of work.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures: 10 hours total

Teaching mode
Your participation in this unit includes both on campus, off campus and online activities. The on-campus and online components may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and on-line teaching support resources as specifically scheduled for your course/ minor.

The duration of your off campus work placement under the direction of a work place supervisor will vary according to your course requirements. Ensure that you are familiar with course requirements as outlined on Blackboard.

Learning Approaches
The main learning approach in this unit is based on your first hand experience of work place experiences and understanding of current research. Work place activities and experiences are supported by or blended with, on campus and online lectures, seminars and tutorials to enhance understanding and maximize learning from your work experience. Whilst in the work place you are encouraged to work independently, to explore and experiment, to reflect on your employer's and your own work performance, to seek learning, insights and professional development opportunities.

Assessment

There are two assessment items: a literature review and report.

PLEASE NOTE: Work Log, Reflective Journal and Certificate of Time Worked

You are required to maintain and complete a work log to accurately and comprehensively record your work place activities and experiences. The work log will include details of your workplace attendance and activities and must be included as an appendix in both assessment Items.

A key element of learning is the preparation of a reflective professional journal. You are required to complete a journal relating to noteworthy experiences /activities that you observe or are involved in as part of your work placement. This journal must be completed to ensure you have a record of what you did and what you learned. During the semester, the journal will be extended and discussed before submission in assessment item 2. A suggested format for the reflective journal is available on Blackboard.

Prior to a grade being released for this unit a Certificate of Time Worked signed by your employer is required to be submitted showing completion of the required number of work experience days for your discipline. The Certificate of Time Worked (covering at least the minimum number of required days) must be attached as an appendix to assessment item 2 and must also be submitted electronically via the WIL eForm link on Blackboard. Failure to submit evidence of time worked in this format will result in a withholding of the final grade for the semester.Assessment involves an emphasis on constructive and progressive feedback using a criterion referencing approach. Formative feedback will be offered by your work place supervisor whilst on work placement and by academic staff during the semester at key times to assist you in the development of your assessment tasks. Your performance in the unit will be assessed through two items of assessment to be completed during the semester and submitted at the specified times in the semester. The assessment items will contribute to your overall summative grade for the unit.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Literature review of 3,000 words (approximately) appropriately referenced and presented.
Review of relevant literature to do with organisational culture, knowledge and learning.
A copy of your interim Work Log, Reflective Journal (and depending on your discipline an interim Certificate of Time Worked) must be included as an appendix. For further information please check Blackboard.
Submission: All assessment items are to be submitted in the prescribed format through QUT Assignment Minder.
Relates to objectives: 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: Written report of 1500 word (approximately) appropriately referenced and presented as a short oral seminar. The written and oral task should be based on your literature review, discussions with peers, colleagues and/or relevant professionals about the nature and impact of different organisational/workplace cultures, and reflections on your ongoing personal and professional development.

Your final, original Work Log, Reflective Journal and Certificate of Time Worked (covering at least the minimum number of required days) must be attached as an appendix. The final Certificate of Time Worked must also be submitted electronically via the WIL eForm link on Blackboard. Failure to submit evidence of time worked in this format will result in a withholding of the final grade for the semester.
Submission: All assessment items are to be submitted in the prescribed format through QUT Assignment Minder.
Relates to objectives: 3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There are no set texts for this unit. A list of useful books and journals will be available through Blackboard.

Risk assessment statement

In this unit you will be required to spend time in a designated work place and to participate in a range of activities associated with the practice of the work place. Individual work places will have individual work place health and safety plans, and you should make yourself familiar with these and any associated requirements. In particular you should ensure that any relevant safety courses and safety permits/cards (such as site safety card - White Card) have been attended or attained prior to participating in regulated activities, such as site visits. You are also required to conform to the regulations regarding the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This clothing, equipment or substances are designed to be worn by you to protect you from risk, injuries or illness. Check with your employer whether s/he will provide you with the appropriate PPE or if it is your responsibility to acquire the prescribed PPE.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 10-May-2012