Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The ability to obtain accurate, up-to-date, information on an ongoing basis is today accepted as an important component of competitive success. Internal and external information resources are used constantly in any organisation. This unit presents information resources and their uses, independent of the format of these resources. Information retrieval techniques are learnt for a range of sources that may be tailored to your individual subject needs. Enrolments from outside the Science and Engineering Faculty are encouraged.

Aims

This unit will help you to understand the structure of the information environment, to reflect upon the information resources you discover, and to develop the ability to find appropriate information for future problem solving. You will develop your skills in identifying, accessing, evaluating and retrieving information resources to meet specific information needs. The unit will also help you develop skills in teamwork and oral and written communication.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Discuss the role and purpose of external information and the environmental scanning process for contemporary organisations (GC1, GC2, GC6)
2. Identify the appropriate resource(s) from which to obtain the required information (GC1, GC2)
3. Tailor an information search strategy to account for varying interfaces in the information environment (GC1, GC2)
4. Work productively independently and within a team environment (GC5)
5. Demonstrate information literacy competencies (GC4)
6. Demonstrate a reasonable level of professional written and oral communication skills (GC3)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

This unit introduces you to the role and value of information to individuals and to organisations. Topics covered include information literacy; the role of information in business and the value of environmental scanning; the role of information services and information professionals; identifying user needs; searching and the searching process; the many and varied information resources currently available; online information service providers such as Dialog; people as information resources; the role of ethics and the law; current publishing trends; and the continually expanding information resources available via the Internet.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit's teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage you to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Weekly lectures are used to provide a basic understanding of the key issues. Regular industry based guest lecturers will provide a real world perspective to the issues being discussed. Practical skills are developed through in class activities. Weekly lectures will aid you in working towards the completion of assessment items. You are expected to participate in their learning experience by attending, interacting and reflecting in lectures and by undertaking the weekly set readings. Lecture and practical materials are available each week from the Blackboard site.

Concurrent Teaching
This unit is being taught concurrently with a postgraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits postgraduate and undergraduate students to attend the same lectures.

Assessment

Class activities will provide a balanced focus on theory and the practical aspects of organising information and will work towards the completion of assessment items. The assessment items have been designed to provided you with a scaffolded learning experience.You will receive regular feedback - both formal and informal - throughout the semester on your performance. Assignments are designed to include both formative and summative elements. You are encouraged to approach the unit teaching staff for assistance or clarification at anytime during the semester. Detailed assignment marking criteria will be supplied. The marking of assignments will focus on providing you with feedback on the quality of your intellectual content and on the format and construction of your written work. Unit teaching staff are available during consultation hours to clarify assignment requirements and to assist with your understanding of unit content. Teaching staff will also regularly reply to email enquiries.

Assessment name: Annotated Bibliography
Description: You are required to complete an investigation into the resources available on a specific subject.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Report
Description: You are required to develop a written report in response to a client's information need.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: You are required to keep a reflective journal throughout the semester. In the journal you will reflect upon your understanding of the theory and practical aspects of the unit and on your individual learning experience and skill development.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 14

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

Author: Rumsey, S (2008)
Title: How to find information: a guide for researchers Maidenhead, England, Open University Press

Author: Large, A., Tedd, L.A. and Hartley, R.J. (2001)
Title: Information Seeking in the online age: Principles and practice Munchen: K.G. Saur

Author: Hock, R. (2009)
Title: The extreme searcher's Internet handbook: a guide for the serious searcher Medford, N.J. CyberAge Books

You will be expected to read widely. Recent articles of interest to the subject will be highlighted weekly.

Risk assessment statement

There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familliarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures within the Faculty's campus areas and laboratories.

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: 06-Jun-2012