You will be assessed on your ability to grasp the key concepts and theories of the course. You will then be tested on the application of these concepts and theories to practical problems.
The course has two formal assessment components:
- the assignments; and
- a final examination.
The assignments serve as the continuous assessment component within the study period and contribute 40% of the total course mark, while 60% of the mark is for the final examination.
You are required to pass both the continuous assessment component (s) and the final examination to obtain a pass in this course.
Assignments
The course requires you to complete two assignments.
- Assignment 1 will cover materials from Units 1 and 2.
- Assignment 2 will cover materials from Units 3 and 4.
The assignments are part of the Assignment File.
You should submit each completed assignment to your tutor on or before the cut-off date. Please refer to the section on 'How to submit your assignments' in the Assignment File before you submit your first assignment.
Assignments serve three purposes:
- to provide you with a mechanism for assessing your progress;
- to test your understanding of the topics; and
- to provide an opportunity for you to apply concepts, methods and solutions you have learned to given problems.
After being marked by your assigned tutor, the assignments are returned to you so that you can monitor and clarify any misunderstanding. It is a good practice to keep a copy of each assignment so that you can refer to any queries with your tutor.
How to submit assignments
You must use word processing software (such as Microsoft Word) to prepare the assignments, and submit the assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE). All assignments must be uploaded to the OLE by the due date.
Failure to upload a assignment in the required format to the OLE may result in the score of the assignment being adjusted to zero.
Assignment submission extension policy
The assignment policy of the University as stated in the Student Handbook should be observed. You are required to submit assignments for this course in accordance with the dates communicated by your Course Coordinator. You may apply for a submission extension on the grounds of illness, accident, disability, bereavement or other compassionate circumstances
Applications for extensions must be submitted online via the OLE. Please note the following:
- Supporting documents must be submitted to justify applications for extensions of over seven days.
- Applications for extensions should normally be lodged before or on the due date.
- Applications are considered by:
- your tutor for extensions of up to seven days;
- the Course Coordinator for extensions of 8 to 21 days; and
- the Dean for extensions of over 21 days.
After an assignment is submitted via the OLE, it is your responsibility to check that the assignment has been successfully submitted. Extension applications due to any problem with uploading will not be accepted. The University cannot accept any responsibility for assignments that are not received by your tutor due to any problem with submission via the OLE. As a precaution, you are advised to keep a copy of each assignment you submit.
According to the University's policy, no extension of the due date will be allowed for the final assignment. This policy will be strictly enforced. Any late submission of the final assignment will result in the score of the assignment being adjusted to zero.
Examination
The final closed-book written examination is of three hours' duration and is worth 60% of the total course grade. The examination covers material from all units. You should use the time between finishing the last unit and the examination to review all five units in the course. In particular, we suggest you review your self-tests, assignments and your tutor's comments on the assignments before sitting for the examination. You will be advised of examination arrangements after you send in your examination registration card.
A specimen examination paper will be provided before the examination for practice purposes. The format of the specimen examination will be similar to that of the final examination.
The following table summarizes the assessment requirements for this course. In order to pass this course, you must pass both the assignments component and the examination.
Assessment type | Marks (% out of total marks) |
Assignment 1 | 20% |
Assignment 2 | 20% |
Examination (three hours) | 60% |
Total | 100% |