Module code:

BMAF000-20

Module title:

Academic Study Skills

Assignment:

S1. Individual Report

Word count:

3000 words 

Contribution to module mark:

100% of overall grade

Submission deadline:

7^th October 2024 (Time: 23:59)

Learning outcome assessed:

By successful completion of the module, you will be able to demonstrate:

LO1: Time management, organisation skills and listening skills for note taking.

LO2: Integration of information from appropriate sources of literature to enhance and support your academic writing.

LO3: An understanding of academic integrity, plagiarism and referencing.

Assessment Task

 This assessment requires you to compile an Individual Report. 

Task 1: Report 

Select ONE from the following 4 academic writing topics as your report topic and conduct research on your selected topic.

1. A foreign visitor has only day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
2. Nowadays, electric cars have become popular. In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
3. Due to COVID-19, most university classes are now delivered online. From your experience, what are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning? Use reasons and examples to support your answer.
4. 2021 saw the continuation of a decade of growth in the UK organic market. What’s the future of organic food in the UK? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. 

Having gathered the relevant and appropriate information on the topic, you will now be required to complete an individual report (Max. 2000) presenting the research you have conducted and your views on the question based on this evidence. You must include in your report an introduction, main body with balanced arguments and a conclusion with comprehensive references of books, journals, and webpages.

Task 2: Essay 

Include at the end of your report a self-evaluative journal (Max. 1000 words) to reflect on your learning of this module and also the above research you conducted. You are required to explain what you have learned following the completion of your research and reveal your learning difficulties you have encountered when studying this module including the academic challenges faced, lesson learned, knowledge acquired, and the skills that you need to improve in order to enhance your future research and learning.

Criteria:

The individual Report will be marked according to the following criteria:

• Knowledge and Understanding (30%): Show knowledge and understanding of topics to be discussed.
• Argument (30%):  Integration of information from appropriate sources of literature to enhance and support your academic writing.
• Reflection, Structure and Communication (20%):  Reflection on achievement of module outcomes, module-related tasks, key points, examples.
• Referencing and use of language (20%):  Use appropriate Harvard Referencing style and in-text citations.

Assignment Structure: Report:

Cover Page 

• This should clearly follow the cover page template in your Module Handbook: your student ID, student name, module name and code, assignment name, and the word count. 

Introduction (1 page)

• Outline the content of the report. 
• Briefly provide the background to the topics you will write about.

Main Body (2-4 Pages)

• Present your findings for each topic.
• Include a balance of supporting and refuting statements.  

Conclusion (1 Page)

• Summarise the main points. 

Self-Evaluation (1-2 Pages)

• What problems/challenges did you face when finding research for this assignment?
• What did you enjoy about this assignment?
• Identify the lessons learnt and highlight any area for potential improvement.

References (1-2 Pages)

• Your assignment should be Harvard Referenced and show a range of sources. You must demonstrate at least 6 references, of which 4 must be from academic journals/ articles/textbooks. This is an academic report; therefore, appropriate referencing is expected. 

For all policies regarding submission of your work please refer to the Programme and Student Handbooks.

Fail 0-39

Poor quality

D. 40-49

Satisfactory quality

C. 50-59

Sound quality

B. 60-69

Good quality

A. 70-79

Excellent quality

A. 80-100

Outstanding quality

Knowledge and understanding

(LO1/2)

• adequate coverage of the subject area,
• the clarity and depth of the discussion,
• ability to evaluate different perspectives,
• ability to present a well-structured and balanced argument based on academic evidence.

30%

The submission is of poor quality and presents very little or no relevant material. Very little or no discussion on the topic. Arguments are poorly presented and based on little or no evidence.

A basic and descriptive summary of a very limited number of basic contributions/key points. Very little discussion or meaningful evaluation of perspectives. Greater focus needed on structuring arguments that are supported by evidence. 

Sound synthesis of relevant contributions. However, these are limited, and you are comparing them in a simple manner. Greater clarity of the discussion needed. The ideas presented need to be expanded upon. Less descriptive approach is required. Sound attempts to support the points with academic evidence. However, there is room for improvement. 

A good answer to the question, with examples of critical discussion. You have demonstrated a good ability to evaluate different perspectives on the issue. However, some arguments presented could have been further developed and/or better supported with examples/ evidence. 

An excellent review of the topic, where a rich set of relevant sources is effectively organised and compared helping to achieve the assessment’s objectives. Excellent and unbiased evaluation of different perspectives. A deep and engaging discussion. 

As before plus: an outstanding synthesis, with argumentation and materials/ evidence originally and critically compared and analysed. An exemplary submission.