Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: OFFC5350C
Course Title: Operate spatial software applications
Important Information:
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4417 - Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
Course Contact: Matthew Sweeney
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4105
Course Contact Email: matthew.sweeney@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Dr Indira Wittamperuma
Course Coordinator
Building, Surveying & Land Management
Built Environment & Sustainability
RMIT University
College of Vocational Education
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Email: indira.wittamperuma@rmit.edu.au
Phone: +61399254176
Nominal Hours: 80
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to operate spatial software applications to produce, name and store spatial documents. Spatial documents include documents that contain geographic content such as a map, plan, spreadsheet, graph, diagram. The course includes planning work tasks and selecting and using suitable software and equipment to present, calculate and check spatial information.
This course is suitable for entry-level technicians who use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a range of methods, tools, materials and information to complete routine and non-routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to a variety of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CPPSSI4036 Operate spatial software applications |
Element: |
1. Plan spatial operation |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify and review task objectives, audience and presentation requirements in consultation with appropriate persons. 1.2 Select appropriate software application, equipment and resources to meet spatial task objectives and organisational requirements. 1.3 Set up and check software to ensure correct operation and functionality. |
Element: |
2. Carry out spatial operation |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Operate tools and features of software application to produce spatial documents according to task requirements. 2.2 Undertake computations using basic formulas and functions in software. 2.3 Use technical functions and tools to edit, format and complete documents according to task requirements. 2.4 Implement quality controls to verify accuracy of document content according to task requirements. 2.5 Identify and resolve problems with spatial data and documents. |
Element: |
3. Finalise spatial operation |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Design spatial document presentation and layout. 3.2 Name and store spatial documents in directories and folders according to organisational requirements. 3.3 Check and finalise spatial documents according to task requirements. 3.4 Complete and record documentation according to organisational requirements. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning Activities:
- Spatial data types and file formats
- Viewing data in different spatial references
- Work with spatial data
- Identify and remove spatial data errors
- Intro to ESRI ArcGIS Pro
- Produce basic map
- Conduct statistical Analysis
- Create ESRI File Geodatabase
- Create heat map
- Create graphs and scatterplots
Teaching Schedule
Syllabus - Spatial Software Applications
The following syllabus provides you with this course's Training and Assessment schedule. Refer to this page to find out what themes will be discussed each week and when assessments are due. You will also find important information on census dates, excursions and practices. While we endeavour to deliver and assess in line with this syllabus, we reserve the right to make changes to accommodate unexpected circumstances.
Session/Date |
Theme |
Assessments |
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Session One 10-16 February |
Lesson Title: Introduction to Spatial Software Applications Description: During this session, you will be introduced to the assessment, and the teacher will provide a thorough overview of the assessment documentation, including its requirements and expectations. In addition, software licenses will be distributed to you, allowing you to access and utilize the required software on your home computers for the assessment. Furthermore, you will be informed about additional training opportunities available to you, such as LinkedIn Training, which offers a range of courses and resources to further enhance your skills and knowledge in the subject area. This will enable you to expand your learning beyond the classroom and gain valuable insights from various educational platforms. |
Assessment 1 released
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Session Two 17-23 February |
Lesson Title: Defining project requirements and key components Description: During this session, you will be introduced to the "Project Scoping Document," which serves as a comprehensive guide for defining the project requirements and key components that need to be addressed in collaboration with the client. The document will cover various essential areas, including objectives, purpose, positional accuracy, validation methods, legislative requirements, spatial references, spatial datasets including Digital elevation models, analysis requirements,, metadata standards, backup schedule, upload requirements, Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements when working on screen-based equipment, geoprocessing workflow, and the clarification and confirmation of task requirements. By thoroughly discussing these areas, we aim to establish a clear understanding of the project scope and ensure alignment between all stakeholders involved. |
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Session Three 24 February -2 March |
Lesson Title: Initial meeting requirement with client (Continued) Description: During this session, you will will be assigned an assessment task that involves participating in a meeting with the client. The purpose of the meeting is to engage in extensive discussions and document all project requirements, while also addressing a series of questions. The main objective of these discussions and documentation is to establish a clear and precise understanding of the project scope, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders. This meticulous process will facilitate effective planning and execution of the assessment task, ultimately leading to a successful outcome. By successfully completing these tasks, you will demonstrate their proficiency in understanding and managing project requirements, as well as their ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders. |
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Session Four 3 - 9 March |
Lesson Title: Obtain and validate spatial datasets Description: In this session, you will engage in an assessment task focused on downloading and validating spatial datasets for a project using industry-accepted methods. Before starting the task, you will receive training on the appropriate methods for obtaining and validating spatial datasets. You will also become familiar with the relevant GIS software. This training will cover important aspects such as documenting the dataset's details like name, version number or currency date, format type, geometry, source location, spatial reference (projection, datum, and coordinate system), determined accuracy, discrepancies, suitability, and limitations. In addition to the practical task, you will be required to answer knowledge questions, demonstrating their understanding of the subject matter. By successfully completing these tasks, you will showcase their proficiency in obtaining, validating, and managing spatial datasets, as well as your comprehension of the underlying concepts and principles. |
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Session Five 10-16 March |
Lesson Title: Resolve Errors Description: In this session, you will engage in an assessment task focused on resolving spatial data problems and irregularities, particularly related to geometry and attribute errors. To effectively address these issues, you will undergo training to enable you to identify and rectify data quality issues associated with the data obtained. By familiarizing themselves with these techniques, you will acquire the necessary skills to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the spatial data, thereby enhancing its overall quality and usability. By successfully completing these tasks, you will demonstrate your proficiency in identifying and resolving spatial data problems, showcasing their ability to maintain high-quality datasets that meet the required standards. Note: 10 Mar - Labour Day public holiday |
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Session Six 17-23 March |
Lesson Title: Calculate and interpret univariate statistics Description: In this session, you will engage in an assessment task focused on analyzing graves within the Riverside Cemetery, Queenbeyan NSW. The task involves designing and creating a graph and table to visually represent and present the total number of graves for different religions in the cemetery. You will receive training on the analysis techniques and tools needed for this task. You will learn how to analyze the data and calculate various univariate statistics for each religion group. The statistics to be determined include the minimum value, maximum value, summary statistics (such as count and sum), mean, median, range, mode, and standard deviation. Upon completing the analysis, you will validate the results with the teacher to ensure accuracy and enhance their understanding of the findings. By successfully completing these tasks, you will demonstrate their proficiency in data analysis, graph creation, and calculation of univariate statistics. This assessment will showcase your ability to work with real-world data, interpret statistical measures, and effectively present their findings in a graphical format. It will also demonstrate their skills in utilizing appropriate tools and techniques for data analysis and visualization. |
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Session Seven 24-30 March |
Lesson Title: Create Thematic layer Description: In this session, you will engage in an assessment task focused on utilizing a digital elevation model (DEM) to generate a thematic layer and contour lines, along with their corresponding elevation values. To successfully complete this task, you will receive training in applying geoprocessing techniques within a geographical information system (GIS) software. You will learn how to use the software tools and functions to process the DEM data and create the desired thematic layer and contour lines. By successfully completing these tasks, you will demonstrate your proficiency in working with DEM data, applying geoprocessing techniques, and generating informative thematic layers and contour lines. This assessment will showcase your ability to analyze and visualize elevation data effectively using GIS technology, which is a valuable skill in various geospatial applications and industries. |
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Session Eight 31 March - 06 April |
Lesson Title: Metadata report Description: In this session, you will be assigned an assessment task focused on creating a metadata statement for the Riverside Cemetery report in accordance with ISO standards. The task involves filling in the necessary metadata fields to ensure compliance with the specified ISO standards, thereby providing comprehensive information about the report and its contents. To successfully complete this task, you will receive training on metadata creation and understanding the relevant attribute fields that need to be populated. This training will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately document and describe the report in compliance with ISO standards. Additionally, as part of the session, you will be expected to answer a knowledge question, demonstrating their understanding of metadata creation and the significance of associated attribute fields. This will further assess the your comprehension of metadata standards and their ability to effectively document and organize information. By successfully completing these tasks, you will showcase your proficiency in creating metadata statements that adhere to ISO standards. This demonstrates your ability to accurately document and describe the Riverside Cemetery report, ensuring effective data management and facilitating information retrieval in accordance with industry best practices. |
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Session Nine 7-13 April |
Lesson Title: Finalise and submit project assessment Description: In this session, you will be assigned an assessment task that involves finalizing all documentation related to your project. This includes ensuring that all required documents, reports, or presentations are completed and reviewed for accuracy and completeness. You will also need to complete the 'Submission of Completed Work' document, which includes providing a summary of the work done and any additional information required for submission. Furthermore, as part of the assessment task, you will be required to upload all necessary materials onto the Canvas platform. This includes submitting the completed documents, reports, or presentations in the designated format specified by the instructor. By successfully completing this task and submitting all required materials, you will demonstrate your ability to effectively organize and finalize project documentation, ensuring that all necessary information is provided for assessment. You will also showcase your proficiency in utilizing the Canvas platform to submit their work in a timely and accurate manner. |
Assessment 1 due: 13 April 2025
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Session Ten 14-17 April |
Lesson Title: Initial meeting and data validation Description: During this session, you will be presented with an assessment task where they will have a meeting with the client to discuss and document the project requirements. The focus will be on understanding the client's needs and expectations for the project. Additionally, you will be tasked with downloading and validating the necessary spatial datasets for the project. This will involve using industry-accepted methods to ensure the accuracy and quality of the data. By successfully completing these tasks, you will contribute to the foundation of a well-informed and structured project. |
Assessment 2 released |
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Mid-semester break 18 - 25 April |
The Mid-semester break is a scheduled break in the semester. No teaching or assessment will occur during this time. Also, your Trainer/Assessor won't be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break. Census date for Semester 1: 31 March |
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Session Eleven 29 April - 5 May |
Lesson Title: Resolve Errors Description: In this session, you will engage in an assessment task focused on resolving spatial data problems and irregularities, particularly related to geometry and attribute errors. To effectively address these issues, you will undergo training to enable you to identify and rectify data quality issues associated with the data obtained. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques, you will acquire the necessary skills to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the spatial data, thereby enhancing its overall quality and usability. By successfully completing these tasks, you will demonstrate their proficiency in identifying and resolving spatial data problems, showcasing your ability to maintain high-quality datasets that meet the required standards. |
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Session Twelve 5-11 May |
Lesson Title: Calculate and interpret univariate statistics Description: In this session, you will be assigned an assessment task focused on examining the impact of roads on the Koala population. The task involves designing and creating a graph that visually represents the relationship between roads and Koala sightings. The graph will include a scatterplot with a trendline and the associated correlation coefficient value. Additionally, you will receive training in analysing the provided dataset to calculate various univariate statistics for the Koala sighting numbers. The statistics to be determined include the minimum value, maximum value, summary statistics (such as count and sum), mean, median, range, mode, and standard deviation. Upon completing the task, you will validate the results with the teacher to ensure accuracy and understanding of the analysis. By successfully completing these tasks, you will demonstrate your proficiency in data visualization, statistical analysis, and interpreting the relationship between roads and the Koala population. |
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Session Thirteen 12-18 May |
Lesson Title: Thematic map showing koala density Description: In this session, you will be assigned an assessment task that involves utilizing geoprocessing techniques within Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to manipulate and edit Koala data. The main objective is to create a thematic map showcasing the density of Koalas. This map will be integrated with aerial photography, satellite imagery, or a map serving as a background. To successfully complete this task, you will receive training in applying geoprocessing techniques within a geographical information system (GIS) software. You will learn how to use the software tools and functions to process the data and create the desired thematic layer. By successfully completing this task, you will demonstrate your proficiency in applying geoprocessing techniques, data manipulation, and map creation using GIS software. You will showcase your ability to effectively represent and visualize Koala density information in a thematic map, integrating it with other spatial data sources for enhanced context and presentation. |
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Session Fourteen 19 - 25 May |
Lesson Title: Create Metadata Description: During this session, the student will be assigned an assessment task that focuses on creating a metadata statement for Riverside Cemetery Analysis Report, following the ISO standards. The task entails filling in the required metadata fields, adhering to the specified ISO standards, to provide comprehensive information about the contents. To ensure the successful completion of the task, the student will receive training on metadata creation and understanding the relevant attribute fields that need to be populated. This training will equip the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately document and describe the report in compliance with ISO standards. By successfully completing these tasks, the student will demonstrate their proficiency in creating metadata statements that adhere to ISO standards, showcasing their ability to accurately document geospatial datasets and facilitate effective data management practices. |
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Session Fifteen 26 May - 01 June |
Lesson Title: Submission of completed work document Description: In this session, you will be assigned an assessment task focused on completing and reviewing all project documentation. You will need to ensure that all required documents, reports, or presentations are finalized with accuracy and completeness. Additionally, you will be responsible for completing the 'Submission of Completed Work' document, which includes summarizing the work done and providing any additional information necessary for submission. By successfully completing this task, you will demonstrate your proficiency in organizing and finalizing project documentation to meet the required standards. You will showcase your attention to detail and ability to effectively communicate the key aspects of your work. |
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Session Sixteen 02 - 08 June |
Lesson Title: Store spatial data and documentation Description: In this session, you will be assigned an assessment task that involves completing all necessary requirements and uploading all completed documentation onto the Canvas platform. You will be responsible for reviewing and finalizing all project components, ensuring that all requirements are met and all documentation is complete. This includes checking for accuracy, proper formatting, and adherence to guidelines. Upon completion, you will need to upload all the finalized documentation onto the Canvas platform. This will involve organizing the files, naming them appropriately, and submitting them in the designated location. By successfully completing this task, you will demonstrate your ability to effectively manage and submit your work, showcasing your attention to detail and adherence to submission requirements. |
Assessment 2 due: 08 June 2025 |
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Session Seventeen 09 - 15 June |
Revision and feedback on work completed King's Birthday public holiday 09 June |
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Session Eighteen 16 - 22 June |
Assessment marking and finalising results |
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Official Results Release 3 July |
Important: It is your responsibility to check your results on this date. Your official results for this course will be released on this date. Your teacher will not inform you of your final result. It will only be available via My Student Record on RMIT's website. It is not your Trainer/Assessors responsibility to let you know your final result. Your teacher will not be available to comment on your assessment or final results from 27 June 2024. After this date, you can contact them to talk about your final result if you need it. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. You will also use equipment and software packages in the laboratory for the project work. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts
Check the Library Subject Guides: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial
Accessed Via the RMIT Library Link:
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Name |
Description |
Release Date |
Due Date |
Assessment 1: Riverside Cemetery Flood Analysis Report |
Utilise univariate statistics to analyse datasets and applying spatial and attribute queries to produce results and reports that assess flood impact and recovery. |
10 Feb 2025 |
13 April 2025 |
Assessment 2: Determine Environmental Factors Affecting Koala |
Analyse environmental factors in a specific location using data analysis and spatial techniques to evaluate their impact and generate comprehensive reports with associated graphs |
14 April 2025 |
08 June 2025 |
Assessment Matrix
Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency – Instructions
Element |
Performance criteria |
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Assessment Task 1 Riverside Cemetery flood analysis report |
Assessment Task 2 Environmental Factors affecting Koalas |
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1. Plan spatial operation.
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1.1. Identify and review task objectives, audience and presentation requirements in consultation with appropriate persons. |
A1 |
A1 |
1.2. Select appropriate software application, equipment and resources to meet spatial task objectives and organisational requirements. |
A1 |
A1 |
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1.3. Set up and check software to ensure correct operation and functionality. |
A1 |
A1 |
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2. Carry out spatial operation |
2.1. Operate tools and features of software application to produce spatial documents according to task requirements. |
B3, B4 |
B3, B4 |
2.2. Undertake computations using basic formulas and functions in software. |
B3 |
B3 |
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2.3. Use technical functions and tools to edit, format and complete documents according to task requirements. |
B4 |
B4 |
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2.4. Implement quality controls to verify accuracy of document content according to task requirements. |
B3 |
A1, B3 |
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2.5. Identify and resolve problems with spatial data and documents |
B1, B2 |
B1, B2 |
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3 Finalise spatial operation |
3.1 Design spatial document presentation and layout
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B3, B4, B5
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B3 |
3.2. Name and store spatial documents in directories and folders according to organisational requirements. |
B7 |
A1, B7 |
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3.3. Check and finalise spatial documents according to task requirements |
B6 |
B6 |
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3.4. Complete and record documentation according to organisational requirements. |
B6 |
B6 |
Performance Evidence | ||
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements below |
Assessment Task 1 Riverside Cemetery Analysis Report |
Assessment Task 2 Environmental Factors affecting Koalas |
To demonstrate competency a candidate must meet the elements and performance criteria of this unit by planning and producing two spatial documents. Each spatial document must use two different types of spatial software applications. |
Assessment Task 1
Riverside Cemetery flood analysis report
ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Safe Software FME, Adobe PDF, Microsoft Excel |
Assessment Task 2
Environmental Factors affecting Koalas
Safe Software FME, Microsoft Excel |
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Knowledge Evidence | ||
To be competent in this unit a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of: |
Assessment Task 1 Riverside Cemetery flood analysis report |
Assessment Task 2 Environmental Factors affecting Koalas |
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B7 Question 1 |
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B7 Questions 1, 2, 3 |
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B7 Question 4 |
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B7 Question 6 |
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Assessment conditions |
Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions |
Assessors must meet the requirements for assessors contained in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations. |
Assessors need to satisfy the assessor requirements for delivering this unit. Assessors to have appropriate industry experience and knowledge This to be managed by the training manager |
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting where these skills and knowledge would be performed. |
Assessments reflect the workspace environment. Assessors to have appropriate industry experience and knowledge. Students have access to computers with the latest GIS software packages during scheduled class times that comply with current industry practices.
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Candidates must have access to: | |
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computer with access to GIS software applications printer and other hardware necessary for work tasks.
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All labs will have the appropriate computers and software installed. Software that students required include:
Students will have access to additional software through Office 365. The students can sign in with your RMIT email address and password. |
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organisational policies and procedures relating to: • work health and safety (WHS) • data privacy and copyright. |
Students will be provided documentation relating to work health and safety (WHS), data and information privacy and/or licensing as part of the training. |
Other Information
Attendance Requirement - 85% for all students.
Resubmission Policy:
To pass this course, students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for all their Assessments (and parts of those assessments).
Students who do not achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for their entire original submission for an Assessment will be provided with 1 (one) more submission opportunity (e.g. the resubmission) with a specific due date by their assessor. Students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result on their resubmission for that Assessment, by the due date given to them by their Assessor.
Students who fail to submit their assessment by the due date will be issued a DNS (Did Not Submit) result which will not be overturned by teaching or managing staff. A DNS result will be overturned based on an approved Extension of Time or approved Special Consideration.
To be deemed Competency Achieved, students must achieve a satisfactory result in all assessment tasks. Students who fail to receive a Satisfactory result on all assessment tasks and have exhausted their resubmissions, extension of time applications, special consideration applications or Equitable Learning Plan provisions will be deemed as Not Yet Competent.
Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience.
To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:
• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course
Please refer to the following link for more information about Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Study and learning Support:
Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:
• Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
• Maths and Science developmental support and advice
• English language development
Please refer to the following link for more information about study and learning support:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre
Equitable Learning Services (ELS):
If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to the following link for more information about equitable learning services:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services
Late submission:
If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgement as to whether the extension has been granted.
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.
Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.
Special consideration:
Please refer to the following link for more information about special considerations:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a form of cheating, and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.
Please refer to the following link for more information about plagiarism:
www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address, and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.
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