Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Certain challenges facing Western Australian communities are complex or 'wicked', with demographic, infrastructural, political, cultural and economic dimensions that demand transdisciplinary solutions. Students will form small interdisciplinary teams, working collaboratively with academic staff, the McCusker Centre for Citizenship, and stakeholders (community members, not-for-profit and government organisations) on real-world projects.

The unit offers enquiry based learning and the development of leadership and other valuable transferable skills to later studies and employment. The methodological focus is on transdisciplinary collaboration in the service of addressing and designing solutions to complex or wicked problems. Students will have opportunities to apply their discipline-specific skills such as critical thinking and analysis, research, project management, planning, development, or community engagement. Further skills developed include self-awareness, deep listening, inclusive communication, and teamwork.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify, articulate, and analyse a complex problem and the ways to address them; (2) reflect and act on a sense of social responsibility and civic belonging; (3) demonstrate skills in collaboration, social inclusion, interpersonal communication, teamwork and leadership among diverse personnel; (4) demonstrate skills in professional communication (oral, written and visual); and (5) articulate how both the organisation stakeholders and the students gained form the exchange.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) options paper; (2) group project and formal presentation; and (3) learning process report. Further information is available in the unit outline.



This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Catherine Martin
Unit rules
Prerequisites
any bachelor's degree.
permission/approval is required to enrol
Approved quota: 30—allocation is based on academic merit and the overall interdisciplinary mix.
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field work (estimated cost - $100).
Contact hours
The unit is a 6 week intensive. Attendance at the service learning location is required every day for the first week. In the remaining weeks, students will work independently in project teams, with classroom time reduced to around 15-20 hours altogether.
Note
Enrolment in this unit is subject to approval by the unit coordinators.

The unit is a 6 week intensive. Attendance at the service learning location is required every day for the first week. In the remaining weeks, students will work independently in project teams, with classroom time reduced to around 15-20 hours overall.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.