Environment management

Activity Title: Assignment 1
Paper Number and
Title: ENV402 – Marine Ecology and Freshwater Ecology
Level 4, 15 credits
Learning outcomes: LO.1 Describe factors that have formed the New Zealand coastline and the role of ocean currents in marine ecosystems.
Related Graduate Outcome(s): Locate, select and analyse relevant information from a variety of sources and apply to context-relevant tasks and problems.
Work independently and collaboratively on context-relevant academic tasks and problems.
Construct a reasoned and researched argument, communicated using a range of appropriate media.
Conditions: This is a compulsory assignment and counts towards your final result for this paper.
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Due Date: 6pm Monday, Week 9, via Blackboard
Contribution: 35%
Style: Report, open book assignment

Qualification expectations
Research and referencing: It is expected that you may need to engage in some research beyond the study guide material in order to successfully complete this assignment. Referencing is an expected requirement of research in tertiary study and any external sources of information used for your assignment should be clearly referenced following the latest APA referencing guidelines.
Presentation guidelines: Work is expected to be word-processed and submitted as a Word document or PDF, using a clear, readable font and be within 10% of the given word count (excluding any referencing). Include your name, student number and the paper code and assignment number as a header or footer. Reports should include headings or subheadings as required. Essays should include an introduction, body and conclusion. Spellchecking (NZ English) and proofreading of work prior to submission is strongly encouraged. Utilising Studiosity services is highly recommended.

ASSIGNMENT TASK

Select a particular stretch of NZ coastline:
describe at least three factors that contributed to its formation
explain the role of ocean currents in forming shaping the marine ecosystem(s) along this particular stretch of coastline.

See the following marking sheet for more details on how marks will be awarded.

Marking schedule
Criteria E (0-39) D (40-49) C (50-64) B (65-79) A (80-100)
Unattained Approaching attainment Attained Exceeded Mastered
Knowledge of the subject is not shown and necessary elements are not delivered. Student has not met all the assignment expectations or at the required level of achievement. Student meets all the assignment expectations and work meets the standard level of achievement. Student presents a clear understanding of expectations and most work is well organised, relevant and accurate. Student presents a clear, specific understanding of the competency and all work is at the highest level expected.
Introduction
Weighting
15% Incomplete or very unclear introduction of the origins and development of a selected NZ coastline. Limited or unclear introduction of the origins and development of a selected NZ coastline.
An acceptable introduction of the origins and development of a selected NZ coastline.
A clear introduction of the origins and development of a selected NZ coastline.
A clear, concise and detailed introduction of the origins and development of a selected NZ coastline.

Factors contributing to formation
Weighting
50% Very little or no
discussion on the common
areas/topics of coastline formation and/or ocean currents in marine ecosystems. Limited explanation of
three common areas/topics of coastline formation and/or ocean currents in marine ecosystems, or less than three factors discussed. Three common
areas/topics of coastline formation and/or ocean currents in marine ecosystems are adequately explained. At least three
common
areas/topics of coastline formation and/or ocean currents in marine ecosystems are explained with some good detail. At least three highly relevant areas/topics of coastline formation and/or ocean currents in marine ecosystems are explained with clear and concise detail.
Role of currents
Weighting
20% Shows little or very unclear understanding of the roles of currents in marine ecosystems.
Shows some
understanding of the roles of currents in marine ecosystems. Some areas may be missing or unclear. Shows adequate understanding of the roles of currents in marine ecosystems.
Shows good awareness and understanding of the roles of currents in marine ecosystems.
Shows clear and insightful awareness and understanding of the roles of currents in marine ecosystems.

Writing
Weighting
10% No consideration for presentation.
Little evidence of clear writing or structure, very difficult to follow.
No clear ideas presented.
Numerous spelling and/or grammatical errors that have a significant impact on readability. Inadequate presentation.
Some evidence of clear or structured writing.
Some ideas are present but are vague or not well-developed or supported.
Some grammatical and/or spelling errors that impact noticeably on readability.
Acceptable presentation.
Mostly clear writing that shows acceptable organisation and structure.
Ideas are present but
not particularly well developed or supported.
Few issues around grammar and/or spelling, some of which have an impact on readability. Good presentation.
Clear writing mainly to the point. Mostly well organised and structured writing.
Ideas are mostly well developed or supported.
Good spelling and grammar with only minor oversights that do not impact on readability. Polished presentation.
Clear, concise and well-structured writing throughout.
All ideas are well developed or supported.
Excellent spelling and grammar, correct in all aspects.
Research and APA referencing
Weighting
5% Little or no evidence of research.
Very limited or no referencing attempted or none follows APA guidelines. Sources are not relevant for the task.
References and/or citations do not follow APA guidelines, or limited referencing attempted. Some sources lack relevance or authority but are still appropriate for the task.
References and/or citations follow some APA guidelines. Sources are mostly well chosen and appropriate for the task.
References and citations follow most APA guidelines. Sources are well chosen, authoritative and are appropriate for the task.
References and citations follow all APA guidelines.