Students choose one of 4 assessment packages:

• [1]: 1 x short response question (2,000 words, 20%) due 5pm Fri 24 March OR in-class/oral presentation (15 mins, 20%) plus 80% research essay (6,000 words) due 5pm Fri 19 May = 100%.

• [2]: 1 x short response question (2,000 words, 20%) due 5pm Fri 24 March plus in-class/oral presentation (15 mins, 20%) plus 1 x 60% research essay (4,500 words) due 5pm Fri 26 May = 100%.
• [3]: In-class/oral presentation (15 mins, 20%) plus 40% research essay (3,500 words) due 5pm Fri 12 May plus 1 x end-of-semester assignment (2,500 words, 40%) due 5pm 26 May = 100%.
• [4]: 1 x 40% research essay (3,500 words) due 5pm Fri 12 May plus 1 x 60% research essay (4,500 words) due 5pm Fri 26 May = 100%.

(Option) Short responses – 2000 words (20%): The short responses aim to provide an opportunity for deep-level reflection on a specific issue considered in the unit and in the unit of study materials. The short responses provide an opportunity for students to consolidate their understanding of a thematic area in public health law, and to receive feedback prior to submission of later assessment elements.  The short response topics focus on a specific topic and require both description and analysis of primary sources, as well as requiring students to take an evaluative or normative approach. However, the extent of evaluation and normative argument is limited by the length of this assessment item. The short response questions will be available on the Canvas site at 9am (Sydney, Australia time) on Thursday, 9 March, 2023. Please refer above for due date and time. The outcome of a grant of special consideration application may include an alternative task, at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator. 

(Option) In-class presentation (20%): The in-class/oral presentation provides an opportunity for deep-level reflection on a specific issue considered in the unit and in the unit materials, and for students to demonstrate their learning in an oral presentation, receiving feedback before the due date for later assessment components.  Students present from a range of topics available.

In-class presentations will be scheduled during the intensive teaching blocks (9-10 March, 3-4 April). Limited in-class spots are available; accordingly, if more than one student chooses an oral presentation topic, the remaining students will record and submit it as an mp4 presentation  by the date that their topic is discussed in class.  Students do not have a "right" to be assessed through an in-class presentation.  Student presentations will be scheduled into the teaching sessions to coincide  with broader class discussion of that topic or theme.  Students will be advised in advance of the due date for each presentation topic.  The date on which a topic is discussed in class cannot be predicted accurately since it will depend on how quickly we progress through the syllabus.  Reasonable notice will be given to students presenting in class or submitting an oral presentation.

Prior to presenting their in-class presentation or submitting their oral presentation students will be required to submit a 1-page summary of what their presentation will cover.  Each presentation is not expected to exceed 15 minutes, and students may be questioned about aspects of their topic or presentation. The outcome of a grant of special consideration application may include an alternative task, at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator. 

(Option) Research essay (6000 words 80%), (4500 words 60%) and (3500 words 40%): The research paper options provide space for students to engage in deeper level research into a doctrinal, theoretical or policy-related issue that comes within the ambit of the unit. Students are encouraged to draw on (and benefit from) the detailed lists of further reading available at the end of the online version of the readying guide/syllabus.  Students are expected to go beyond the unit materials and to conduct their own research from primary sources and secondary sources in order to thoroughly research the topic and develop a coherent framework, response or argument.  A bibliography is expected. The Essay topics will be available on Canvas site on Monday 27 February 2023. Please refer above for due dates and time. The outcome of a grant of special consideration application may include an alternative task, at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator. 

The writing requirement for the research essay includes a nested research planning activity due one week before the submission date for the final paper.  Students planning to submit a research paper must submit a research plan that that addresses the following:

• The structure chosen for the paper and why that structure was chosen;
• Key sources to be used in the paper and why they were chosen;
• Key parts of the argument, such as 2-3 key points that the paper will make, and any counter-arguments that will be acknowledged and evaluated.

The maximum word length for the research plan is 800 words, irrespective of the length of the research paper. 

The final paper must be submitted on the dates indicated above. When submitting the final paper, students must include a copy of the previously-submitted research plan.

The research plan will not be given a separate mark but will be marked wholistically with the final paper.  The final paper will not be marked unless the student has submitted a research plan that constitutes a genuine attempt and meets minimum academic requirements.

(Option) End-of-semester assignment 2500 words (short release) (40%) : This assignment is intended to develop and assess students’ skills in presenting a synthesis of issues and topics considered in the unit.  Students are expected to describe and evaluate legal materials, and to demonstrate their capacity for developing normative arguments about public health law.  However, there is less expectation that students will engage in independent research from primary and secondary materials outside the unit.  Footnote referencing is expected. The end-of-semester assignment question will be available on the Canvas site at 9am (Sydney, Australia time) on Friday 19 May 2023. Please refer above for due date and time. The outcome of a grant of special consideration application may include an alternative task, at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator. 

Word Limit Penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required).

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking).