LAWS6990: Principles of Oil and Gas Law

Class and fieldwork participation (10%): Students are expected to engage actively and thoughtfully in all scheduled in-class and fieldwork activities. Participation will be structured and assessed based on a combination of factors, including preparation for each session through engagement with assigned readings or materials; the quality and frequency of verbal contributions during discussions, group work, and practical exercises; and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with peers. Students should also be able to apply theoretical concepts to observations and experiences during fieldwork and in-class tasks. At key points during the unit, as identified in the learning guide, students may be asked to provide brief written or verbal reflections on their participation and learning. This component is designed to support a collaborative learning environment and to encourage students to take an active role in their own learning and in the learning of others.

Short-release reflective journal (25%): Students are required to submit a reflective journal, which should focus on their fieldwork experiences and the lessons learned that are applicable to the Australian offshore energy sector. The reflective journal should be 1000 words in length. The task will be released on the first day of the unit (30 June 2025), is due at 9am on 7 July 2025, Sydney Australia time and students will have one week to complete and submit their journal. In the event that special consideration is granted, the replacement may take an alternative form of assessment, and could include a viva voce.

Problem question (30%): Students will be required to critically analyse a complex fact pattern, correctly identify the legal issues, apply the relevant laws and cases to the fact pattern and then advise their client of the optimal legal solution. The problem question will be released on the Canvas site on the last day of the unit (4 July 2025) and will cover a range of topics that have been covered during classes and the reading materials. A strict word count of 2500 words (including all footnotes) will be enforced. This assignment is due at 9am on 4 August 2025, Sydney Australia time. In the event that special consideration is granted, the replacement may take an alternative form of assessment, and could include a viva voce.

Short-release assignment (35%): The short-release assignment will consist of a number of short answer questions (under a page or so in length each) with no choice available, students are required to answer all questions. It will be released at 9am on 8 August 2025, Sydney Australia time. These topics will span different issues and controversies raised throughout the unit. This assignment is due at 9am on 15 August 2025, Sydney Australia time. A strict word count of 3500 words (including all footnotes) will be enforced. In the event that special consideration is granted, the replacement may take an alternative form of assessment, and could include a viva voce.

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 include footnote citation; body text; headings and sub-headings; quotations; anything other than numbers and citations in footnotes and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

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). 

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.