Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the copying of another person's ideas or expressions without appropriate acknowledgment, and presenting those ideas or forms of expressions as your own. It includes written works, such as books or journals, data and images that may be presented in tables, diagrams, designs, plans, photographs, film, music, formulae, websites and computer programs. It is just about everything that is taken from another source.

Plagiarism is a form of cheating that Western academic tradition regards as an extremely serious academic offence. The University can apply severe penalties for students who plagiarise.

It is important to realise, however, that it is certainly not cheating to use the work of others in your work. On the contrary, a well constructed essay or report should normally refer and build on the work of others for positioning, supporting and strengthening your work and advancing knowledge. Plagiarism occurs when due recognition and acknowledgment of the work of others is not provided. Therefore, whenever you are using another person's research or ideas (whether by direct quotation or by paraphrasing) you must appropriately cite the source.

Learn more about plagiarism and how to avoid it by going to: 'What you need to know about plagiarism' at the following website:

http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/study-support/study-skills/handouts/plagiarism.php