Long Research Project B

This subject is not offered in 2014.

300 hours per semester. 600 hours total time commitment across the two semesters.

Undertaking a research project is conditional upon obtaining approval from a supervisor with consideration to appropriate subjects undertaken in their Masters

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The Research Project develops a student’s ability to design and undertake a substantial body of work, to find solutions to an issue, and to report on this in written and verbal form. The project topic is developed in close collaboration between student and academic supervisors. Project definition is completed shortly after commencement of the semester of enrolment in the subject, and requires approval from the subject coordination committee. Logistic assistance for projects is coordinated on a case-by-case basis. Each student prepares a short oral presentation on their project proposal, which is peer-reviewed, as well as a written proposal (5-8 pages) to be assessed by the subject coordination committee. A more detailed oral presentation is presented on the final results of the project to an audience of Faculty staff.

On completion of the Forest Research Project students should have:

• A good understanding of the processes and practice of applied research in forest science;
• Personal experience of the application of the scientific method in a pure or applied research context;
• Extended their scientific skills in specific applied areas;
• Improved their ability to think critically and independently;
• An enhanced understanding of applications of Forest Sciences across a wide area;
• Improved oral and written communication skills;
• Developed their ability to write clear and concise reports for industry, government agencies and other users of forest science information and technology;
• Developed an understanding of how forest science training is utilized by industry, government agencies and other users of forest science information and technology and to develop links with such bodies.

The assessment requirements listed below are applicable to the entire 50 point research project

• Project Proposal (750 words) due four weeks into the first semester of enrolment, 10%;
• Thesis (maximum 15,000 words) due the day before the examination period commences in the second semester of enrolment, 75%;
• Oral Presentation (15 minutes) due in the final week of second semester of enrolment, 15%.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students will have:

• the capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations, and to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community;
• the ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline; and
• the capacity to develop independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research.