Geography - Environmental Studies Thesis

Subject GEOG40002 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular meetings with the supervisor
Total Time Commitment:

700 hours between the start of semester 1 and thesis submission at the end of semester 2 (around 235 hours for the 25pt subject; 465 for 50pt; and 350 hours for 37.5pt)

Prerequisites:

Admission into Bachelor of Science (Honours) BH-SCI;

It is a requirement that students have an approved project and supervisor prior to enrolling into this subject. The Application for Admission-Honours form can be found at http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/honours. Further information can be obtained from the Student Centre.

Corequisites:

Nil

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Nil

Non Allowed Subjects:

Nil

Core Participation Requirements:

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Russell Drysdale

Contact

Faculty of Science
Building 138, between the Doug McDonell building and the Eastern Resource Centre (ERC).

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject co-ordinator: rnd@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

An approved topic/research project selected in consultation with the supervisor/s. The student will also write a research proposal and give an oral presentation on the proposed research.
The honours program in geography provides an opportunity for students to carry out an individual research project under the supervision of a staff member who is an expert in a related part of the discipline.

Students will be enrolled in a combination of the thesis subjects indicated below to ensure they have completed a total of 75 points for the research project by the end of their course.

Each of these subjects are available in semester one and semester two.

GEOG40002 Geography – Environmental Studies Thesis – 25 points
GEOG40007 Geography – Environmental Studies Thesis – 37.5 points
GEOG40008 Geography – Environmental Studies Thesis – 50 points

Learning Outcomes:

The objectives of this subject are to:
- develop an in-depth appreciation for the research process by carrying out a research project, including the inception of a proposition, planning, analysis, reporting and defending;
- encourage the development of individual investigative skills, critical thought and the ability to evaluate information and to analyse data;
- increase the student's knowledge and understanding of the discipline area; and
- develop the student’s academic research and academic writing skills.

Assessment:

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 75-point research project. A 3,000 word research proposal and a 15-minute research Project Talk (10%) due in the middle of semester 1. A Thesis of a maximum of 20,000 words (80%) due at the end of semester 2. A 15-minute oral presentation (10%) is due towards the end of the second semester of study approximately three weeks before the thesis submission due date.

Prescribed Texts:

Writing Theses: A Manual for Honours and Masters Students. (M Webber), Research Paper No.14, School of Anthropology, Geography & Environmental Studies, The University of Melbourne

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

- To demonstrate advanced communication skills, both written and oral;
- To demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex debates and concepts;
- To be capable of undertaking directed research;
- Thinking critically; and
- Obtaining information to address research questions.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Bachelor of Environments (Honours) Environmental Geography
Geography
Honours Program - Geography

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