Botany Research Project Major

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Entry to the MSc (Botany program), or by approval of course coordinator.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject is the major research component offered in plant sciences for the MSc degree. The research project provides an opportunity for independent research under supervision in the School of Botany, in the areas of cellular and molecular plant sciences (involving genomic, proteomic and metabolomic platforms), plant systematics and evolution, and environmental science. The research project will provide: experience in reviewing scientific literature, hypothesis testing, design of laboratory and/or field experiments, training in experimental techniques, data analysis and interpretation, and development of written and oral presentation skills. The major research project has the potential to lead to research publication of results. The project will be designed in consultation with a supervisor(s) and approved by the School’s postgraduate coordinators.

Students may enrol in a combination of research project subjects as indicated below (each of which is available in the summer semester, semester one and semester two) over their two years of full-time study or over their four years of part-time study, to ensure they have completed a total of 125 points for the major research project by the end of their course.

125 point Major Research Project:

• 606-671 Botany Research Project Major – 12.5 points
• 606-672 Botany Research Project Major – 25 points
• 606-673 Botany Research Project Major – 37.5 points
• 606-675 Botany Research Project Major – 50 points

The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:

• high-level experience in, and ability to conduct independent research in a field of plant science;

• ability in reviewing and assessing scientific literature;

• ability in hypothesis testing, design of laboratory and/or field experiments;

• ability in advanced scientific techniques, data analysis and interpretation;

• written and oral presentations; and

• potential to proceed to the PhD degree.

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 125 point Research project.

Assessment will be based on a research thesis (85%; 17,000 - 22,000 words), a comprehensive literature review (10%; 3,000 words) and presentation of a seminar based on the research findings (5%; 40 minutes). Submission of the literature review and presentation of the seminar will be based on the timing of the research project. The literature review will be submitted at an early stage of the research project and presentation of the seminar and submission of the research thesis at the end of the research project. Students are expected to attend the School’s general weekly seminar series held during semesters (hurdle requirement).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

• designing, managing and executing a research project;

• demonstrating a breadth of knowledge in a particular discipline;

• analysing and interpreting scientific data;

• providing persuasive intellectual arguments;

• exercising critical judgement, independent thinking and a problem solving approach;

• written report presentation and oral communication; and

• time management and self-organisation.