Research Project A

Subject 705-655 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

On campus
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Independent study; regular (fortnightly) meetings with a supervisor. Student is responsible for choosing a supervisor within the first four weeks of the first semester, and for arranging supervisory meetings.
Total Time Commitment: Up to 10 hours per week of independent work in which a research project is undertaken and a written report prepared under the supervision of an assigned supervisor.
Prerequisites: 702-536 (ABPL00135) - Analytical Methods for Urban Planning AND 702-532 (ABPL00132) - Urban Design for Planners.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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
Subject Overview: This two semester minor thesis project is designed to produce an ordered, critical exposition of knowledge gained through the student's own efforts, which demonstrates a sound understanding of a topic of the student's choice. Regular meetings will be held with a supervisor during both semesters, to allow students to obtain advice on the study topic and help guide their independent study.

This subject aims to develop the student's ability in:

  • critical thinking and analytical ability
  • ability to seek out, evaluate and retrieve information, using appropriate research methods, from multiple sources
  • ability to comprehend complex concepts and express them lucidly, orally and textually
  • ethics associated with knowledge acquisition and usage
  • report writing skills
Assessment: A thesis of up to 15,000 words, marked by two independent assessors due at the end of the second semester (95%); a supervisor's report to the subject coordinator due in week 7 of the first semester (hurdle); either a draft report or class presentation due in the last week of the first semester (5%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Written and graphic communication of ideas
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Development of logical arguments
  • Critical evaluation of policies and practices
  • use of citations and sources
Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
Related Course(s): Master of Construction Management
Master of Planning and Design (Coursework)
Master of Property

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