Botany Research Project

Subject BOTA40006 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project.
Total Time Commitment: Students should discuss total time commitment with their supervisor but as a guide, a student would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of thirty hours per week over two semesters.
Prerequisites: Entry into the School of Botany BSc (hons) program
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Email: richardw@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

A research project that 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 research project will be designed in consultation with a supervisor(s) and the School’s honours committee.

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

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

BOTA40006 Botany Research Project – 25 points
BOTA40001 Botany Research Project – 37.5 points
BOTA40007 Botany Research Project – 50 points
Objectives: The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:
 experience in, and ability to conduct independent research in a field of plant science;
 ability to review and assessing scientific literature;
 ability to test hypothesis, and design of laboratory and/or field experiments;
 experience in advanced scientific techniques, data analysis and interpretation;
 written and oral presentations; and
 potential to proceed to the PhD degree.
Assessment: Assessment will be based on a research thesis (80%; maximum 8,000 words) due at the end of the year, a literature review (10%; maximum 3,000 words) due during the first semester of student’s enrolment, presentation of a seminar based on the research findings (5%; 30 minutes) and an oral defence of the thesis (5%; 30 minutes). Students are expected to attend the School’s general weekly seminar series held during semesters (hurdle requirement).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: At the completion of this subject, students should have 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.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)

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