Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

None

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. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

In this subject, students undertake a substantial research program in the area of Mathematics and Statistics. The research will be conducted under the supervision of a member of the Department's academic staff. A list of the research interests of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is outlined on the website of the Department. The results will be reported in the form of a thesis and an oral presentation.

Students enrolled in the Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics program) are required to complete a 50 point Research Project. Students may enrol in one or more Research Project subjects as indicated below to ensure they have completed a total of 50 points by the end of their course.

• 620-649 Research Project - 50 points
• 620-650 Research Project - 37.5 points
• 620-651 Research Project - 25.0 points
• 620-652 Research Project - 12.5 points

After completing this subject students should have:

• discovered the challenge of research in Mathematics and Statistics;
• a deeper knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics;
• completed a substantial piece of research; and
• a sound preparation for future research in Mathematics or Statistics.

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 50 point Research Project.

A thesis (100%) is the main requirement. However, in addition students must, as a hurdle requirement, complete a 30 minute oral presentation on the work in the thesis. Theses are expected to be 60-80 pages in length, excluding references, appendices, figures and tables.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Upon completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

• problem-solving skills including the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems, identify relevant solution strategies and conduct research;
• analytical skills through the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
• presentation skills, both written and oral; and
• time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.

Students will need to use a document preparation program such as LaTeX.