Botany Research Project Major

This subject is not offered in 2013.

This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Students should discuss this with their supervisor but as a guide, a student enrolled in a 50 point research project subject would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of forty hours per week or 800 hours for the semester. Students enrolled in a 37.5, 25 or 12.5 point research subject would be expected to be engaged in their research on a pro-rata basis.

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

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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 for the Master of Science – Botany. The research project provides an opportunity for independent research under supervision in the School of Botany, in the areas of environmental science, molecular biology and biotechnology, functional plant biology, marine botany and plant systematics and evolution. 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 coordinator.

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.

• a research proposal of 1,000 words due in the first month of the first semester of research project enrolment (hurdle requirement);
• a comprehensive literature review due at the end of year 1 (10%; 3,000 words);
• an oral presentation (20 minutes) on research progress due at the end of year 1 (pass/fail);
• a presentation based on the research findings (5%; 40 minutes) due after the full 125 points of research project enrolment;
• a research thesis (85%; 17,000 - 22,000 words) due after the full 125 points of research project enrolment.
• Students are expected to attend the School’s general weekly seminar series held during semesters.

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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.