Environmental Research Topic

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Contact Hours: 20 hours. Total Time Commitment: 240 hours.

Students must be enrolled in, or have already completed, the following subjects:

Completion of a subject that addresses the content of the proposed research topic, or equivalent; or prior knowledge of the research topic.

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment (MSLE) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and School policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the School’s programs. MSLE contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.

Students of the School’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the School. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.

I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.

II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.

III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject allows students to conduct an original research topic, under supervision of a subject coordinator. The work will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 25 points. The content and extent of the project will be determined by a coordinator, in collaboration with the student. The work will usually include a review of a body of literature, a review and discussion of methodology, and the analysis of an environmental topic.

1. Demonstrate competence in researching and presenting an environmental research project on an environmental topic
2. Distinguish salient features and important trends in published literature and data
3. Conduct scientific or critical research on the chosen topic, contributing to acquisition of independent research skills

A written report based on the student's original work, to be examined by a person of the supervisor's choice and the supervisor. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of these research projects, the assessment requirements are to be negotiated with the supervisor, and would normally result in a report of around 10,000 to 14,000 words. The final written report will be due at the end of semester.

Some relevant texts will be recommended by the supervisor.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Independent research on topics relevant to the subject.
• Further develop critical thinking through readings, class discussions, collaboration and assessment.