MSD Minor Thesis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Admission into MC-URPL Master of Urban Planning, or approval from the subject coordinator, plus completion of 100 points of the following subjects:

Under particular circumstances and with approval from the subject coordinator some or all of the above prerequisites may be waived.

OR
Admission into MC-URBDES Master of Urban Design, plus completion of the following subject:

OR

Written approval from the subject coordinator and the program coordinator.

ABPL90217 MUP Minor Thesis (1) (Masters)

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

The subject introduces students in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning to the skills necessary to conduct rigorous and original research. It also enables them to effectively communicate their research findings in a clear and systematic manner.

The first semester of this subject concentrates on the preliminary stages of research from defining a research question, to understanding various research approaches and paradigms, through to planning and beginning implementation of the research.

The second semester of this subject concentrates on the middle to final stages of research from the implementation of a research plan, to effectively interpreting and presenting results of the research plan implemented.

Regular meetings with a supervisor allow the student to obtain advice and guidance for completion of an independent study.

• Identify an appropriate research topic;
• critically analyse literature;
• develop appropriate research questions / hypotheses;
• plan and implement key aspects of a successful research program;
• select and implement appropriate research methods
• implement key aspects of a successful research program;
• implement appropriate research methods;
• appropriately and efficiently analyse research undertaken;
• draw meaningful and robust conclusions from the research process implemented; and
• implement high level oral, written and visual presentation skills.

• Submission of research proposal (5,000 words). Due last week of first semester of enrolment. Hurdle requirement (pass / fail)
• Oral presentation based upon research proposals. Due last week of first semester of enrolment. Hurdle requirement (pass / fail)
• Minor Thesis - 10,000 words including the 5000 word research proposal submitted at the end of first semester. Due last week of second semester of enrolment 100%

The 5,000 word research proposal may be further refined for incorporation into the Minor Thesis in the second semester of enrolment. A pass must be attained in both the research proposal and the oral presentation in order to pass the subject overall. A pass grade in both the research proposal and the oral presentation is required in order to progress to the second semester of the subject. Students who do not attain passes in these assessment components will be required to repeat the first semester.

Bourma, G. D., and Ling, R. (2004), The Research Process, Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Evans, D. (2000). How to Write a Better Thesis or Report, Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

To have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;

Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem solving and communication;

Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed learning.