Minor Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Students can undertake this subject in either Semester 1 OR Semester 2. If you wish to complete the Minor Project over 1 year please enrol in AGRI90064.

340 hours

Eligibility for honours or postgraduate degree - Undertaking a research project is conditional upon obtaining approval from a supervisor with consideration to appropriate subjects undertaken in their Masters

Students who have completed the below subjects are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

This subject enables students to conduct an original research topic under supervision, as approved by an academic project supervisor. The work commitment over one semester will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 25 points. The content and extent of the project will be determined by a project supervisor in consultation with the student and subject coordinator. Students are strongly encouraged to initiate project ideas within existing networks or to identify a project topic of keen interest, through discussion with Faculty staff, prior to subject commencement. The project represents a capstone subject and comprises a review of a body of relevant literature, together with a critical evaluation of research or experimental protocols, a modest original experiment, or limited exploration of a scientific problem, or an investigation into a problem using an approved methodology. Following an initial workshop to establish subject expectations, deliverables and skill base requirements, projects will generally involve regular meetings with their supervisor where students report on progress, difficulties and research plans. Other workshops will deliver skill development in oral and written report presentation.

• Undertake a minor original research project as a capstone learning activity on a topic in a Faculty-supported disciplinary area
• Integration and application of disciplinary knowledge and skills to an independently generated research question and investigation
• Analyze and synthesize salient features and important theoretical, methodological and empirical trends in published literature and data.
• Present research findings in clear, concise and persuasive written and verbal forms

Assessment in this subject will include: 1,500 word project proposal due Week 4 (worth 30%). A pass in the project proposal is a hurdle requirement. 5,000 - 10,000 word final report due immediately after the SWOTVAC period (worth 50%); 15 minute oral presentation due Week 12 (worth 20%).

Information Not Available

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students will have:

• capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations and to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline
• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research.