Long Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

This subject is completed over one semester. Should you wish to complete your project over an entire year you should enrol into FRST90077 Long Research Project B.

This subject can be studied at Creswick, Burnley or Parkville.

600 hours over the semester.

Undertaking a research project is conditional upon obtaining approval from a supervisor with consideration to appropriate subjects undertaken in their Masters

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

The Research Project develops a student’s ability to design and undertake a substantial body of work, to find solutions to an issue, and to report on this in written and verbal form. The project topic is developed in close collaboration between student and academic supervisors. Project definition is completed shortly after commencement of the semester of enrolment in the subject, and requires approval from the subject coordination committee. Logistic assistance for projects is coordinated on a case-by-case basis. Each student prepares a short oral presentation on their project proposal, which is peer-reviewed, as well as a written proposal (5-8 pages) to be assessed by the subject coordination committee. A more detailed oral presentation is presented on the final results of the project to an audience of Faculty staff.

On completion of the Forest Research Project students should have:

• A good understanding of the processes and practice of applied research in forest science, horticultural science or urban ecology;
• Personal experience of the application of the scientific method in a pure or applied research context;
• Extended their scientific skills in specific applied areas;
• Improved their ability to think critically and independently;
• An enhanced understanding of applications of the subject area across a wide area;
• Improved oral and written communication skills;
• Developed their ability to write clear and concise reports for industry, government agencies and other users of natural resource management information.

Project Proposal (750 words) due four weeks into semester, 10%;

Thesis (maximum 15,000 words) due the day before the examination period commences, 75%;

Oral Presentation (15 minutes) due in the final week of semester, 15%.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students will have:

• the 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;
• the ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline; and
• the capacity to develop independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research.