Major Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Students must undertake this subject in consecutive semesters in order to achieve the required 50 credit points. If approved to undertake a semester-long project subject please enrol into AGRI90072.

340 hours

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

Either NRMT90003 Social Research Methods or MAST90008 Research Philosophies & Statistics or AGRI90075 Research Methods for Life Sciencesmust be studied either before or at the same time as this subject.

It is highly recommended that students have an average grade of 75% or more in the graduate subjects undetaken prior to commencing the major research project.

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 two consecutive semesters will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 50 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. Compared to the minor research project, the major project requires deeper and higher-level analysis. 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 major 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

• 1500 word Project Proposal due week 5, 1,500 words worth 10% (A pass in the project proposal is a hurdle requirement)
• 15 minute Oral Presentation due week 12, or by arrangement worth 15%
• 10,000 - 20,000 Final Report due end of SWOTVAC period worth 75%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

If you are enrolling in this subject please ensure you enrol in two consecutive semesters to achieve the required 50 points. Your Student Centre can assist with your enrolment into this subject.