Botany Research Project

Subject BOTA40006 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project.
Total Time Commitment:

Students should discuss total time commitment with their supervisor but as a guide, a student would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of thirty hours per week over two semesters.

Prerequisites:

Admission into the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) program in the School of Botany.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Dr Mike Bayly

Contact

Email: mbayly@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This research project will provide experience in reviewing scientific literature, hypothesis testing, design of laboratory and/or field experiments, training in experimental techniques, data analysis and interpretation, and development of written and oral presentation skills. The research project will be designed in consultation with the supervisor(s) and the Honours Committee of the School of Botany.

Students enrol in a total of 75 points of research project across the duration of the Honours program. This is achieved by enrolling in a combination of the following subjects in appropriate semesters to achieve a total 75 credit points.

  • BOTA40001 Botany Research Project
  • BOTA40006 Botany Research Project
  • BOTA40007 Botany Research Project

This subject (BOTA40006 Botany Research Project) is the 25 point version for one semester.

Learning Outcomes:

The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:

  • experience in, and ability to conduct independent research in a field of plant science;
  • an ability to review and assessing scientific literature;
  • an ability to test hypothesis, and design of laboratory and/or field experiments;
  • experience in advanced scientific techniques, data analysis and interpretation;
  • experience in written and oral presentations; and
  • academic potential to proceed to the PhD degree.
Assessment:

Assessment will be based on a research thesis (80%; maximum 8,000 words) due at the end of the program, a literature review (10%; maximum 3,000 words) due during the first semester of a student’s enrolment, presentation of a seminar based on the research findings (5%; 30 minutes) and an oral defence of the thesis (5%; 30 minutes).

Students are expected to attend the School’s general weekly seminar series held during semesters (hurdle requirement).

These assessment requirements are applicable to the entire 75 point Research Project component.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

At the completion of this subject, students should have further developed skills in:

  • designing, managing and executing a research project;
  • demonstrating a breadth of knowledge in a particular discipline;
  • analysing and interpreting scientific data;
  • providing persuasive intellectual arguments;
  • exercising critical judgement, independent thinking and a problem solving approach;
  • written report presentation and oral communication; and
  • time management and self-organisation.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Botany
Botany
Honours Program - Botany

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