Botany Research Project Minor

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Students should discuss this with their supervisor but as a guide, a student enrolled in a 50 point research project subject would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of forty hours per week or 800 hours for the semester. Students enrolled in a 37.5, 25 or 12.5 point research subject would be expected to be engaged in their research on a pro-rata basis.

Entry to the MSc (Botany program), or by approval of course coordinator.

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

This subject is the minor research component for the Master of Science – Botany. The research project provides an opportunity for independent research under supervision in the School of Botany, in the areas of environmental science, molecular biology and biotechnology, functional plant biology, marine botany and plant systematics and evolution. The 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 project will be designed in consultation with a supervisor(s) and approved by the School’s coordinator.

The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:

• high-level experience in, and ability to conduct independent research in a field of plant science;
• ability in reviewing and assessing scientific literature;
• ability in hypothesis testing, design of laboratory and/or field experiments;
• ability in advanced scientific techniques, data analysis and interpretation;
• written and oral presentations; and
• potential to proceed to the PhD degree.

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 75 point research project:

• a research proposal of 1,000 words due in the first month of the first semester of research project enrolment (hurdle requirement);
• a comprehensive literature review due at the end of the first semester of research project enrolment (15%; 3,000 words);
• presentation of a seminar based on the research findings (5%; 25 minutes) due after 75 points of research project enrolment;
• a research thesis (80%; 10,000 - 12,000 words) due after 75 points of research project enrolment.
• Students are expected to attend the School’s general weekly seminar series held during semesters.

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain 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.