Geography - Environmental Studies Thesis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

700 hours between the start of semester 1 and thesis submission at the end of semester 2 (around 235 hours for the 25pt subject; 465 for 50pt; and 350 hours for 37.5pt)

Admission into Bachelor of Science (Honours) BH-SCI;

It is a requirement that students have an approved project and supervisor prior to enrolling into this subject. The Application for Admission-Honours form can be found at http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/honours. Further information can be obtained from the Student Centre.

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

An approved topic/research project selected in consultation with the supervisor/s. The student will also write a research proposal and give an oral presentation on the proposed research.
The honours program in geography provides an opportunity for students to carry out an individual research project under the supervision of a staff member who is an expert in a related part of the discipline.

Students will be enrolled in a combination of the thesis subjects indicated below to ensure they have completed a total of 75 points for the research project by the end of their course.

Each of these subjects are available in semester one and semester two.

- GEOG40002 Geography – Environmental Studies Thesis – 25 points
- GEOG40007 Geography – Environmental Studies Thesis – 37.5 points
- GEOG40008 Geography – Environmental Studies Thesis – 50 points

The objectives of this subject are to:
- develop an in-depth appreciation for the research process by carrying out a research project, including the inception of a proposition, planning, analysis, reporting and defending;
- encourage the development of individual investigative skills, critical thought and the ability to evaluate information and to analyse data;
- increase the student's knowledge and understanding of the discipline area; and
- develop the student’s academic research and academic writing skills.

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 75-point research project. A 3,000 word research proposal and a 15-minute research Project Talk (10%) due in the middle of semester 1. A Thesis of a maximum of 20,000 words (80%) due at the end of semester 2. A 15-minute oral presentation (10%) is due towards the end of the second semester of study approximately three weeks before the thesis submission due date.

Writing Theses: A Manual for Honours and Masters Students. (M Webber), Research Paper No.14, School of Anthropology, Geography & Environmental Studies, The University of Melbourne

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

- To demonstrate advanced communication skills, both written and oral;
- To demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex debates and concepts;
- To be capable of undertaking directed research;
- Thinking critically; and
- Obtaining information to address research questions.