Research Project

Subject MAST90042 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
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 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.

Prerequisites:

Students must satisfy the requirements for entry into the Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics program).

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

Prof Aihua Xia

Contact

Email: aihuaxia@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

In this subject, students undertake a substantial research program in the area of Mathematics and Statistics. The research will be conducted under the supervision of a member of the Department's academic staff. A list of the research interests of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is outlined on the website of the Department. The results will be reported in the form of a thesis and an oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this subject students should have:

  • discovered the challenge of research in Mathematics and Statistics;
  • a deeper knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics;
  • completed a substantial piece of research; and
  • a sound preparation for future research in Mathematics or Statistics.
Assessment:

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 50 point Research Project.

  • A preliminary literature survey and research plan (of 2 pages) is due at the end of week eight of the first research project enrolment semester (hurdle; pass/fail ).
  • A thesis (90% of assessment) is the main requirement due after the full 50 points of enrolment in the research project component, Theses are expected to be 60-80 pages in length, excluding references, appendices, figures and tables. Two bound hard copies of the thesis are to be submitted two weeks prior to the end of the teaching period in the final semester of Research project enrolment;
  • students will have to give 30 minute presentations (10% of assessment) on their research projects in the last week of that teaching period, on a date to be announced by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the beginning of semester.
Prescribed Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

Upon completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • problem-solving skills including the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems, identify relevant solution strategies and conduct research;
  • analytical skills through the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
  • presentation skills, both written and oral; and
  • time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Notes:

Students will need to use a document preparation program such as LaTeX.

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