ENS5901 - Research thesis in environment and sustainability A - 2019

12 points, SCA Band 2, 0.250 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Susie Ho

Coordinator(s)

Dr Susie Ho

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)
  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)

Clayton

  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)
  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

An average grade of 75% across Master core units (ENS5010, ENS5020) and approval from the School/Department where the research will be undertaken.

Co-requisites

ENS5902 must be taken with ENS5901. Students must successfully complete ENS5901 in order to progress to ENS5902.

Prohibitions

ENS5900, ENS5910, ENS5920, ENS5930 except by special approval from the specialization coordinator.

Synopsis

ENS5901 (12 credit points), in combination with ENS5902, enables students to undertake research over two semesters during the advanced practice component of the course. ENS5901 provides an opportunity for students to pursue a major academically-oriented piece of research in their chosen discipline. This advanced and authentic experience will develop transferable research skills for professional practice across sectors and provides a pathway to a PhD. Over the course of ENS5901 and ENS5902, students are assessed based on a research thesis (90%) and a conceptual development/reflection task (10%). The format and requirements of the research thesis will vary according to the requirements of the specialisation. In addition to independent research, the unit includes some scheduled activities to enhance and develop transferable research skills in study design, analysis and academic writing. Students from any specialisation can undertake the unit if they fulfil the academic requirements and gain approval from an appropriate supervisor. ENS5901 with ENS5902 provide the same experience as ENS5900, but enable students to undertake research over two semesters.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Critically analyse, evaluate and integrate academic literature.
  2. Formulate effective research questions.
  3. Conceptualise, design and manage an academic research project.
  4. Conduct independent and ethical research, applying sound principles of study design and appropriate data analysis methods.
  5. Develop an academically sound and logical argument through correctly analysing, interpreting and presenting evidence.
  6. Demonstrate advanced academic writing skills by producing a thesis appropriate for publication in the chosen field.
  7. Articulate the implications and applications of research.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements

The minimum expected workload for independent research combined with scheduled activities is 288 hours over the course of one semester.

See also Unit timetable information