MAP5002 - Minor thesis - 2019

MAP5002 concludes a three-unit sequence (MAP5000, MAP5001 and MAP5002) which provides students with research experience.

In MAP5000 students developed a research proposal and protocol. MAP5001 focussed on collection and analysis of data for the study.

The current unit, MAP5002, provides the opportunity to progress the study to its conclusion, allowing students to develop advanced skills in gathering and interrogating data using appropriate analytical processes, and developing an informed and defensible conclusion. Students will submit a written minor thesis at the conclusion of this unit, and present the findings.

The thesis may optionally include the results chapter in the form of a ready-for-submission journal article.

Successful completion of MAP5000, MAP5001 and MAP5002 with an overall grade of 70 Distinction or above may permit a student to apply for a graduate research program including the PhD at Monash University.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Complete the collection of data in accordance with the moral, ethical and legal responsibilities of scientific investigation, informing the research process and the overarching ethics approval.
2. Organise, analyse and interpret data meaningfully and according to the accepted practices within the research paradigm informing the research process.
3. Critically position their findings within the existing literature about the topic.
4. Generate defensible conclusions in respect to the significance of the research findings.
5. Demonstrate writing skills that meet the academic standards associated with a research thesis and (if relevant) a research publication.
6. Revise previous drafts in light of improved skills and increased knowledge of the topic area.
7. Manage time and resources in a collaborative manner.
8. Defend an informed position relative to a defined body of knowledge.

• Co-signed revised semester plan, including timeline and goal checkpoints (Hurdle)
• Supervisory partnership agreement (Hurdle)
• Documented supervisory meetings (Hurdle)
• Draft and revised thesis chapters (10000 word equivalent) (Hurdle)
• Minor research thesis (20000-24000 words - including revisions of chapters previously submitted in MAP5001)* (80%)
• Oral presentation (20 minutes, 20%) (Hurdle)

*The results section of the thesis can either be presented as a thesis chapter, or as a ready-for-submission article prepared for submission to a relevant, peer-reviewed academic publication.

Minimum 1 hour per week consultation with supervisor either face-to-face or electronically, 11 hours per week directed research activities which may include on-line tasks (project dependent), 12 hours per week for self-directed study.

See also Unit timetable information