MB5102 - Minor Project Seminar and Proposal

Credit points:	12
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Available to postgraduate students in the School of Marine and Tropical Biology, who have been approved to do the research option.

Candidates will design and conduct a small discrete project. For example, candidates may trial and evaluate an experimental technique, collect data to evaluate a sampling program, or collect data on samples that form part of a larger project or as a pilot study for MSc research. The topic will be selected after consultation with the appropriate supervisor(s) and the Course Coordinator. Candidates will be required to write up the results of their research in the form of a scientific paper. In addition the candidate will write a formal research proposal in the form of a standard application for research funding and to give a 20 minute seminar to other students and members of the research team. Both the reports and the seminar should include critical appraisal of the objectives, methodology, results and future directions of the project.

Learning Outcomes

• develop a critical and rigorous approach to framing and addressing research questions;
• gain an understanding of methodological and analytical approaches relevant to the field of research;
• gain experience in the conduct of research in a field relevant to Marine and Tropical Biology;
• develop skills required for independent research, especially with respect to sampling design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation relevant to the field of research.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to conceptualise and evaluate a range of potential solutions to relevant problems;
• The ability to plan, conduct and manage research in their discipline;
• The ability to conduct their research in an ethical manner.

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coordinator:	Miss Naomi Gardiner, Professor Bette Willis
Assessment:	presentations (10%); minor project report (80%); proposal (10%).
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Coordinator:	Miss Naomi Gardiner, Professor Bette Willis
Assessment:	presentations (10%); minor project report (80%); proposal (10%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.