James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

RM8101 - Research Planning in Tropical Environments and Societies

Subject Description

This subject requires students to prepare for and commence an independent research project in a field of tropical environments and societies. This preparation will include a proposal for an independent research project, where applicable, and critical literature review. The proposal should be approximately 2,000 words and should clearly define the topic, provide a rationale for the proposed research, outline methods for generating, gathering and/or analysing research data and discuss issues associated with those methods, and should be supported by relevant ethics applications for approval to conduct the research. The critical literature review should be approximately 2000 words in length and provide a context for the research proposal research.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the relevant research area and/or related area of professional practice
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of recent developments, discourses and debates in the relevant research area and/or related areas of professional practice
• apply advanced formal reading and writing and collaborative skills for educational research in the relevant research area and/or related areas of professional practice
• identify, investigate, analyse and synthesise a research problem applying methodological concepts and theories in a small-scale research project
• communicate specialised knowledge, ideas and arguments accurately, coherently and creatively, to a variety of audiences through written manuscripts and oral presentations

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Literature review - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (50%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Assumed Knowledge:  Understanding of relevant research methods and analysis required for independent research

Availabilities