James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

MB5901 - Marine Biology Thesis 2

Only available to students enrolled in the Research Major of the Master of Marine Biology.

Subject Description

Candidates will complete the substantive independent research project that they commenced in MB5900, and will prepare and submit a written thesis in a field of marine biology. Students will also communicate their research in a seminar presentation to Academics, Researchers, End-Users, and other Students. The thesis should be 12,000 - 15,000 words in length, and should clearly define the research topic and rationale, set the proposed research in the context of appropriate literature, and it should describe and critically evaluate the methods for generating, compiling and analysing data. The thesis should present the data and new knowledge generated by the project. Finally, the thesis should draw conclusions and implications from the research (including as appropriate, implications for theory, practice and further research), relate findings and conclusions to relevant literature and theory, and offer a critical evaluation of the significance and limitations of the research. The thesis will undergo formal examination by a panel external to the supervisory team.

Learning Outcomes

• organise, analyse and interpret complex scientific data using mathematical, statistical and technological skills, applying an advanced, conceptually integrated understanding of the available methods
• communicate theoretical propositions, methodologies, scientific data, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to specialist and non-specialist audiences through advanced written and oral English language skills and a variety of media
• retrieve, analyse, synthesize and evaluate complex information to critically appraise the application of contemporary theories in marine biology for creating sustainable communities and environments in the tropics

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Thesis/dissertation - (85%) - 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

Thesis to be assessed by staff external to the supervisory panel. On occasion, assessors external to JCU might be approached.

Availabilities