James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

TV5311 - Research and Dissertation

Available to Master of Tropical Veterinary Science and Master of Animal Sciences students.

Subject Description

The student carries out an extensive review of the world literature and pursues a program of original research on a selected topic. The literature review and results of the research project are incorporated into a dissertation. The goal of masters degree studies is to enable the student to undertake some measure of research on his/her own, but the research need not be original. The basic objectives for a Masters' degree are, firstly, that the student shall be able to plan, execute and write a research project, and secondly, that the candidate is capable of interpreting and discussing the findings.

Learning Outcomes

• prepare a dissertation on the topic and discuss, compare and contrast the results obtained with those reported in the literature and draw appropriate conclusions and recommendations
• review scientific literature on a particular topic and devise a research program to answer questions raised on that topic
• plan and carry out a research project and analyse and interpret the results
• complete a scientific paper on the topic for submission to a refereed scientific journal
• communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally

Subject Assessment

• Written > Thesis/dissertation
• Written > Journal article - 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

Complete a 12 credit dissertation (12, 000 to 15, 000 words), according to the university Honours Assessment and Postgraduate Coursework Awards Policy; Prepare a draft scientific article extracted from the contents of the dissertation according to an agreed journal format for submission to a refereed scientific journal; .Present the findings of your project as an oral presentation at a public forum.

Availabilities