AGRIC 7004AWT - Project F (AW) Part 1

Waite Campus - Semester 1 - 2016

Projects comprise some or all of laboratory experiments, field trials, case studies, and critical literature reviews, and normally culminate in a seminar and a substantial written report. Topics for projects are chosen in consultation with the Project Supervisor. This course is the first half of a project that is completed over 2 semesters.

Open All

Course Details

Course Code	AGRIC 7004AWT
Course	Project F (AW) Part 1
Coordinating Unit	School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	Waite Campus
Contact	By supervision
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Assessment	To be advised

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Jason Able

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Demonstrate an original and critical approach in the assimilation of the current state of knowledge in a particular area of research.
2	Identify current gaps in our understanding and the future areas for experimental investigation in a particular area of research.
3	Demonstrate mastery of the basic techniques required for the experimental study of a research question.
4	Develop a rigorous and methodical approach to the maintenance of laboratory records and the collection, storage and analysis of experimental data.
5	Identify and evaluate a problem and define the important elements required for its solution (appreciating the risks and benefits of alternate approaches).
6	Communicate scientific information clearly and concisely in written and spoken English.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1-5
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	6
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1-6
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	1-6

Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Students will undertake a research project which will require guidance by a supervisor in research skills and experimental design.

Based on scientific research, literature review, research proposal and seminars, plus a thesis and oral defense.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend 24 hours per week on
their studies. This includes both time spent undertaking research, reading scientific literature and writing literature reviews, research
proposals, seminars and a final thesis.

Learning Activities Summary

The research project will enable students to develop the basic skills required for the practice of independent
scientific research and an appreciation of the scientific method and the application of problem solving strategies in
science.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

This is a 12 unit course taken as 2 x 6 unit halves, one in each semester.
Assessment for this project is spread over Part 1 and Part 2 of the course.

Assessment Task	Task Type	Due	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Introductory Seminar	Formative	Week 3 (Part 1)	0%	1,2,3
Literature Review & Research Proposal	Formative & Summative	Week 4 (Part 1)	20%	1,2,3
Final Seminar	Formative & Summative	Week 10 (Part 2)	20%	1-6
Thesis	Summative	Week 12 (Part 2)	60%	1-6
Thesis Defence	Formative	Week 13 (Part 2)	0%	1-6

Assessment Detail

Introductory Seminar (0%)

Literature Review & Research Proposal (20%)

Final Seminar (20%)

Thesis (60%)
Students must complete a research dissertation of not longer than 10,000 words.

Thesis Defence (0%)

Submission

If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

NOG (No Grade Associated)
Grade	Description
CN	Continuing

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator