On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1	Demonstrate an original and critical approach in the assimilation of the current state of knowledge in a particular area of research related to Wine Science.
2	Identify current gaps in our understanding and the future areas for experimental investigation in a particular area of research related to Wine Science.
3	Demonstrate mastery of the basic techniques required for the experimental study of a research question related to Wine Science.
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.
7	Analyse and critically evaluate scientific literature in research related to chosen topics in Plant Science.
8	Synthesise knowledge and ideas into a written argument.

The Honours Research Project provides students professional training in a chosen area of specialisation and experience in scientific research. Students will learn new research techniques and broaden their skill base.

A student enrolled in a X unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average Y hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

The research project will enable students to develop the 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.
Additionally, students will participate in a series of professional development workshops on: Experimental Design and Data Analysis; Communication Skills; Presentation Skills; and Mentoring and Careers.

Assessment Task	Type of Assessment	Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes	Hurdle (Yes or No)	Course Learning Outcome(s) being assessed/achieved	Approximate Timing of Assessment
Literature Review & Research Proposal	Formative & Summative	15%	No	7 - 8	October
Research Plan Seminar	Formative	0%	No	1, 2, 6	October
Final Seminar	Formative & Summative	10%	No	4 - 6	June
Thesis	Summative	65%	No	1 - 6	May
Thesis Defence	Summative	5%	No	1 - 6	June
Supervisor Mark	Formative & Summative	5%	No	1 - 6	June

Literature Analysis and Research Proposal (15%)
Students will prepare: (i) a 4000 word literature analysis comprising a critical review of published work related to their project area, to ‘set the scene’ for the development of the aims or hypotheses to be addressed by their project; and (ii) a 1500 word research proposal outlining the project to be conducted. Communication skills and the ability to analyse and critically evaluate
scientific literature will be assessed.  

Research Plan Seminar (Formative)
Students will give 10-12 minute individual presentations providing insight into the research question that is the focus of their Honours year. This will include coverage of the background information underlying this question, clear aims or hypotheses,
the experimental design and a description of the methods to be employed. Students should endeavour to address current controversies in their area, and to give the audience some insight into the main schools of thought, as presented in the literature. 15 minutes are allocated for the first seminar, comprising of a 10-12 minute talk and 3-5 minutes for questions. Although no
formal mark is recorded, presentations will be evaluated and feedback given to students (within one week).

Supervisor Mark (5%)
Students’ laboratory and/or field skills will be assessed by their supervisor(s) and a grade awarded based on each student’s understanding of their subject area, skills in scientific communication and degree of initiative and originality.

Final Seminar (10%)
Students will give 25 minute individual presentations presenting the results of their research project, to indicate how their work has contributed to a greater understanding of their research area. Presentations should cover the background and aims of the project, experimental design and techniques, the analysis, presentation and interpretation of results, and the discussion and summary of key findings. Presentation skills also form a component of the assessment.

Thesis (65%)
Students will prepare a 5000 word thesis in the form of a manuscript to be submitted to a scientific journal and comprising the background and aims of the project, experimental design and techniques, the analysis, presentation and interpretation of results, and the discussion and summary of key findings.
Communication skills and the ability to analyse and interpret experimental data will be assessed.

Thesis Defence (5%)
The thesis defence will follow directly after your final seminar presentation and take approximately 20-30 minutes. Your examiners and the honours coordinators will ask you questions to explore your understanding of the project. The questions that can be asked are wide and varying, and are likely to include your understanding of key background literature, the techniques you used, how you interpreted your results, strengths and weaknesses of your work and what future research should be done in the area.

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.