OENOLOGY 7550WT - Viticulture & Oenology Research Project

Waite Campus - Semester 1 - 2018

This course provides advanced education and training in the principles of scientific research and the current state of knowledge and techniques used in the fields of Viticulture and Oenology. Students learn to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner. Each student is expected to carry out a laboratory or industry based research project during the Semester. The project outcomes are to be written up as a thesis using a form similar to that required for publication of research data. Each student will be required to give an introductory seminar and formal presentation of their research at the end of the semester, followed by an oral defence of their findings and conclusions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code OENOLOGY 7550WT
    Course Viticulture & Oenology Research Project
    Coordinating Unit School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Waite Campus
    Units 12
    Contact Up to 48 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites OENOLOGY 7520WT
    Incompatible OENOLOGY 7560WT
    Restrictions Available to Master in Viticulture & Oenology students only
    Assessment Thesis
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Richard Muhlack

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    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 Viticulture and Oenology.
    2. Identify current gaps in our understanding and the future areas for experimental investigation in a particular area of research related to Viticulture and Oenology.
    3. Demonstrate mastery of the basic techniques required for the experimental study of a research question related toViticulture and Oenology.
    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, 2, 3, 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, 3, 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
    3, 5, 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    4, 5, 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    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.

    This is a 12-unit full time research project.  It is expected that students will undertake 48 hours per week of time undertaking their research, preparing written work and seminars
    Learning Activities Summary
    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 have opportunity to participate in a series of professional development workshops such as: Project Development and Management; Experimental Design and Data Analysis; Endnote; and Communication Skills;
  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task Type of assessment Percentage of
    total assessment for
    grading purposes
    Hurdle
    (Yes/No)
    Outcomes being
    assessed/achieved
    Literature review and research proposal Formative and Summative 15 No 1, 2, 5
    Research Plan Seminar Formative 0 No 1, 2, 5, 6
    Final Seminar Formative and Summative 10 No 1-6
    Thesis Formative and Summative 60 Yes 1-6
    Supervisor Mark Summative 5 No 1-6
    Thesis defence Formative 10 No 1-6
    Assessment Detail
    Literature Review & 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 (0%)
    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 (70%)
    Students will prepare a 5000 word thesis to be assessed by multiple examiners.
    The thesis is to be formatted as a manuscript suitable for submission 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.

    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:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    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
  • 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.

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