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.

  • General Course Information
    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.

  • Learning Outcomes
    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.
  • 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
    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
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