ECON 7235A - Economics Dissertation (Part-time) Part 1

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Each student is to undertake an individual research project that exhibits original investigation, analysis and interpretation. This will be written up as a dissertation. The length of the dissertation will be determined in conjunction with the candidate's Supervisor and the Academic Program Coordinator. This dissertation is to be undertaken part time over the final two semesters of the Masters program and students can only enrol in this course with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator. The student enrolling in this must have completed all coursework required of the program for approval to be granted. A decision regarding whether a student may choose the option of doing a dissertation will be based mainly on the academic results of the first two semesters. A Distinction average is required. Students interested in undertaking the dissertation must first consult with the Academic Program Coordinator during the second semester of the program.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ECON 7235A
    Course Economics Dissertation (Part-time) Part 1
    Coordinating Unit Economics
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Contact Up to 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites Distinction average for other Masters courses
    Restrictions Economics Masters students only
    Course Description Each student is to undertake an individual research project that exhibits original investigation, analysis and interpretation. This will be written up as a dissertation. The length of the dissertation will be determined in conjunction with the candidate's Supervisor and the Academic Program Coordinator. This dissertation is to be undertaken part time over the final two semesters of the Masters program and students can only enrol in this course with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator. The student enrolling in this must have completed all coursework required of the program for approval to be granted. A decision regarding whether a student may choose the option of doing a dissertation will be based mainly on the academic results of the first two semesters. A Distinction average is required.

    Students interested in undertaking the dissertation must first consult with the Academic Program Coordinator during the second semester of the program.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Florian Ploeckl

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The purpose of the dissertation is to encourage students to undertake independent economic research and to foster research-related skills, which should benefit future study and employment.

    On successful completion of this dissertation students will be able to:
    1 Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research
    2 Demonstrate the ability to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions
    3 Demonstrate the capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research
    4 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and synthesize research-based and scholarly literature
    5 Present research findings and argument in a suitably structured and sequenced thesis that conforms to protocols of academic presentation and research practice
    6 Demonstrate the ability to critique literature and conduct analyses at a Masters level
    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,3,4,6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2-6
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2-6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    A bibliography must be included. Since different journals use different methods, it is necessary to choose one method and stick to it consistently. For some guidance concerning bibliographical methods, consult one or more of the references listed in the Barr Smith Library subject catalogue under the heading "Dissertation, Academic"; for example, Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Dissertations.

    Students are recommended to consult the Writing Centre at the University for writing and language questions.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Unlike standard coursework, research is a relatively unstructured activity. Student must self pace and self monitor their own progress. One to one guidance is provided in supervision sessions. Regularity of supervision will be set in accordance with their supervisor. A regular schedule would be a meeting at least once every month.
    Workload

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

    The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This course together with the second part is 9 units, so 4.5 units per semester.
    Learning Activities Summary
    1. The student is to prepare a short proposal of the research area and central work of literature idea not later than one week before the beginning of the semester and submit this to the Course Co-ordinator.
    2. Approval to enrol must be obtained from the Program Co-ordinator before the semester starts. A supervisor will be assigned by the Course Co-ordinator once approval is granted.
    3. The student is to arrange a first meeting with their assigned supervisor within the first 2 weeks of semester. In this or a subsequent meeting the student and supervisor decide on a structure and sections of the dissertation.
    4. Students are expected to submit written drafts of each section to the supervisor. The supervisor is then expected to provide a constructive and critical assessment of the work submitted and make a note of the comments given.
    5. For each section of the dissertation, the supervisor is expected to read and comment on the section once. The student is then expected to revise these sections, and submit the combined work as the final version to the supervisor.
    6. Upon receiving the final version of the dissertation, assessing the content, and the decision of the final mark, the supervisor is expected to provide a short report (half a page to one page in length) on the student’s work – including the strengths and weaknesses of the dissertation.
    7. Throughout the semester students are encouraged to attend the Monday's Thesis Workshops and the Friday's Seminar.
    Specific Course Requirements
    The dissertation takes the form of a comprehensive literature review and contains a critical assessment of the relevant literature of the selected topic. The student might suggest one paper (either a journal article or a working paper), book, policy issue or other suitable object whose in-depth, critical assessment will form the central core of the dissertation. To write this critical assessment, students need to carry out background reading, review references listed in the material and identify other related works. The student is expected to clearly locate the specific object being examined within the larger body of literature, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and/or empirical material utilized, provide a critical assessment and discuss research or policy implications.

    Topics for Dissertation:
    Students are responsible for proposing the topic of the dissertation, although they are encouraged to discuss their area of interest and ideas for a selection of the main work with the Program Coordinator or relevant faculty members. Students have to formally submit a proposal not later than one week before the semester to the Program Coordinator, who then assists with the identification of a suitable advisor. Approval by the Program Coordinator and supervisor has be granted before the start of the semester.
  • 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 part one of a two-course sequence, so no separate assessment will take place in this part. The complete sequence will be assessed by a Final dissertation paper (100%)
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission
    This is part one of a two-course sequence, so no separate submission will take place in this part.
    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.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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