VITICULT 4010AWT - Honours Viticulture and Oenology Part 1

Waite Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

This course comprises a substantial research project of the student's choosing on a topic related to either viticulture or wine-related research. Students will be assessed through individual presentations, preparation of a literature review and research proposal, capacity of independent research and the ability to distil research findings in a final thesis document. The thesis will be examined and then defended by the student.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code VITICULT 4010AWT
    Course Honours Viticulture and Oenology Part 1
    Coordinating Unit Wine Science
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Waite Campus
    Contact Up to 24 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology students only
    Assessment Seminar presentations, literature review, thesis defence, research proposal and thesis
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Thomas Lines

    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 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.
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-5, 7-8

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,5,6,7,8

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    6-8

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-8

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1-8

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-8
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    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.
    Workload

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

    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).
    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 participate in a series of professional development workshops on: Experimental Design and Data Analysis; Communication Skills; Presentation Skills; and Mentoring and Careers.
  • 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 or No) Course Learning Outcomes 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
    Assessment Detail
    Literature Analysis and Research Proposal (15%)
    Studentswill 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.
    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
  • Fraud Awareness

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