Outline
Outline
Students will conduct an independent research project in the discipline(s) of agriculture and food science under the guidance of an academic supervisor, resulting in the preparation, submission, presentation and defense of a dissertation. Students will develop research, technical, professional and communication skills relevant to biological research, along with specialised discipline knowledge through a process of inquiry. Completing their dissertation will involve critical review of scientific literature, the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, selection of appropriate methodology and experimental design, social and ethical consideration of the research process; collection, analysis and interpretation of scientific data, and effective scientific writing to produce a professional-standard manuscript.
What you'll learn
- evaluate biological issues relevant to agriculture and/or food science, applying national and international perspectives and standards to questions of data collection, analysis and reporting, GC1, GC2, GC6
- apply scientific methodology to address a biological question or problem within a realistic logistical and financial context, and take steps both independently and in collaboration with others to achieve the stated project aims, GC2, GC6
- select, justify and apply appropriate, up-to-date methodologies to demonstrate competent technical skills to address a complex biological question/hypothesis that is relevant to agricultural and/or food science, GC2, GC3
- ensure research practices comply with all relevant university, state and federal guidelines, policies, codes and laws, demonstrating professional, ethical and safe work practices, GC4, GC5, GC6
- evaluate, analyse and synthesise new information concerning a complex biological question and interpret this information in a local, national and international context, GC1, GC2
- justify and defend a new understanding of complex biological question and professionally communicate the findings using audience appropriate written, visual and verbal means, GC1, GC3, GC4, GC6