Major Research Project (AGRI90072)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 50On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject enables students to conduct an original research topic under supervision, as approved by an academic project supervisor. The work commitment over one consecutive semester will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 50 points. The content and extent of the project will be determined by a project supervisor in consultation with the student and Subject Coordinator, where necessary. Students are strongly encouraged to initiate project ideas within existing networks or to identify a project topic of keen interest, through discussion with Faculty staff, prior to subject commencement. The project represents a capstone subject and comprises a review of a body of relevant literature, together with a critical evaluation of research or experimental protocols, a modest original experiment, or limited exploration of a scientific problem, or an investigation into a problem using an approved methodology. Compared to the Minor Research Project, the major project requires deeper and higher-level analysis. Following an initial workshop to establish subject expectations, deliverables and skill base requirements, projects will generally involve regular meetings with their supervisor where students report on progress, difficulties and research plans. Other workshops will deliver skill development in oral and written report presentation.
If you wish to complete the Major Research Project over 1 year please enrol in both AGRI90080 Major Research Project Part 1 AND AGRI90082 Major Research Project Part 2.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should have developed the ability to
- Undertake a major original research project as a capstone learning activity on a topic in a Faculty-supported disciplinary area
- Integrate and apply disciplinary knowledge and skills to an independently generated research question and investigation
- Analyse and synthesise salient features and important theoretical, methodological and empirical trends in published literature and data
- Present research findings in clear, concise and persuasive written and verbal forms
Generic skills
- Capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations and to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
- Ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI90075 | Research Methods For Life Sciences | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
| NRMT90003 | Social Research Methods | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Note: these subjects can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)
Undertaking a research project is conditional upon obtaining approval from a supervisor. Details regarding to the research area of academic supervisors and enrolment method, please visit https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-study/agriculture-food-science-research-projects
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI90070 | Minor Research Project |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| AGRI90079 | Minor Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| AGRI90080 | Major Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| AGRI90081 | Minor Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| AGRI90082 | Major Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Recommended background knowledge
It is highly recommended that students have an average grade of 75% or more in the graduate subjects undertaken prior to commencing the Major Research Project.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This course requires all students to actively and safely participate in field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Project Proposal due Monday 9.00am of week 6
| Week 5 | 10% |
A thesis/body of work due Monday 9.00am after the SWOTVAC period
| During the assessment period | 70% |
Oral Presentation
| End of semester | 20% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Pangzhen Zhang Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 1-hour lecture per week for 12 weeks, 20-hours individual project work per week across consecutive study periods and regular meetings with project supervisor (frequency and duration to be agreed and scheduled with supervisor). Total contact hours for Part 1 (340) and Part 2 (340) of the major research project across consecutive study periods = 680 hours Total time commitment 680 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Pangzhen Zhang Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 1-hour lecture per week for 12 weeks, 20-hours individual project work per week across consecutive study periods and regular meetings with project supervisor (frequency and duration to be agreed and scheduled with supervisor). Total contact hours for Part 1 (360) and Part 2 (360) of the major research project across consecutive study periods = 680 hours Total time commitment 680 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025