Major Research Project Part 1 (AGRI90080)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1 (Extended)
Semester 2 (Extended)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 (Extended) Semester 2 (Extended) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject allows students to conduct an original research project, under supervision to be approved by an academic project supervisor. The work will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 50 points over two semesters. The content and extent of the project will be determined by a project supervisor, in consultation with the student and the 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.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able 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 synthesize 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
On completion of this subject students will have:
- The 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
- The ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline
- The capacity to develop 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRMT90003 | Social Research Methods | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI90075 | Research Methods For Life Sciences | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
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
None
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.
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
| Monday 9.00am of Week 6 of first semester | 10% |
A thesis/body of work due Monday 9.00am after the SWOTVAC period
| At the end of second semester | 70% |
Oral Presentation
| End of second semester | 20% |
Additional details
This assessment statement applies to the entire enrolment across Parts 1 and 2 of the subject (i.e. AGRI90080 and AGRI90082 together)
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 (Extended)
Principal coordinator Pangzhen Zhang Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total contact hours for Part 1 (340) and Part 2 (340) of the major research project across consecutive study periods= 680 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 time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 30 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 30 June 2025 Semester 1 (Extended) contact information
- Semester 2 (Extended)
Principal coordinator Pangzhen Zhang Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total contact hours for Part 1 (340) and Part 2 (340) of the major research project across consecutive study periods= 680 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 time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 24 December 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 24 December 2025 Semester 2 (Extended) 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.
Additional delivery details
- This subject continues over two consecutive study periods, with students first enrolling in AGRI90080 Major Research Project Part 1 and then subsequently enrolling in AGRI90082 Minor Research Project Part 2, for a total enrolment of 50 credit points. Students will receive an overall result for the subject following completion of the two-subject sequence.
- Information provided on this page applies to Part 1 and Part 2 of the subject (AGRI90080 and AGRI90082).
- Students undertaking a 50 point Major Research Project across one semester should enrol in the subject AGRI90072.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Agricultural Sciences Course Master of Food Science - 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