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Unit of study_

AFNR5904: Research Proposal and Approach

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study aims to develop a student's ability to write a detailed research proposal and develop a strategy combined with the appropriate methodology to execute their research. Working with their academic advisor students will prepare a proposal describing; the background and aims, its significance and innovation, the justification of the methodology, the national benefit, and considerations of the required budget and project timeline. This unit will enable students to develop their ability to define a research project to be managed within a suitable research framework. Students will develop their skills in solving research problems and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy through managing a research program.

Unit details and rules

Unit code AFNR5904
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
AFNR5901
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Peter Franks, peter.franks@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Daniel Tan, daniel.tan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Peter Franks, peter.franks@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Research proposal (oral)
40% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Assignment Annotated bibliography
Written assignment
20% Week 05 750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Research proposal (written)
Introduction, Aims, Research Plan and Expected Outcomes
40% Week 07 4 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO2

Assessment summary

  • Annotated bibliography: this assignment requires students to start reading scientific literature (broadly within their research interest) and practice scientific writing with a focus on Academic Honesty. Students will be provided with a choice of articles which will be determined based on the interest of the group, and you need to summarise, as well as reflect on 2 articles related to a topic in the plant, animal or environmental sciences.
  • Written research proposal: the proposal should include a concise literature review giving the background for the project, the project aims, research plan and expected outcomes from the research. Students will adhere to the template provided.
  • Oral research proposal: students will create a Powerpoint presentation describing their research plan to present to the class and academic staff from the Sydney Institute of Agriculture.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Research proposal discussion workshop Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research proposal presentation workshop Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. read scientific literature and practice scientific writing with a focus on Academic Honesty
  • LO2. prepare a written scientific research proposal with introduction to the research topic, aims of the project, detailed research plan and approach, expected outcomes for the discipline and community, and timeline for the project
  • LO3. Orally present proposed research in a clear, succinct and timely manner and develop the ability to answer questions

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessments and delivery of this unit have been adjusted to take into consideration student feedback from the previous year.

Work, health and safety

It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that the University and its properties are safe places to work in. All members of the University community are legally required to follow occupational health and safety procedures on University property and while on University business (e.g. in laboratories, on University farms, on field work and on excursions).

All staff and students must play an active role by following safe working procedures and raising any concerns about workplace hazards with their supervisor.

Info at http://sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/facilities/induction.shtml

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.