MARI 495 Research Proposal

Course coordinator:

Associate Professor Steve Dawson

Course Content:

The purpose of this paper is to provide students enrolled in an MSc degree by papers and thesis, the opportunity to develop an MSc research proposal on a topic in marine science or aquaculture.  It is expected that this should include some field or laboratory-based pilot study, the results of which will be incorporated into the final research proposal.

As a top priority, each student needs to find an appropriate topic and supervisor. Some possible MSc topics are presented in the following pages, but students are encouraged to suggest their own ideas.  Once a topic and supervisor are found, students should begin to develop their proposal. Each student must have at least one supervisor within the Department of Marine Science.  The proposal should consist of a:

• detailed literature review of the subject to be studied
• clear statement of the aims, objectives or hypotheses to be examined
• clear outline of the methods to be used in the research
• budget for the research
• timetable for the research programme

The budget must be approved by the course co-ordinator before any departmental funds can be released. You will be advised by the course co-ordinator early in the first semester of the due dates for your research proposal and budget.

You are required to attend and/or participate in each of the workshops held as part of the assessment of this paper.  There is also a requirement to attend departmental seminars.

Oral and written presentations will be marked by two staff members who are not the student’s supervisor(s).  An external assessor from another university will also evaluate the proposals.

Prerequisites:

Permission of the Head of Department.

Corequisites:

DISSEMINATION OF STUDENT PROJECTS

Students must NOT send out reports of their work to outside agencies without explicit permission from the Head of Department.

Workshop Series

Required Attendance

A requirement of MARI 480 and MARI 495 is that students attend (and participate) in a series of weekly workshops to be arranged by the Coordinator during Semester One and part of Semester Two.   Workshop attendance accounts for 5% of the total mark.

Topics will include:

• Managing your supervisor
• What is good science? Critical thinking and sources of information
• Abstract writing
• Writing a brilliant proposal - Developing and selling your ideas
• How to do Good Science: Sampling and experimental design.
• Science communication (4 sessions)

                            Scientific graphics: More ideas about data in less ink.
                            At conferences: Presenting Posters, Giving talks
                            In scientific journals
                            To laypeople

• Writing an outstanding research report.