Overview
Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master’s degree by papers and thesis.
The aim of this paper is to provide students with experience in preparing, writing and communicating research proposals. FOSC495 focuses on the skills needed for carrying out a research project, where students use their own (proposed Master's) research topic to fulfil the requirements for each assessment. This will promote engagement in the research topic as well as provide a forum for students to present their proposed work to the Department of Food Science.
About this paper
| Paper title | Master's Thesis Preparation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Food Science |
| EFTS | 0.3333 |
| Points | 40 points |
| Teaching period | Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,648.54 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- FOSC 496
- Limited to
- MSc, PGDipSc
- Eligibility
FOSC495 is a compulsory project-based paper for students undertaking a research Master of Science degree (MSc in Food Science or Consumer Food Science) by papers and thesis.
FOSC495 may also, in some circumstances, be approved for students undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Food Science. Please talk to a Food Science Course Adviser or the Fourth Year Co-ordinator, Professor Miranda Mirosa, if you are interested in this option prior to paper selection in eVision.
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.- Contact
- Teaching staff
One or more specific project supervisors will be assigned once a project is allocated.
- Paper Structure
The paper structure will consist of:
Literature Review: Students will conduct an in-depth literature review on a topic specified by their supervisor.
Research Skills Development: Students will engage in a research skills study, learning to collect, analyse, and interpret data on a topic specified by their supervisor.
- Major literature review
- Oral presentation of thesis proposal
- Mini research report
- Supervisor Assessment
Study 1: Literature Review Study
Assessment here is 3-fold:
- Literature Review Presentation 10%
- Literature Review Paper 35%
- Supervisor Assessment 5%
Study 2: Research Skills Development Study
Assessment here is 3-fold:
- Research Skills Study Presentation: 10%
- Research Skills Study Report: 35%
- Supervisor Assessment: 5%
- Teaching Arrangements
FOSC495 is a full-year (ie two-semester) paper.
While learning is self-directed, staff feedback is provided on all assignments.
The expected total of contact and non-contact hours for this paper is 400 hours, including hours for the preparation of the assessment.
- Textbooks
- There is no prescribed textbook for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Global perspective.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper are expected to:
- Be able to write literature review on the given scientific topic
- Be able to prepare a research proposal and the budget required to complete the research project
- Be able to communicate the research proposal and research plan
- Be able to conduct preliminary research and write a report on the finding
- Assessment details
- Major literature review (25%)
- Oral presentation of thesis proposal (10%)
- Mini research report (40%)
- Supervisor Assessment (10%)
Overview
Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master’s degree by papers and thesis.
FOSC 495 is a foundational course designed to equip students with the skills necessary for successful master's thesis research in Year 2.
About this paper
| Paper title | Master's Thesis Preparation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Food Science |
| EFTS | 0.3333 |
| Points | 40 points |
| Teaching period | Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- FOSC 496
- Limited to
- MSc, PGDipSc
- Eligibility
FOSC 495 is a compulsory project-based paper for students undertaking a research Master of Science degree (MSc in Food Science or Consumer Food Science) by papers and thesis.
FOSC 495 may also, in some circumstances, be approved for students undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Food Science. Please talk to a Food Science Course Adviser or the Fourth Year Co-ordinator, Professor Miranda Mirosa, if you are interested in this option prior to paper selection in eVision.
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
One or more specific project supervisors will be assigned once a project is allocated.
- Paper Structure
The paper structure will consist of:
Literature Review: Students will conduct an in-depth literature review on a topic specified by their supervisor.
- Literature review presentation 10%
- Literature review paper 35%
- Supervisor assessment 5%
Research Skills Development: Students will engage in a research skills study, learning to collect, analyse and interpret data on a topic specified by their supervisor.
- Research skills study presentation: 10%
- Research skills study report: 35%
- Supervisor assessment: 5%
- Teaching Arrangements
FOSC 495 is a full-year (i.e. two-semester) paper.
While learning is self-directed, staff feedback is provided on all assignments.
The expected total of contact and non-contact hours for this paper is 400 hours, including hours for the preparation of the assessment.
- Textbooks
- There is no prescribed textbook for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Global perspective.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Conduct independent literature searches and critically evaluate research articles.
- Synthesise information from multiple sources and write a comprehensive and well-structured literature review.
- Learn and apply appropriate research methodologies and data collection techniques.
- Analyse and interpret research data using relevant statistical or qualitative methods.
- Develop and present research findings clearly, concisely and professionally (both written and oral).
- Enhance critical thinking, problem-solving and time management skills.
- Effectively communicate and collaborate with their supervisor.
- Assessment details
- Major literature review (35%)
- Oral presentation of thesis proposal (20%)
- Mini research report (35%)
- Supervisor assessment (10%)