Course overview
In this course, students will develop the skills necessary to execute extensive research in a topic relevant to the chosen program of study. This course involves the planning and execution of a research topic relevant to a student's program, that culminates in the completion of a 8000 word research thesis (or equivalent body of work). The work will demonstrate a high level of synthesis of concepts, preparing students for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal development and excellence in research and professional practice. Initially, the research proposal prepared in the prerequisite research methods course will be fine-tuned. Students who have not completed a research proposal must develop one within this course. Students planning to undertake empirical research involving humans/animals, or execution risks, must apply for and be granted human/animal research ethics approval and/or conduct a risk assessment prior to commencing their research.
Course learning outcomes
- Plan a complex research-based project.
- Determine and adapt the most appropriate research method to investigate a complex research topic in an ethical manner.
- Assemble, analyse and synthesise relevant data and information concerning a research topic into a convincing argument at an advanced level.
- Work independently under appropriate supervision to complete a complex research-based project.
- Communicate research outcomes in a manner acceptable to the natural and built environment professions.