Course coordinator
Dr Nick Hudson
Nick is the coordinator of this course. Consultation is by appointment organised via email:
n.hudson@uq.edu.au
ﾠ
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 8
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
Design, implementation and presentation of a research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions. Students completing the course in one semester must enrol in AGRC7617. Students completing the course in two semesters must enrol in AGRC7620 if they plan to commence in semester 1 and AGRC7621 if they plan to commence in semester 2. Students must submit the Research Project Contract by the first Thursday of February for students commencing in semester 1, and the first Thursday of July for students commencing in semester 2 to agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au. NOTE: Students completing their project at St Lucia or at an external institute should enrol in the Gatton Internal mode of offer. Contact agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au for enrolment queries. Students enrolled into a 2 year Masters program should not enrol into this course until they have completed 16-units of study (2 semesters full-time equivalent) Students enrolled into a 1.5 year Masters program should not enrol into this course until they have completed 8-units of study (1 semesters full-time equivalent).
The student will select a topic for their research in discussion with a university supervisor. The topic may be investigated through a range of approaches including - but not limited to - fieldwork, laboratory work, computer analysis and use of surveys.
In order to enrol in this course you are required to complete an Research Project Contract (available atﾠhttps://agriculture-food-sustainability.uq.edu.au/files/19888/Research%20Project-Application-Learning-Contract.pdf ) and provide your details, a brief description of your research project and the details of your nominated supervisor/s and his/her consent to supervise your project.
Email fully completed forms to agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au. Students can also submit in person or by mail to:
Gatton Campus: AGFS Admin Office,ﾠBuilding 8117a, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, QLD 4343, Australia
St Lucia Campus: AGFS Admin Office, Level 3, Hartley Teakle Building 83, St Lucia,ﾠBrisbane, QLD 4072.ﾠ
Course contact
Course staff
Program director
Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh
Dr Alwyn Williams
Dr Rajendra Adhikari
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There are no scheduled classes for this course. However, students are expected to interact regularly with their University supervisor, and to actively engage with other students and researchers working within the selected work group or lab.
Aims and outcomes
To introduce students to the activities involved in carrying out a research project.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Define a problem, state a hypothesis and propose a process for the investigation of the problem.
LO2.
Design and implement a research project, analyse and interpret data, discuss results and draw relevant conclusions.
LO3.
Produce a research report in the form of a potential journal article.
LO4.
Deliver an oral presentation on a defined topic.
LO5.
Demonstrate professional behaviour in the context of the researchable topic, in consultation with the supervisory team
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Project Report
|
70% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Performance as determined by project supervisor
|
10% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Research Seminar
|
20% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Research Project Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 70%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The research project report is to be presented in the form of a scientific manuscript potentially suitable for publication in a professional journal.
The exact length and structure of your report may vary across disciplines – please seek specific advice from your supervisor regarding your interpretation of these guidelines.
Broadly speaking, we anticipate the report consisting of a title, abstract (< 300 words), introduction / background / literature review (< 600 words for science reports, but a much longer, more comprehensive literature review for social science and agribusiness reports), methodology including statistical analysis (< 2000 words), results (< 2000 words), discussion (< 1500 words), conclusions (< 200 words) and references.
In general concision is encouraged, the upper word count limits are to be considered guidelines only and represent a conversation starter for discussion with your supervisor.
Two independent markers who specialise in your area of research will grade your work. The average of your marks from both markers will be used as your grade. In the event that there is a difference of more than 10 points between markers your report will be sent to an independent marker for assessment and this grade will be used as your final grade.
Marking expectations for this assessment are a minimum of 7 days. Please note any extensions to this assessment after the standard due date may delay graduation.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See Additional Course Grading Information for the hurdles relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Students should submit an electronic copy either as a word or pdf file via Blackboard Assignment upload on the course Blackboard site by 2:00 pm on the date it is due.
Name your file as Last name_First name_studentnumber.docx OR Last name_First name.pdf.
There is no requirement to submit hard copy.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
Performance as determined by project supervisor
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
Your academic supervisor will assess your overall performance through the life cycle of your research project.
'Performance' here includes, but is not limited to, the following criteria:
1) Evidence of planning.
2) Evidence of time management.
3) Evidence of punctuality.
4) Evidence of resourcefulness.
5) Evidence of independent thought and creativity.
6) Evidence of 'managing up' well.
7) Evidence of positive interactions with peers, such as laboratory colleagues, if applicable.
8) Evidence of determination, and other positive temperamental characteristics, in overcoming challenges.
9) Evidence of strong inter-personal communication.
10) Evidence of integrity and ethical awareness.
Hurdle requirements
See Additional Course Grading Information for the hurdles relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
This item is submitted by the student's Supervisor. A student is not responsible for submitting this task, and will not incur any late penalties for this item only, if received after the due date from the Supervisor.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions are possible for this item, but updated due dates will be provided to the relevant Supervisor.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research Seminar
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Students are asked to submit a pre-recorded presentation via BB.
You should use appropriate visual aids (e.g. PowerPoint Slides) based on the UQ template to assist your presentation. The seminars are 10 minutes long. Marks will be deducted for overly long presentations.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See Additional Course Grading Information for the hurdles relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
The online assessment is completed within Blackboard under the appropriate assessment title on your course Blackboard site.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35 - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47 - 49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50 - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65 - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75 - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% and above |
Additional course grading information
This is a busy year for you, but you must plan your activities to deliver the outputs on the due dates. Extensions will be the exception.
All Assessment is Compulsory.
All required assessment items MUST be completed in order to obtain a passing grade for this course.ﾠIf a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and theﾠstudent does NOT submit or presentﾠall of the assessment items, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
TurnItIn assignments
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site.ﾠ If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action. ﾠ
UQ Student Integrity and Misconductﾠpolicy -ﾠhttps://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149
Release of Marks
Unless specifically indicated by the course coordinator,ﾠevery attempt will be madeﾠto haveﾠthe results for progressive assessment available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will not be available until grades release day.ﾠResults and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| AGRC7617 Blackboard site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
| AGRC7617 Course Profile | provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weighting and due dates. |
Additional learning resources information
As this is a self directed project, students and Supervisor are to discuss their resource requirements as needed for the project.
Students will not incur costs for resources for this project.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Independant Project This course is based on independent study under the supervision of an academic staff member. |
Workshop |
Research Project Writing Workshops The School provides students a series of optional academic and project writing workshops throughout the semester. Students are strongly encouraged to attend these sessions, which are designed to assist in research project writing. Please consult your timetables for more details on this activity. Sub-activity: Research Project Writing Workshop Series - Suresh Krishnasamy |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: