The course EMDV8066 Research Project provides students with the opportunity to conduct their own independent research, closely guided and supported by READ academic staff.  Students investigate topics relevant to environmental management, development or climate change issues. 

The topic and basic approach of the research effort is set out in semester 1, through in EMDV8008 Research Proposal. The main activities for students undertaking Research Project in semester 2 are to embark upon a process of data collection (which may involve fieldwork), to analyse primary data and/or other information from their research, to re-build a conceptual framework for understanding that information, and to situate this within the scholarly literature. Students engage in collaborative and peer review workshops, to refine and polish their writing and analysis. Students present their research, in both written form through an 8,000-10,000 word final research paper, and in oral form through a public presentation to the department.  

The students' research projects are supervised by the Course Convenor and one or more specific supervisors for each student. Students need to have achieved a distinction grade or better in EMDV8008 Research Proposal and in EMDV8102 Research Methods for Environmental Management in the first semester (or equivalent) to enrol in EMDV8066 Research Project in second semester.

The successful completion of this 12-unit research course, completed in conjunction with EMDV 8102 Research Methods and EMDV 8008 Research Proposal, can serve as the springboard for careers in advanced environmental policy analysis or doctoral studies.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Choose and apply relevant aspects of research design, methods and research methodology to investigate important questions in environmental management, development or climate change studies.
2. Collect and analyse data in an ethical way, following a robust study design.
3. Develop and present a scholarly argument based upon original research findings and analysis.
4. Communicate the results of research clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
5. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the contribution of the project by situating the findings within relevant scholarly literature.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course Introduction
2	Mapping your project
3	Defining your case
4	Approaches to data collection and analysis
5	Data analysis workshop	Short talk 1
6	Peer Review Roundtable I	Reviews of draft thesis outlines
7	Interpretation and communication
8	Refining Your Argument
9	Writing and presenting results
10	Writing workshop and troubleshooting	Short talk 2
11	Peer Review Roundtable II	Reviews of draft final manuscripts
12	Student presentations

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
2 Short Talks on Research Progress	5 %	23/08/2024	30/08/2024	1, 2
2 Peer Review Talks	5 %	30/08/2024	06/09/2024	1, 2
Outline of final research paper	5 %	05/09/2024	19/09/2024	1, 2
Oral presentation	15 %	25/10/2024	01/11/2024	3
Final research paper	70 %	11/11/2024	28/11/2024	1, 2, 3, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

2 Short Talks on Research Progress

One on data collection; One on writing reflections. Each talk is weighted at 2.5% = 5% total

Assessment Task 2

2 Peer Review Talks

2 short peer review talks, each of 3 minutes in duration, worth 2.5% each = 5% total

Assessment Task 3

Outline of final research paper

1,000-1,500 words. This outline shows the major sub-headings and sections that will comprise the final research thesis, or can represent a chunk of writing for the final thesis. This is an important milestone for receiving feedback (5%). The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 4

Oral presentation

15 minute presentation, plus 5 minutes response to questions (15%).

Presented in class or via zoom. This is an opportunity to share your research findings with the class and with other scholars and students in Crawford School and beyond.

Assessment Task 5

Final research paper

This is the final version of the thesis, in which literature, methods, findings and analysis are presented (70%). The word count limit is 9,000-10,000 words including references. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students