This course represents a major piece of guided independent research on an environmental topic that is agreed between the student and their supervisor. The 24-unit full-semester weighting reflects the rigour of the training provided and the expectations of the final thesis.
Thesis students are matched with a supervisor and are supported to design and implement a project to answer their research question, to situate their findings in the context of a scholarly tradition and debate in relevant environmental fields, and to communicate it clearly. The work must show evidence of wide reading and understanding, critical analysis, and appropriate use of advanced research methods.
Students engage in collaborative, Convenor-led, peer review workshops to refine and polish their writing and analysis. The culmination of the course is a final, polished research thesis and a presentation to the department that elaborates the research approach and contribution. The thesis may address environment and/or development challenges relevant to Australia, the Asia-Pacific, or further afield.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Pose a significant research question relating to environmental management and/or development challenges.
- Investigate this question creatively, critically, ethically, and independently, including through sophisticated use of appropriate theory and methodology as appropriate to Environment and Development, and place these investigations in the context of the relevant intellectual tradition.
- Communicate their research and its findings through an appropriate medium.
Other Information
Please contact student@anu.edu.au to request to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Two short talks on research progress (5 minutes each) (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Two peer review talks (5 minutes each) (5) [LO 1,3]
- Outline of final research paper (1,500 words) (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral presentation (15 minutes plus 5 minutes of questions) (15) [LO 2,3,4]
- Thesis (20,000 words) (70) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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.
Workload
Students will complete a 24 unit load of approximately 520 hours per semester. This will include a minimum of a weekly one-hour seminar and up to 10 hours of contact/feedback with the supervisor. It is the joint responsibility of the student and supervisor to arrange times for contact.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Preliminary Reading
Readings are developed in close consultation with the thesis advisor.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 24 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.