WSC502 Advanced Viticulture/Oenology Dissertation (32)

This subject involves an original independent research study in oenology or viticulture. Students will initially prepare a detailed research proposal including a literature review, methodology and budget in preparation for the research conducted. The proposal will also include relevant risk assessments and ethics approval. Subsequently, evaluation of existing data and/or the collection, analysis and interpretation of data will be conducted. Students will be required to prepare a dissertation, in the format of a refereed publication, and a seminar based on their research conducted.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: WSC502. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Viticulture and Oenology.

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed students have completed all coursework subjects in the Master prior to completing their dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a systematic up-to-date understanding of a field of research based on writing a critical review of published scientific, technological and industrial literature;
  • be able to synthesise a research question (hypothesis) that addresses a current problem in the chosen field of research;
  • be able to prepare a research plan that is able to test the research question (hypothesis) using appropriate methodologies and techniques;
  • be able to execute the research plan, demonstrating a high level of research management skills including resource, time and data management, scientific ethics and risk management;
  • be able to apply the technical skills required to collect, interpret and critically analyse scientific, technological and industrial research data collected during their research project;
  • be able to communicate complex scientific, technological or industrial research concepts based on their own research and research published by other researchers in related fields of research; and
  • be able to develop the skills required to independently initiate, undertake and report research findings that are at the forefront of their field of research.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Identifying the key steps in research planning.
  • Writing a testable hypothesis that will form the basis of the research activities.
  • Writing a literature review on the topic of the research proposal.
  • Developing a detailed research proposal.
  • If necessary, prepare and submit an ethics approval application to the appropriate University ethics committee.
  • Approaches to ensuring rigour in relation to qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
  • Forms of validity in relation to drawing conclusions from qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Considerations when choosing a journal in which to report research findings.
  • Advice for preparing and delivering an oral research presentation.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of WSC502 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Preliminary research outline
0
2
Literature review
20
3
Final research proposal
15
4
Seminar
10
5
Final report in journal format
55
6
Submission of data/lab books
0

Special Resources

Students will be responsible for all associated travel and accommodation associated with their research topic.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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