Thesis Project - Part A unit (KEA724)

Introduction

This unit constitutes the first half of the 50 credit point Masters of Economic Geology research thesis, but can also be completed as a stand-alone 25 credit point research unit. In this unit, students (i) review and summarise scientific literature concerning a research problem relevant to the mining value chain, (ii) identify research question(s) to be addressed by the study, (iii) develop a research plan (e.g. literature review and data compilation and/or fieldwork, sampling and analytical program), (iv) commence data collection, sample preparation and analysis, culminating in (v) production of a substantial piece of written work (~10,000 - 15,000 words). The written work may be (i) advanced drafts of introductory chapters to the research thesis (e.g. introduction, background and previous work, aims and methods, geological setting/regional geology, etc), (ii) a major literature review, or (iii) a report on the research undertaken. The total volume of student learning for KEA724 is between 260 and 300 hrs. IMPORTANT NOTE: Students undertaking the research thesis must enrol in KEA725 (Thesis Project - Part B) after completing KEA724 (Thesis Project - Part A). KEA725 enrolment is the point at which students decide whether or not to complete the 50 point research thesis. When enrolled in KEA725, an interim completion (IC) is reported for KEA724. Not proceeding to KEA725 (i.e. KEA724 completed as a stand-alone 25 credit point research unit) triggers reporting of a final result for KEA724, which will be a passing mark and grade where the student has satisfied the requirements for KEA724, or a failing grade (NN or AN) where they have not. The Thesis Project units (KEA724 and KEA725) are completed for the Research/Project Block of the degree and are compulsory (CORE) for fulltime students but OPTIONAL for part-time students.

Summary

Unit name	Thesis Project - Part A
Unit code	KEA724
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	CODES ARC
Coordinator	Doctor Robert Scott
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Summarise current knowledge concerning an issue or research question pertinent to the mining value chain.
• Design a research project to address a problem pertinent to the mining value chain.
• Collect information and/or field and/or laboratory data to address a problem pertinent to the mining value chain.
• Analyse and interpret self-derived collated information and/or field and/or laboratory data
• Explain methods, results and recommendations to industry and/or academic peers in written and oral reports.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	240 – 300 hours independent research
Assessment	Assessment Task 1. Research Proposal. (10%)|Assessment Task 2. Oral Progress Report (20%)|Assessment Task 3. Research Report/Thesis Chapters (70%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.