Research Guidelines
Contents
- Research Subjects available
- Steps to undertaking a research project
- What must my project include?
- Key dates
- Advice for starting a research project
- FAQs
Research Subjects Available
The following subjects are available to GEP students:
- 950-611 Environmental Research Review (12.5 points)
- 950-612 Environmental Research Topic (25 points)
- 950-613 Environmental Research Project (50 points, within one semester of study)
- 950-615 Environmental research Project (50 points, completed within one year)
Steps to undertaking a research subject
1. |
If you are interested in undertaking a research project the first step is to contact your Academic Advisor (either your stream coordinator or the Director of the OEP) to discuss it. Start looking for a supervisor now! (Your Academic Advisor may be able to help.) |
2. |
Once you have found a supervisor, check if you need ethic approval. You may need ethics approval - check with your supervisor. This can take several months to be approved. If you need ethics approval make sure that you submit your application in plenty of time - you cannot start your research until it has been granted. The human ethics department has information on what sort of research requires approval: http://www.research.unimelb.edu.au/humanethics/. Applications are administered through the Faculty of your main supervisor - your supervisor will be able to assist you with your application. |
3. |
Submit an approved courseplan to enrol in the research subject. |
4. |
You need to submit a 300 word summary of your project along with the Research Proposal Form (OEP R1), signed by your project supervisor by Monday of the first week of the semester in which you are enrolled. |
5. |
Organise regular meetings with your supervisor. An average of 30 minutes per fortnight is the minimum regarded as appropriate in most cases, but this should be discussed with your supervisor. Each meeting should be recorded on the Research Monitoring and Evaluation Form (OEP R2) for future reference. |
6. |
On completion of your project you should submit two copies of the 950-611 report and three copies of the 950-612, 950-613 or 950-615 research project to the OEP, with Research Project Cover Sheet (OEP R3). Projects should be secured with spiral binding or similar (not hard bound). An electronic copy should also be available on request. A receipt will be issued and a copy of the report will be kept on file by the OEP. The OEP will send the reports for examination. It usually takes a minimum of 4 weeks for projects to be examined. |
What must my project include?
- a title page with the following:
- the title of the research project
- the full name of the degree
- the subject title and number
- the name of the supervisor and his/her school or department
- the month and year of submission.
- a short (no more than 200 word) abstract
- full acknowledgment of all other material used
- a Student Declaration of sole authorship, worded as follows and signed by the student:
The work in this project was undertaken in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Melbourne for the degree of Master of Environment. The views expressed are those of the author and might not reflect the views of the University of Melbourne, OEP.
Key dates
| Submission | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission of 300 word Graduate Research Proposal Form | Monday of the second week of each semester. |
| Submission of research projects (except for 950-615) | Friday of the week following the end of the teaching period in each semester |
| Submission of 950-615 (Research Project Long) | The week following the last week of the second semester of enrolment in this subject. |
Advice for starting a research project
Information and advice about starting research can be found through the Upskills program.
The OEP also runs a seminar at the start of each Semester for students enrolled in a research subject to introduce students to the principles and practices of good research.
FAQs
Who can supervise my project?
Supervisors are normally full-time or fractional full-time members of University staff but school or departmental associates or fellows may also be appointed where appropriate. Supervisors will not normally be employed on a sessional basis, though in the case of schools and departments where staff have high supervision loads, a sessional staff member may be appointed as a co-supervisor. Supervisors must be available for the length of the project.
What forms do I need to fill in?
You need to submit a OEP R1 (Research Proposal Form) for approval at the start of your project. The OEP R2, research monitoring form needs to be filled in each time you have a meeting with your supervisor. When you submit your project you need to fill out a cover sheet OEP R3. If you need an extension, fill out the OEP R4 form.
Do I need Ethics approval for my project?
You may need ethics approval. Ask your supervisor when you first start discussing the project if you will need ethics approval. Ethics approval applications must be administered through the Faculty of the Main supervisor. It is the responsibility of the supervisor and the student to conform to the University’s Ethics Policy.
For more information visit Human Ethics website: http://www.research.unimelb.edu.au/humanethics/.
Can I get an extension for my research project?
Extension of time will be considered only if grounds for extension or special consideration can be established. You must fill out an Application for Extension for Research Project Form (OEP R4) to be returned to the OEP with a signed duplicate copy for the supervisor.
If you require an application for Special Consideration please follow the submission procedures for your special consideration application available at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au/functions/special-consid/info/SubmissionGuidelines.html and notify the OEP of your application.
Can I do more than one research project?
It is possible to do more than one research project, but this will need to be agreed with your Academic Advisor as part of an approved course plan.
Who do I contact if I am having problems with my project?
In the first instance it is advisable to contact your project supervisor. If you need further assistance, contact the Office for Environmental Programs.
Who pays for the resources that I need for my project (eg stationery or equipment) or Facilities such as laboratory space?
Any resources and facilities required for completion of the project should be supplied by the faculty of your project supervisor.
Where do I submit my completed research project?
Submit your completed research project directly to the OEP by the due date.