Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Students can commence the unit in either semester 1 or 2. In the unit, students attend 10 seminars in the School of Plant Biology seminar series, or substitutions approved by the unit coordinator. During each seminar, students strive to understand the content, as well as assess the presentation as a piece of science communication. Tutorial sessions led by academic staff members are held after four compulsory seminars to dissect the attributes of the seminar content and presentation, especially the development of an evidence-based argument that is clearly articulated and supported by compelling and easily digested visual aids. Students then put their learning into practice by presenting a 15-minute seminar to report the outcomes of their research dissertation project. The unit provides oral communication skills that are relevant to all students wishing to practise as industry professionals and that are highly sought by employers.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) broaden knowledge in their field of enquiry; (2) succintly summarise oral presentations; (3) develop skills to critically assess the content and presentation of scientific seminars; (4) organise and present their own scientific results in a compelling and professional manner; and (5) defend orally the conclusions drawn from their research results.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) seminars: 6; tutorials: 4 and (2) seminar summarising research dissertation project. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Megan Ryan
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the Master of Agricultural Science
Co-requisites
AGRI5554 Agriculture Masters Research Dissertation Part 4
Contact hours
attend 10 one-hour seminars
attend 4 one-hour tutorials to discuss seminars with a member of academic staff
present a 15-minute seminar on the outcomes of research dissertation project
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.