ENVS834 – Environmental Research Report
Contact via 9850 6959
(Admission to MEnv or MSc) and 16cp at 800 level
ENVS834 Environmental Research Report is the independent research unit in which students conduct research on a specific topic within the subject area of environmental sciences. The identification of the subject is to be negotiated with the unit supervisor prior to commencement of the unit and a workplan signed by the student, supervisor and the Head of the Department. Students will work individually under the supervision of a member of staff and/or a suitably qualified external professional. With ENVS834 students will gain in-depth understanding of the research methods applied to the selected environmental science research subject, conduct research project through evaluation of published data or by conducting original experiments. The students will also present the research outcomes to audience specialised in the field.
Ability to design an individual research project
Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Ability to scope a research project within budget allocation
Review of research methods 30% No Week 5 (28 March 2018)
Presentation of project plan 20% No Week 12&13 (30/05 & 6/06 2018)
Research Report 50% No Week 13 (8 June 2018)
Due: Week 5 (28 March 2018)
Students should select a topic for the environmental research report. In this assessment at least 3 different research techniques and methods used to conduct the research investigations for the selected topic should be reviewed and compared. A 2,000 word assignment should be written which demonstrates the working principles of the selected methods.
Clearly articulates aims and scope of review
Accurately and succinctly describes objectives and outcomes of review literature
Contribution of reviewed literature
Evidence evaluated critically
Strengths and weaknesses clearly identified
Well-planned review with clear structure, sub-headings and logical argument firmly based on the literature cited
Well written paper formatted for effective communication with correct grammar and spelling and correct use of professional terminology as appropriate
Literature correctly cited and full bibliographic details provided
Penalty: Late Submission (10% per day)
Presentation of project plan
Due: Week 12&13 (30/05 & 6/06 2018)
Individual 10 minute class presentations of the literature review and design of a 1 year original project plan, which will include a timeline and budget. The plan should contain justification of the selected methods and how they will be applied for the project timeline and a project budget of $5,000. The students are expected to participate to the class discussions during all presentation nights.
Quality of research and project development
Appropriate justification of the budget
Justification of the selected research methods
Design, visual aids and presentation
Structure, logic, effectiveness and originality
Clear text and illustrations
Facing audience and presentation with impact
Participation to class discussions
Due: Week 13 (8 June 2018)
Students should select a research topic of choice, and perform original research or review of relevant state of information in peer-reviewed literature or high level scientific reports. The topic of choice can be based on a case study, evaluation of institutional practice, empirical investigation, or a critical review of the science, policy or practice by different institutions either nationally or globally.
The assessment criteria will be the same as in the Review of research methods assignment.
EMC G230
Unit objectives and assessment
Introduction principles to literature review
Assignment on review of research methods due
Individual research, consultation by email
2-23 May
& 6 June
Presentations of project plans
Research report assignment due
Students are expected to allocate 12 hours per week of their workload towards this unit to successfully deliver the assignments.
Students are free to make appointment any time for discussion.
Students are expected to source original peer-reviewed literature relevant for their topic of choice for the methodological review and research report. The databases used to search literature are:
Macquarie University Library http://multisearch.mq.edu.au/
ISI Web of Knowledge http://isiknowledge.com/
Science Direct http://www.sciencedirect.com/science
Example journals where high impact articles in the discipline of environmental sciences are published:
ENVS834 – Environmental Research Report
Contact via 9850 6959
(Admission to MEnv or MSc) and 16cp at 800 level
ENVS834 Environmental Research Report is the independent research unit in which students conduct research on a specific topic within the subject area of environmental sciences. The identification of the subject is to be negotiated with the unit supervisor prior to commencement of the unit and a workplan signed by the student, supervisor and the Head of the Department. Students will work individually under the supervision of a member of staff and/or a suitably qualified external professional. With ENVS834 students will gain in-depth understanding of the research methods applied to the selected environmental science research subject, conduct research project through evaluation of published data or by conducting original experiments. The students will also present the research outcomes to audience specialised in the field.
Ability to design an individual research project
Develop understanding in specific experimental and/or analytical methods applicable for environmental science research
Collect experimental data by applying research methodology or gather the data from secondary published sources
Critically evaluate and synthesize the data to achieve the research objectives
Effectively communicate the scientific outcomes both verbally and in writing
Ability to scope a research project within budget allocation
Review of research methods 30% No Week 5 (28 March 2018)
Presentation of project plan 20% No Week 12&13 (30/05 & 6/06 2018)
Research Report 50% No Week 13 (8 June 2018)
Due: Week 5 (28 March 2018)
Students should select a topic for the environmental research report. In this assessment at least 3 different research techniques and methods used to conduct the research investigations for the selected topic should be reviewed and compared. A 2,000 word assignment should be written which demonstrates the working principles of the selected methods.
Clearly articulates aims and scope of review
Accurately and succinctly describes objectives and outcomes of review literature
Contribution of reviewed literature
Evidence evaluated critically
Strengths and weaknesses clearly identified
Well-planned review with clear structure, sub-headings and logical argument firmly based on the literature cited
Well written paper formatted for effective communication with correct 
grammar and spelling and correct use of professional terminology as appropriate
Literature correctly cited and full bibliographic details provided
Penalty: Late Submission (10% per day)
Presentation of project plan
Due: Week 12&13 (30/05 & 6/06 2018)
Individual 10 minute class presentations of the literature review and design of a 1 year original project plan, which will include a timeline and budget. The plan should contain justification of the selected methods and how they will be applied for the project timeline and a project budget of $5,000. The students are expected to participate to the class discussions during all presentation nights.
Quality of research and project development
Appropriate justification of the budget
Justification of the selected research methods
Design, visual aids and presentation
Structure, logic, effectiveness and originality
Clear text and illustrations
Facing audience and presentation with impact
Participation to class discussions
Due: Week 13 (8 June 2018)
Students should select a research topic of choice, and perform original research or review of relevant state of information in peer-reviewed literature or high level scientific reports. The topic of choice can be based on a case study, evaluation of institutional practice, empirical investigation, or a critical review of the science, policy or practice by different institutions either nationally or globally.
The assessment criteria will be the same as in the Review of research methods assignment.
EMC G230
Unit objectives and assessment
Introduction principles to literature review
Assignment on review of research methods due
Individual research, consultation by email
2-23 May
& 6 June
Presentations of project plans
Research report assignment due
Students are expected to allocate 12 hours per week of their workload towards this unit to successfully deliver the assignments.
Students are free to make appointment any time for discussion.
Students are expected to source original peer-reviewed literature relevant for their topic of choice for the methodological review and research report. The databases used to search literature are:
Macquarie University Library http://multisearch.mq.edu.au/
ISI Web of Knowledge http://isiknowledge.com/
Science Direct http://www.sciencedirect.com/science
Example journals where high impact articles in the discipline of environmental sciences are published: