成人大片

1. Independence
2. Time management

The Dissertation course is set up mainly to capture your thesis marks. While there are no regular face-to-face classes, we’ve got plenty of other ways to support you as you work on your thesis. Here’s how it works:

1. Supervisory Meetings:

   • You should be meetith your supervisor regularly (weekly, bi-weekly, or as you agree).
   • These meetings are your chance to get guidance, feedback, and support on everything from refining your topic to data analysis and writing.

2. Independent Study:

   • You should be spending a lot of time doing your own research and study. This includes reading, collecting data, analyzing it, and writing your thesis.
   • Resources: You’ll have access to academic journals, books, online databases, and other resources through the university library and online platforms.

3. Workshops and Seminars:

   • Occasionally, we’ll have workshops or seminars to help with specific skills like research methods, data analysis, academic writing, and presentation skills.

4. Peer Collaboration:

   • You’re encouraged to interact and collaborate with your peers through online forums, study groups, or peer review sessions. This is a great way to exchange ideas, get feedback, and support each other.

Completing your dissertation is a significant commitment, equivalent to the workload of four full courses. Given that you’ve already collected your data, the primary focus now is on analyzing your results and writing your thesis. You should expect to dedicate around 40-50 hours per week to your dissertation work. This includes time for data analysis, writing, and regular meetings with your supervisor.

By managing your time effectively and staying organized, you will be able to successfully complete your dissertation. Remember, consistent effort and proactive planning are key to your success.

There are no planned activities. But please get regular feedback from your supervisor on various drafts and components of your thesis. This feedback is essential for refining your research and writing.

Honours Thesis Examination

The Honours thesis has generally been assessed based on the potential to be an academic researcher. The general indications of grade therefore are:
• 1st (80+) – the thesis and its process demonstrate that the student has the capacity to do higher level research (i.e., PhD) without extensive supervision and should be encouraged to do so.
• 2A (70-79) – the thesis and its process should demonstrate that the student can do higher level research (i.e., PhD) with appropriate supervision (more supervision than that expected if received a 1st).
• 2B (60-69) – the thesis and its process should demonstrate that the student has some capacity to do higher-level research but because of the requirement of extensive supervision, should consider a masters as their next step.
• 3 (50-59) – the thesis and its process should demonstrate that the student should be discouraged from doing higher level research.
• NAH Not awarded (less than 50)


The assessment process is a balance between what the thesis achieves, and what it demonstrates in understanding the process – these things are linked, but in the context of a 6-month time limit for the actual research, the students must understand the weaknesses of what they have done as much as achieve a definite result.

A panel of two academics from the relevant discipline will examine the final thesis. In the case of a 10 mark, or more, grade disagreement between the two examiners, the Honours co-ordinator will appoint a third examiner (in conjunction with the discipline leader). The final grade will be an average of all examiners’ grades, subject to the Research Committee’s moderation.
A student’s supervisor will not be appointed as an examiner.

The Honours Co-ordinator (or nominated staff member chosen by the Honours Co-ordinator) will chair viva examinations to ensure the examination is conducted fairly and equitably and ensure consistency of standards. The examiners individually read and assess the thesis taking into account the following issues:
o Is there a clearly defined research objective?
o Is the research objective clearly explained and justified?
o Is the research objective framed by an appropriate and well-presented literature/ theory context?
o Has a clear research approach been adopted?
o Has the research methodology been consistently applied?
o Have limitations in the research methodology that have been learned or acted as constraints been understood/ acknowledged?
o Have technical aspects of the methodology been appropriately applied (e.g. statistical tests, analysis/interpretation of case studies)?
o Has the thesis been well written, appropriately referenced etc.

Assessment: Preliminary Findings Presentation

Purpose: This presentation is designed to assess your ability to communicate your research progress and preliminary findings effectively. It focuses on the insights gained from your data collection and analysis so far, and provides an overview of your project's progress. Although this presentation is not graded, it serves as a critical opportunity to practice and demonstrate your communication skills and receive valuable feedback.

Requirements:

1. Content:

   • Introduction: Briefly restate your research question, objectives, and the significance of your study.
   • Methodology: Summarize the methods you have used for data collection and analysis.
   • Preliminary Findings: Present the key insights and results from the data you have collected and analyzed so far. Highlight any significant trends, patterns, or discoveries.
   • Progress Overview: Provide a status update on your project, including what has been completed and what remains to be done. Discuss any challenges you have faced and how you are addressing them.
   • Next Steps: Outline your plan for completing the remaining work, including any additional data analysis, writing, and revisions.

2. Format:

   • Duration: The presentation should be 10-15 minutes long.
   • Visual Aids: Use visual aids such as slides, charts, graphs, or any other relevant materials to enhance your presentation and make your findings clear and engaging.
   • Q&A Session: Be prepared to answer questions and engage in a discussion about your findings and progress.

3. Evaluation:

   • Communication Skills: Your ability to clearly and effectively communicate your research progress and preliminary findings will be assessed. This includes your presentation style, clarity of explanation, use of visual aids, and ability to answer questions.
   • Feedback: You will receive constructive feedback from your supervisor and peers. This feedback is aimed at helping you improve your communication skills and refine your research.

Learning Outcome:

• Communication: This presentation assesses your ability to communicate complex research findings in a clear and concise manner. It helps you develop the skills necessary to present your work to an academic audience and receive feedback to improve your research.

Additional Notes:

• Preparation: Take the time to prepare thoroughly. Practice your presentation multiple times to ensure you are confident and clear in your delivery.
• Feedback Utilization: Use the feedback received to make necessary adjustments to your research approach, analysis, and writing. This presentation is an important step in ensuring the quality and coherence of your final dissertation.

After you  complete your dissertation, you will be required to particpate in a viva:
Viva
The examiners will meet to start the Viva by discussing the thesis, identifying the strengths and weaknesses, and recording an undisclosed preliminary mark.
The examiners will then meet with the supervisor and allow the supervisor to present any issues associated with the thesis’s development and writing, including a description of the student’s support in the thesis development.
The student will then join the meeting and answer any questions, supported by the supervisor. The student will be advised that a preliminary mark has been given for the thesis and that the viva can only cause the mark to be raised. Questions asked of the student are designed to allow the student to clarify their understanding of the research process and issues involved.
Once the student leaves, the supervisor remains to make any final observations to the examiners.
After the student and supervisor leave the meeting, the examiners will each submit their final mark to the Honours/MBR Co-ordinator. If there is a significant divergence, further discussion will be undertaken to reduce the discrepancy. Each examiner will write a brief report on the thesis to be made available to the student.
The average mark is recorded by the Honours/MBR Co-ordinator, and the supervisor is then informed of the general level of the grade by the convenor (e.g. upper 2A). The mark is combined with grades for the 4-semester courses, and the Research Committee affirms an overall grade.

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Thesis submission deadline: Friday, 25th October at 3:00 pm. Please submit your thesis via email to the course coordinator: dean.wilkie@adelaide.edu.au

Late submissions without an extension will be penalised at 1% per day. The Honours Co-ordinator can only grant extensions. If you require an extension, you must follow university procedures to make an application. Full details are available from /student/exams/modified/.