In this course the student will undertake a substantial research project on a topic of their choice within the field of Archaeological Science, broadly defined, in order to complete the Research component of the MArchSci (Research) program. The course designed for students wanting to do in-depth research. A supervisor with knowledge and experience in the relevant field of study will be nominated, with whom the student is expected to schedule regular contact for advice, support and mentoring. Work tasks/supervision of the topic may be in any of the ANU Colleges supporting the MArchSci program. The topic may be more or less laboratory based, or involve some fieldwork.

Details of the thesis project will be negotiated between the student, the supervisor(s) and the convenor of the program. As with other ANU science-based PGC thesis programs, the defined research project may involve, with prior approval(s), linkage as a collaborative project with an industry partner, or business or government body.

On completing this course students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Communicate research designs, methods and findings effectively and professionally to relevant audiences using verbal and written methods.

2. Design research activities, select procedures, review relevant literature, develop research questions and deliver a thesis over well managed time-lines in one area of the broad field of Archaeological Science.

3. Undertake a research project with due consideration to ethical and professional outcomes.

4. Deliver research project summary information to a non-technical audience.

5. Develop a level of research planning, awareness and critical thinking adequate to plan proposals ahead of HDR research (or an equivalent level of research study in a professional context).

Research proposal and seminar presentation (20%); thesis (80%). The thesis will normally be 15-20,000 words (24units) reduced pro rata to 12-15,000 words for a thesis taken as a 18units + 6units combination. With prior approval, elements of the project write-up may be submitted as a draft academic paper/poster in a format suitable for an academic conference publication.

Flexible delivery, arrangements to be made with supervisor(s) and approved with convenor. Off-campus students may arrange to deliver the research seminar remotely. Both the research proposal, and the thesis must be submitted to supervisor(s) as drafts for comment a minimum of two weeks ahead of the seminar date/final submission of the sub-thesis. The course is demanding and there is an expectation of substantial time commitments. For part-time study this should involve approximately 50% of the full-time load (15 to 20 hours a week) and regular meetings with supervisor and program convenor.

Students entering the MArchSci(Res) will have already completed the MArchSci with a 70% average, or a comparable Postgraduate qualification in Archaeological Science from an overseas University. Exceptions may be made under special circumstances.

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Wattle