The Effect of Micronutrient Applications Methods on Production of Wheat
Guidelines and instructions
One of the most challenging aspects of scientific research is synthesising past work, current findings, and new hypotheses into a research proposal for future investigations. To be successful in science you must be able to acquire funds for your research. Crafting a successful research proposal is one of the most challenging aspects of “doing sciencebut it can also be one of the most exciting. The course work for this unit is the development of a 4000 word research proposal. Although the word count is only 4000 words do not be fooled into believing this will be effortless task. A solid research proposal may take an experienced academic six months or more to develop, and needs to be clear and concise, grounded in the scientific literature, yet exciting and engaging. It will require every aspect of scientific inquiry and call on all the skills and knowledge you have accumulated so far in your scientific career.
Goals you should expect to accomplish during the course of developing and writing your research proposal.
1. Identify and describe the conceptual framework for the research question.
2. Review the relevant theoretical and empirical literature both for the system being studied and related systems.
3. Describe the general research question in the context of the conceptual framework and the theoretical and empirical work that precedes the proposed work.
4. Formulate a concise and incisive set of hypotheses of specific aims to address the overarching question.
5. Design studies to test each hypothesis or aim.
6. Develop methods and techniques to test, analyse and synthesis results.
7. Evaluate potential alternative outcomes.
8. Combine these items in a coherent, precise, concise, and exciting research proposal.
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This proposal form has 8 sections, which must be completed in the specified format and word counts. All blue, italicized text are instructions to be deleted prior to submission. All inserted text is to be 12 point Times New Roman Font. Line spacing of 1.5. Left aligned (with exception of references, see specified formatting).Additional reading materials and successful proposals will be available on the SCI500 moodle site.
Name:
Student Number:
Supervisor:
SECTION 1. PROJECT TITLE (5%).
Insert project title here. Ensure it accurately and succinctly describes your project. A title can be more important than you think. It sets the reader up for the remainder of the proposal.
Not included in word limit.
SECTION 2. SUMMARY (10%)
Summarise the aims & significance of the proposed project. A convincing and exciting summary captures the reader’s attention and interest, and establishes a strong tone for the rest of the proposal. Ensure this section is clear, concise, accurate and exciting. State what you plan to do and why this work will be influential.(word limit – 100 words)
SECTION 2. SUMMARY OF PROJECT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE (5%)
In no more than 50 words provide a two-sentence descriptor of the purpose and expected outcome of the project which is suitable for media or other publicity material. Use plan language and do not duplicate or simply truncate the ‘Summary’.
SECTION 3. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PRIORITIES (5%)
Strategic Research Priority Area Strategic Research Priority Goal
Australian Government Strategic Research Goals can be found on the Australian Research Council Website (http://www.arc.gov.au/about_arc/arc_profile.htm)
Field of Research (FOR) FOR code FOR (percent)
Socio – Economic Objective (SEO) SEO code SEO (percent)
Fields of Research and Socio-Economic Classification codes can be found on the Australian Research Council Website (http://www.arc.gov.au/applicants/codes.htm)
SECTION 4. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND (25%)
This section outlines the project description or research plan. In this section you should review the literature and stress key references. Introduce relevant conceptual, theoretical or empirical models, and discuss the need for new methods or technologies that are pivotal to your area of research. The main goal of the introduction is to present the background material necessary to lead the reviewer to the objectives, hypotheses, and proposed research, based on an overview of the current research. (word limit – 1000 words- 1 Figure or table permitted- not included in word count)
SECTION 5. SIGNIFICANCE& INNOVATION (25%)
This section should be linked to the specific objectives, aims, questions or hypotheses for your study. Look at the project from both a broad and narrow disciplinary view. Ask what scientists inside versus outside the field would perceive as the greatest contribution of this research. Consider both the empirical and theoretical contributions that may result from this study. Identify and contract basic and applied uses of the data. Be your own best critic and ask how an impartial reader would dispute the claims you have made. (word limit – 1500 words)
SECTION 6. APPROACH & METHODS (15%)
What will you actually do? This section should contain the nitty-gritty of your implementation, analysis, and interpretation of the proposed project. This is where you convince the reader that your project can be accomplished. This research plan is often broken down into a number of separate elements. Whilst writing this section ask yourself 1/Are these the correct and best methods for the specific question 2/ Are the methods proven and properly cited, 3/ are the methods feasible given the time and support available 4/ Is the precision or extent of the study appropriate? 5/What critical and innovative outputs will result from this study? The trick is not to get bogged down in the detail. Whilst writing, ask yourself is this too much or too little detail? (word limit -1500 words)
SECTION 7. BUDGET (5%)
Fill out the provided budget table. Include below the table a 1-2 sentence justification of each budgeted item. Add line items as required. The objective of this section is to show the assessor you have considered all reasonable costs for your project. Not included in total word limit.
Line item Unit Unit cost Total
Insert line justification here
SECTION 8. REFERENCES (5%)
References listed in this proposal are placed in this section. Use astandard formatting you would find in scientific papers.