EHSE Research and Postgraduates

What is UTROP

The Undergraduate Training and Research Opportunity Program (UTROP) is an educational scheme designed to give undergraduate students at CDU’s Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment (EHSE) an opportunity to participate in research projects.  Participation in UTROP will provide experience in research, while still enabling students to continue with formal studies. 

UTROP students also receive payment for the hours spent undertaking their project.  Projects must be at least 80 hours duration and no longer than 120 hours duration.

The UTROP process is managed by the Faculty of EHSE’s Postgraduate and Research (PGResearch) Office located in Blue 4.1.12.

UTROP supervisors

Research staff from the Faculty of EHSE, the Tropical Savannas CRC (TS CRC) and other program sponsors are eligible to be UTROP supervisors.

UTROP students

Students who have completed at least 120 credit points towards their degree, and who are currently enrolled in a course offered through the Faculty of EHSE are eligible to apply for UTROP projects.

UTROP timetable

Timetable	2011
	Round 1	Round 2
Call for sponsors, supervisors and projects	Wed, Mar 16	Wed, June 29
Closing date for submission of UTROP project proposals	Fri, Apr 08	Fri, July 22
Student applications open	Mon, April 18	Tue, Aug 2
Closing date for submission of applications	Fri, May 13	Fri, Aug 26
Students and supervisors notified of outcome	Wed, May 26	Mon, Sep 5

The UTROP projects are flexible and the program is designed to accommodate students’ academic timetables, exam periods, their supervisor’s activities and seasonal and environmental factors.  For example, a UTROP project may run in a four week block during the summer break, six hours a week for a semester, or two weeks field work followed by three hours a week for four weeks.  The schedule will be worked out by the student and their UTROP supervisor.

Should the schedule vary from the original agreement, the student and their supervisor will resolve how the student can continue in a more sustainable manner.

Where can UTROP be undertaken

UTROP can be undertaken wherever Faculty EHSE, TS CRC or other UTROP sponsors’ research is carried out.  CRC partnership agencies are encouraged to host UTROP students.

How UTROP helps you

Researchers

• Opportunity to mentor keen undergraduate students

• Opportunity to trial small project ideas

• Labour costs are covered

• Screening and matching of suitable applicants to projects

• Ongoing support from Faculty’s PGResearch Office during placement

Students

• Challenge of being part of a research team

• Develop expertise in research design and associated techniques

• Potential to contribute to publications

• Flexible hours – concurrent with academic studies

• Creation of future job opportunities

• Financial rewards