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