BioSciences Honours Research Project Pt2 (BIOL40009)

HonoursPoints: 50On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2018 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2018 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
January
July
FeesLook up fees

This subject is part of a sequence that together constitute the 75-point research project offered through the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) stream in BioSciences. The subject involves laboratory or field-based experimental research in an area of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics and Developmental Biology, or Plant Biology. The research projects cover a broad range of research from molecular to population and evolutionary biology in micro-organisms, insects, plants and animals. The project will be based in the laboratory of an academic staff member in the School of BioSciences or an approved external supervisor, depending on the particular research project. The research project aims to develop a range of experimental and technical skills, a capacity to set goals and to design and plan experiments. Apart from the help and guidance from their supervisor(s) each student also has a committee, which provides additional help and expertise, including advice on design of the research project. This committee and supervisor(s) are responsible for assessment of the research project subject. The subject also provides students with skills and knowledge for understanding original research and enhanced written and oral communication skills.

Intended learning outcomes

Objectives of this subject are for students to:




The subject involves experimental research under the direction of a supervisor

  • understand the way in which experiments are designed, communicated and interpreted;
  • extend their abilities in oral and written scientific communication;
  • gain the ability to read and assimilate specific research papers and to understand how the research reported relates to the broad field of biological sciences;
  • acquire experience in planning and executing laboratory or field-based experimental research;
  • develop effective skills in data collection and analysis, and postulating testable hypotheses based on this data.

Generic skills

This subject should provide students with the opportunity to develop the following generic skills:

  • the ability to evaluate scientific literature;
  • the ability to use conceptual models to assess experimental data;
  • the ability to conduct research;
  • the capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in written and oral presentations;
  • the capacity for high level written report presentation skills;
  • the capacity for oral communication and presentation skills;
  • time management and self-management skills

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must satisfy the requirements for entry into the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours).

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

The assessment outlined here applies to the entire 75 point research project, of which this subject is just one part.

A research plan of a maximum 1000 words, due early in the first semester of the research project (0%, hurdle requirement). A literature Review of a maximum 3000 words, due during the first semester of the research project (10%). An oral presentation on the research project, 30 mins including questions due toward the end of the final semester of the research project (10%). A research thesis of up to 10,000 words due at the end of the final semester of the research project (75%). Benchmark - supervisor grade based on performance during the research project, finalised at completion of the research project (5%)

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • January
    Principal coordinatorMike Haydon
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursDistribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor.
    Teaching period 3 January 2018 to 28 May 2018
    Last self-enrol date 1 February 2018
    Census date 2 February 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 April 2018
    Assessment period ends28 May 2018
  • July
    Principal coordinatorMike Haydon
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursDistribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor.
    Teaching period 1 July 2018 to 22 October 2018
    Last self-enrol date23 July 2018
    Census date27 July 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail14 September 2018
    Assessment period ends22 October 2018

Time commitment details

This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Students should discuss this with their supervisor but as a guide, a student enrolled in a 37.5 point research project subject would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of 30 hours per week.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

Last updated: 3 November 2022