BioSciences Honours Research Project Pt1 (BIOL40006)
HonoursPoints: 50On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1 (Extended)
Semester 2 (Extended)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 (Extended) Semester 2 (Extended) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look 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.
The subject involves experimental research under the direction of a supervisor.
Intended learning outcomes
Objectives of this subject are for students to:
- critically evaluate and refine research protocols and timelines to optimize project outcomes
- evaluate the way in which experiments are designed, communicated and interpreted;
- extend their abilities in oral and written scientific communication;
- critique specific research papers and synthesize how the reported research integrates with the broader field of biological sciences;
- design and implement laboratory or field-based experimental research;
- develop and evaluate 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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the BH-SCI Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An oral presentation of research proposal, including questions due in the first semester of the research project
| From Week 3 to Week 4 | 0% |
A literature Review of a maximum 3000 words, due during the first semester of the research project
| From Week 6 to Week 7 | 10% |
An oral presentation on the research project, including questions due toward the end of the final semester of the research project
| From Week 10 to Week 12 | 10% |
A research thesis of up to 12,000 words due at the end of the final semester of the research project
| During the examination period | 75% |
Benchmark - supervisor grade based on performance during the research project, finalised at completion of the research project | During the examination period | 5% |
Additional details
The assessment outlined here applies to the entire 75 point research project, of which this subject is just one part.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 (Extended)
Principal coordinator Bhawana Bhatta Kaudal Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Distribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor. Total time commitment 680 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 30 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 30 June 2025 Semester 1 (Extended) contact information
- Semester 2 (Extended)
Principal coordinator Bhawana Bhatta Kaudal Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Distribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor. Total time commitment 680 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 24 December 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 24 December 2025 Semester 2 (Extended) contact information
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 50 point research project subject would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of 40 hours per week.
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the 'last day to withdraw without fail') count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation BioSciences Informal specialisation BioSciences
Last updated: 4 March 2025