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Science Research Project (SCIE30001)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Summer Term
Email: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 1
Email: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Email: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Summer Term Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The Science Research Project is an individual program of supervised research in which the student, in consultation with a supervisor, contributes to the design, execution and presentation of a research project. The project may be ‘stand-alone’ or part of a larger research program being undertaken by the supervisor. The specific details of the project, including its scope and the compilation, analysis and presentation of the results, are negotiated with the supervisor and, as appropriate, the Science Research Project Coordinator(s). Students can undertake a project in most disciplines within the Faculty of Science, and should approach a potential supervisor within a discipline area that is aligned to their research interests. Students will receive feedback on their progress through ongoing consultation with their supervisor.
This subject provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience of scientific research, and is intended for undergraduate students who have achieved excellent results in the discipline related to the project. Undertaking the Science Research Project provides invaluable insights for students considering a career in scientific research.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Locating and synthesising information from the literature in order to establish the aims, scope and context of the research project
- Develop a rigorous experiment, sampling program and/or model that addresses the aims of the project
- Collecting and analysing data (qualitative and quantitative) including an assessment, where appropriate, of the statistical inference of the research results
- Interpreting patterns in data, and placing these insights into the broader conceptual framework of the discipline
- Communicating a rational, lucid, scientific argument in a written report and either as an oral or poster presentation
Generic skills
- Developing project management skills
- Managing the time allocated to complete specific tasks
- Written and oral communication of the results in an accessible and logical format
- Appreciation of the broad principles of ethical scientific research
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Excellent results in a discipline appropriate to the project (normally an average of at least 75% in relevant second and third year level subjects, noting that these levels of attainment may vary from School to School, reflecting differences in required skills and expertise) and approval of the relevant departmental Science Research Project Coordinator or Head of Department and student services.
For detailed information and the application process, refer to the Faculty of Science website: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-study/research-project-subjects
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: 14 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Written report including data presented in a variety of formats
| During the examination period | 70% |
Oral report, or poster presentation of equivalent preparation time toward the end of semester
| During the examination period | 15% |
Supervisor assessment of research competence according to student's contribution to project design and implementation
| Throughout the teaching period | 15% |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Summer Term
Principal coordinator Alex Andrianopoulos Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Distribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor, but an overall weekly commitment of 10 hours per week is expected. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 7 January 2025 to 21 February 2025 Last self-enrol date 16 January 2025 Census date 24 January 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 14 February 2025 Assessment period ends 1 March 2025 Summer Term contact information
Email: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Alex Andrianopoulos Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Distribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor, but an overall weekly commitment of 10 hours per week is expected. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 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 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Email: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Alex Andrianopoulos Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Distribution of time between specific tasks will be decided in negotiation with the supervisor, but an overall weekly commitment of 10 hours per week is expected. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 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 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Email: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours total time commitment.
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.
Additional delivery details
For detailed information and the application process, refer to the Faculty of Science website: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-study/research-project-subjects
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notesThis subject is available for science credit for students enrolled in the BSc. This undergraduate research project subject is available in a number of Departments/Schools. The list of departmental Science Research Project Coordinator details can be found at https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-study/research-project-subjectsEnrolment in the subject is contingent on the availability of a supervisor. A suitable supervisor may not be available in any given semester.Students wishing to be considered for this subject must complete a Science Research Project application request online via the Application Portal.This subject may involve the use of animals in experiments.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Geology Informal specialisation Geology Major Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology Major Plant Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Links to additional information
For detailed information and the application process, refer to the Faculty of Science website:https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-study/research-project-subjects
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 14 March 2025