PROJECT PLACEMENT

The research proposal describes the project you plan to undertake, the methods you will use and with whom the study will be performed. It must include a timetable of tasks that will be undertaken throughout the project. This is an important aspect as it will assist you with time management throughout your independent study. The requirements for acceptable research proposal are:

• The research project must entail a minimum of 120 hours of work.
• The proposed research and accompanying assessments must be able to be completed by the end of semester in which the unit is commenced.
• The research proposal must be approved and signed by the nominated academic staff member and approved by unit convenor.
• There is no word limit on the proposal but it should be no more than two pages and should include a timeline
• Dot points should be used where possible
• Use the following list when developing your proposal

INTERNSHIP

In this first assessment you will need to outline the specific objectives of your internship in a research laboratory. This will include a brief overview of the main theme of research in your placement laboratory, an outline and brief explanation of the experimental procedures you will learn and apply, and the aim of the project that you will be assisting with.  You will also start to formulate the topic of your literature and the main theme should be provided here. You should discuss your ideas with the laboratory supervisor and develop a topic and provide an overview (100-200 words) of the literature review.

PROJECT PLACEMENT

PART A Introduction Due 11^th April 2014

This assessment comprises submission of two parts: 1) a literature review / introduction; 2) the final scientific report. A literature review is a body of work that describes research undertaken in a specific area. In this instance, the research review will describe what is known in the area of your specific project. You will need to read a minimum of 20 peer reviewed manuscripts that provide the background to your project. You then use the information from the literature to position your project within the context of published research findings.  The literature review forms the beginnings (Introduction and aims) of your final report. The Introduction / literature review section should be 1500 - 2000 words. In the first instance there are no marks awarded for part A of the assessment but you will be given feedback on your submission and an indication grade (F, P, CR, D, HD). You will receive feedback that will allow you to modify this section and changes and your use of the feedback will be taken into account when marking the final report.

PART B Final Scientific Report Due 6^th June 2014

Assessment will be based on a report to be written in the form of a scientific paper (max 5000 words excluding references) in the form of a specified scientific journal to be established with your supervisor. You will need to state the Journal that the report has been prepared for and provide a copy of the journal instructions with your submitted report.

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT

PART A Literature review outline and annotated bibliography Due 11^th April 2014

In part A you need prepare an outline of your literature review. You will have discussed your ideas and formulated a topic with your supervisor at the start of the unit and in preparing assessment 1. Here you refine that topic and break it down into a general plan of your review and main points (sub-headings) that will form the review. You also need to provide a list of 5 references with each accompanied by 5-10 dotpoints of the information that the reference will provide for your review. You will not receive a mark for this section however you will be provided with detailed feedback on your review plan

PART B Literature review Due 6^th June 2014

In Part B the final report is submitted. The final document of ~ 3000 words should draw on material from 10-20 references. The literature review should be prepared in the format for a specified journal agreed between you and your supervisor. Refer to the marking scheme when preparing your review.

PART C Method protocols Due 6^th June 2014

You also need to provide TWO procedural outlines of methods that you have been performing in your placement. These should be presented in a step by step form that another scientist could easily follow (see iLearn for an example). The procedure should have a brief introductory paragraph that states the general principles of the procedure and what research questions it is used for.

Due Week Beginning May 11 (date to be determined)

You will deliver a 15-minute presentation of your research topic structured as an academic conference presentation, followed by a 5-minute period for questions to your placement group.  Your oral presentation should be accompanied by slides prepared in Powerpoint. This presentation should also be seen as an opportunity to gain constructive comment and feedback from your group towards your final report. In preparing your talk, consult the marking rubric (attached) to understand what examiners looking for in your talk. Use the following checklist (and the marking scheme on iLearn) when developing your presentation

Your supervisors will provide a report to the unit convenors. Supervisors will be evaluating your attendance; understanding of the research; attention to detail; ability to learn new techniques and efficiency in methods performance; participation and enthusiasm; and interactions with team members;