Students
CBMS881 – Major Research Project in Biotechnology
2014 – S1 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Shoba Ranganathan
Contact via shoba.ranganathan@mq.edu.au
F7B 121
meeting confirmed by email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
16
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MBiotech or MRadiopharmSc) and (16cp at 800 level or above with a GPA of 3.0) and permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This is a one semester full-time research project supervised by academic staff in the area of biotechnology. Students aim to produce results suitable for publication in an academic journal. Availability of the unit is conditional upon the availability of suitable projects, and meeting academic performance prerequisites. Interested students should discuss their application with the unit convenor.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 0% | End of Academic week 1 |
| Report | 95% | 1st day of Academic Week 13 |
| Seminar | 5% | Exam week 1 - tbc |
Research Proposal
Due: End of Academic week 1
Weighting: 0%
This is what you will develop for review with your supervisor.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
Report
Due: 1st day of Academic Week 13
Weighting: 95%
The CBMS881 report will be examined by two examiners at least one of whom should be external to the university. The Supervisor should contact potential examiners for their availability and provide their contact details to the unit coordinator at the beginning of Academic Week 11. The Supervisor will also email the unit coordinator a report of the student's progress, when the report is submitted.
The CBMS881 report can be submitted either as a dissertation (Option 1) or as a scientific manuscript suitable for publication (Option 2). Please discuss with your supervisor the most suitable format for your report.
Option 1: Research Report by Dissertation (a concise thesis)
Three typed copies of the dissertation should be provided to the CBMS Department secretary, each in spiral bound soft-cover form, printed on single-sided A4 pages.
Dissertations should not exceed 60 pages of doublespaced text (12 pt in a legible font).
A softcopy (PDF or MS Word) of the dissertation should also be emailed to the unit coordinator, to facilitate rapid assessment, especially by external examiners.
The following sections must be included in your dissertation:
- A cover page giving the title of the project, your name and qualifications and stating “A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the M. Biotech. degree”
- A 300-word abstract
- Abbreviation list specific to your work
- Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project
- Materials and Methods
- Results & Discussion (together or as separate sections)
- Conclusions
- References including titles and full author listing of cited papers
Clarity of expression, presentation of results and their discussion and citation of relevant literature will be taken into account in the assessment. Figures and Tables as required to present your results are essential. Large amounts of data (verifying spectral data, computer programs, etc.) should be placed as Appendices to the dissertation.
The report will normally require considerable effort and should be developed during the course of the semester and completed in the last few weeks prior to submission.
The report should be certified as your own work by the supervisor. Please submit one copy of this certification page to the CBMS Department secretary, with your report copies.
Option 2: Research Report by Publication-style Manuscript
This is in the form of a manuscript suitable for submission to a leading international peer-reviewed publication in the area of your project. Your contribution must be sufficient to justify yourself as the first author of the paper, with the supervisor as corresponding author.
Three typed copies of the manuscript should be provided to the CBMS Department Secretary, each in spiral bound soft-cover form, printed on single-sided A4 pages. Manuscripts should be in doublespaced text (12 pt) and should adhere to the overall guidelines for authors set out by the selected journal. Page restrictions set by the journal can be exceeded, to a maximum of 20%, if justified.
A softcopy (PDF or MS Word) of the manuscript should also be emailed to the unit coordinator, to facilitate rapid assessment, especially by external examiners.
The following sections must be included in your manuscript:
- A cover page giving the title of the project, your name and qualifications and stating “A report submitted in partial fulfilment of the M. Biotech. Degree, for submission to … (please provide the full name of the journal name here).
- A manuscript including the following general sections:
- A 300-word Abstract
- Abbreviation list specific to your work
- Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project
- Materials and Methods
- Results & Discussion (together or as separate sections)
- Conclusions
- References including titles and full author listing of cited papers
Clarity of expression, presentation of results and their discussion and citation of relevant literature will be taken into account in the assessment. Figures and Tables as required to present your results are essential. Large amounts of data such as spectral data or computer programs, should be placed as Additional or Supplementary material.
The report will normally require considerable effort and should be developed during the course of the work and completed in the last few weeks prior to submission.
The report should be certified as your own work by the supervisor. Please submit one copy of this certification page to the CBMS Department secretary, with your report copies.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
Seminar
Due: Exam week 1 - tbc
Weighting: 5%
A 20-min seminar presentation to the Department will be scheduled during the exam week.
The marks of this component will be awarded by the internal examiner and the unit coordinator.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery: This is a full-time unit one semester unit requiring at least 40 hours of work in a research lab under supervision.
Resources: IT facilities available in the research group, Department as well as the library will be available for literature review, word processing and data analysis. Additional facilities, such as access to specialist facilities or the use of specific instruments as required by the project will be organized by the supervisor.
Changes to the unit since 2013:
- 5% of the marks have been allocated to the seminar presentation.
- At least one examiner must be external to the university.
Unit Schedule
This unit requires at least 40 hours per week of work, in the research lab, under supervision. Normal working hours are Mon-Fri: 9 am - 5 pm. After hours lab work may be required as approved by the supervisor.
Lab safety induction must be undertaken BEFORE working in the research labs - contact your supervisor to organize this.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Overview
Research work
Report writing
Seminar
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
The University declares that it is a ‘fundamental principle” that “all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:
- all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
- all academic collaborations are acknowledged
- academic work is not falsified in any way
- when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.
Specifically, the dissertation must be checked with anti-plagiarism software such as Turnitin before submission.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Report
- Seminar
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Report
- Seminar
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Report
- Seminar
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Report
- Seminar
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Report
- Seminar
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- CBMS881 will enable you to search the literature for publications in your research topic and to critique them
- The unit trains you on how to plan a research project and to identify specific aims and effectively carry these out to achieve outcomes, within the stipulated time period. You may require additional training to use specialized laboratory equipment or techniques as required.
- During the course of your research project, you will have address problems and find scientific solutions.
- You will be able to carefully analyse the data collected during your research, using mathematical and statistical tools as required and present these as tables, graphs and figures in your report.
- You will be able to submit the outcomes of the research carried out as a dissertation or as a manuscript-style report. The report covers an Introduction summarising background literature and the scope of the project, Materials and Methods, Results & Discussion, Conclusions and References including titles and full author listing of cited papers.
- You are given the opportunity to present The outcomes of your research project as a brief scientific seminar. You can also provide a brief outline of any difficulties that you faced during the project that adversely affected the outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Report
- Seminar