Students
CBMS780 – The Research Experience
2016 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Bridget Mabbutt
Contact via bridget.mabbutt@mq.edu.au
Louise Brown
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes and 16cp at 700 level
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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 unit is designed to provide hands-on experience by direct interface with molecular science underway in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences. Students will participate in the programs of two distinct research groups over the semester and navigate typical situations encountered as members of a scientific research team. They will engage in a range of pertinent laboratory activities, receive preparative training in advanced molecular techniques from research scientists, and attend team meetings at which experimental data are reviewed and research planning is encountered.
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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:
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To maintain a daily laboratory record of work undertaken, results and their interpretation, to research-level standards
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory notebook A | 15% | 23rd September |
| Research presentation A | 25% | 16th September |
| Supervisor A report | 10% | 20th September |
| Laboratory notebook B | 15% | 11th November |
| Research presentation B | 25% | 4th November |
| Supervisor B report | 10% | 8th November |
Laboratory notebook A
Due: 23rd September
Weighting: 15%
A notebook will be provided for the recording of your daily laboratory activities in a manner appropriate to the relevant research discipline. A laboratory notebook is generally regarded as the primary source of new experimental information, and many granting authorities require notebooks to be retained within funded laboratories (i.e. they are not the property of any individual researcher). Your research team will be able to provide you with lab books from other postgraduate students as appropriate examples of experimental record-keeping.
Your lab notebook must be written up as experiments are set-up and progress, alongside your observations or insights. Each task and observation must be clearly dated, and reflection noted on the experimental result. The level of description should be sufficient to allow experiments to be replicated by another worker. The names and storage location of all data files and samples related to each experiment must be identified clearly.
Your notebook must be certified on a weekly basis by your supervisor or a senior researcher in your team. Marks will be deducted if this is not done.
At the end of your rotation, you must submit your completed lab book to the Unit convenor for marking. Marking will incorporate assessment of (i) clarity of recording of experiments conducted, (ii) organisation of data or observations, and (iii) degree of personal interpretation and reflection.
You will be informed of your awarded mark for this task, together with general feedback, within 2 weeks of submission. This lab book will be returned to the hosting lab for its record keeping.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To maintain a daily laboratory record of work undertaken, results and their interpretation, to research-level standards
Research presentation A
Due: 16th September
Weighting: 25%
During the last week of your research visit (i.e. Week 7), you will give a 20-30 min Powerpoint presentation to your hosting research group outlining:
(i) the work in which you participated,
(ii) background literature to the overall project,
(iii) a critique of experiments in which you were involved, and
(iv) an outline of any results obtained.
It is expected that your presentation will be incorporated within the scheduling of regular research meetings of your hosting laboratory. You will be questioned by your research team members and receive constructive feedback on your results or understanding. By attending group meetings throughout your research team visit, you will be exposed to examples of short presentations by other student researchers.
Your presentation and responses to feedback will be marked by your research supervisor, according to the University's standard grade descriptors (HD, D, Cr, P). You will be informed of the grade you have achieved before commencement of your Lab B placement.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Supervisor A report
Due: 20th September
Weighting: 10%
Your supervisor will provide a report to the Unit convenor evaluating your laboratory performance (worth 5%), technical competencies gained (2.5%) and degree of engagement with the project work (2.5%).
Factors such as attention to detail, ability to learn new methods, your contribution to experimental interpretation, and interactions with the research team will contribute to this assessment. A copy of the marking rubric used by supervisors for this evaluation is provided on the iLearn site.
You will be informed of your overall mark for this Assessment task prior to commencement of your Lab B placement.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Laboratory notebook B
Due: 11th November
Weighting: 15%
As for laboratory notebook A.
At the end of your second rotation, the Unit covenor will review and assess your laboratory notebook.
You will be informed of your awarded mark for this task, together with general feedback, within 2 weeks of submission. This lab book will be returned to the hosting lab for its record keeping.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To maintain a daily laboratory record of work undertaken, results and their interpretation, to research-level standards
Research presentation B
Due: 4th November
Weighting: 25%
As for Research presentation A, to be scheduled within a team meeting during Week 12.
Your presentation and responses to feedback will be marked by your second research supervisor, according to the University's standard grade descriptors (HD, D, Cr , P). You will be informed of the grade you have achieved within 2 weeks of completion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Supervisor B report
Due: 8th November
Weighting: 10%
This assessment will be conducted as for Supervisor Report A.
You will be informed of your overall mark for this Assessment task within 2 weeks of completion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Delivery and Resources
You will need to arrange to meet with four Project leaders and attend any required induction sessions in Weeks 1 and 2.
Following this introduction, you will be asked to nominate up to 3 researchers whose work interests you for future work. Two of these will be assigned to you as your Lab A and Lab B experiences (as best accommodated by all student preferences).
During the two 5 week-sessions of laboratory work, you are expected to be present in the participating laboratory for ~14 hours per week. During this time, as well as participating in experiments under close supervision, you will write up a laboratory notebook, conduct background literature surveys and attend group meetings and seminars.
Technologies Used and Required
Consumable costs have been provided to each hosting laboratory towards your laboratory costs, and you will be provided with basic laboratory needs, including lab notebook. Specialist scientific equipment, computers and software will be made available to you under supervision, but you will require your own laptop with basic software installed to prepare your reports and presentation.
Unit Schedule
Following relevant introduction session in Weeks 1 and 2, the class will not use the scheduled "lecture" slot: instead you will arrange suitable weekday working times with your laboratory head, according to mutual timetables.
The Unit will be generally structured as follows:
Weeks 1&2: Unit introduction; Meet with CBMS Laboratory Heads, chemical and biosafety induction; notification of lab placements
Weeks 3-7: Placement, Lab A
Weeks 8-12: Placement, Lab B
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Please note due dates for all tasks. No extensions will be granted, unless a case for Special Consideration has been made through the Faculty site and approved by the Unit convenor.
Your laboratory notebooks must be handed in person to the Unit convenor by the due date. Late work will be penalised.
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
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
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To maintain a daily laboratory record of work undertaken, results and their interpretation, to research-level standards
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Assessment tasks
- Laboratory notebook A
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Laboratory notebook B
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
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
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To develop practical skills with advanced laboratory methods, including the safe handling of chemical, biological or radioactive materials, as appropriate
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To maintain a daily laboratory record of work undertaken, results and their interpretation, to research-level standards
Assessment tasks
- Laboratory notebook A
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Laboratory notebook B
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
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
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Assessment tasks
- Laboratory notebook A
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Laboratory notebook B
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
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
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To maintain a daily laboratory record of work undertaken, results and their interpretation, to research-level standards
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Assessment tasks
- Laboratory notebook A
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Laboratory notebook B
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
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
- To participate in data collection and report/reflect on experimental findings to the research team
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Assessment tasks
- Laboratory notebook A
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Laboratory notebook B
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
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
- To experience contemporary research practice in molecular science across a range of laboratory groups
- To participate in the experimental planning/review cycle of an laboratory-based research team
Assessment tasks
- Laboratory notebook A
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Laboratory notebook B
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
Changes from Previous Offering
No changes made from 2015 offering