Students
CBMS780 – The Research Experience
2018 – 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
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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:
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have maintained a daily record, to research-level standards, documenting work undertaken, results and their interpretation
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory notebook A | 15% | No | 18th September |
| Research presentation A | 15% | No | 14th September |
| Supervisor A report | 20% | No | 20th September |
| Laboratory notebook B | 15% | No | 9th November |
| Research presentation B | 15% | No | 5th November |
| Supervisor B report | 20% | No | 9th November |
Laboratory notebook A
Due: 18th September
Weighting: 15%
A notebook will be provided for the recording of your daily laboratory activities in a style appropriate to the relevant research discipline. A laboratory notebook is generally regarded as the primary source of new experimental information; 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:
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have maintained a daily record, to research-level standards, documenting work undertaken, results and their interpretation
Research presentation A
Due: 14th September
Weighting: 15%
During the last week of your research visit (i.e. Week 7), you will give a 15 - 20 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 scheduled within a regular research meeting of your hosting laboratory. You will be questioned by 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 mark you have achieved before commencement of your Lab B placement.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
Supervisor A report
Due: 20th September
Weighting: 20%
Your supervisor will provide a report to the Unit convenor evaluating your laboratory performance (worth 10%), technical competencies gained (5%) and degree of engagement with the project work (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 grade for this Assessment task prior to commencement of your Lab B placement.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
Laboratory notebook B
Due: 9th 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:
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have maintained a daily record, to research-level standards, documenting work undertaken, results and their interpretation
Research presentation B
Due: 5th November
Weighting: 15%
As for Research presentation A, to be scheduled within a team meeting during Week 12/13.
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 mark you have achieved within 2 weeks of completion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
Supervisor B report
Due: 9th November
Weighting: 20%
This assessment will be conducted as for Supervisor Report A.
You will be informed of your overall grade for this Assessment task within 2 weeks of completion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
Delivery and Resources
Week 1 : your class will hear from all HDR Supervisors in Molecular Sciences about the research they are doing, and projects on offer.
Week 2: you will receive a general welcome and Safety outline from key Department Staff.
By August 9 (i.e. end of Week 2) you must nominate (to the Unit convenor) three labs in which you are interested to take placements (email in iLearn). 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, as best fits your and your supervisors schedules. 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 likely 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 Molecular Science supervisors, 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 (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
Assessment tasks
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- 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
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have maintained a daily record, to research-level standards, documenting work undertaken, results and their interpretation
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
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have maintained a daily record, to research-level standards, documenting work undertaken, results and their interpretation
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
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
- Have an increased awareness of contemporary research practice through participation across a range of molecular science research teams
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
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
- Have actively participated in data collection and reported/reflected on experimental findings
- Have maintained a daily record, to research-level standards, documenting work undertaken, results and their interpretation
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
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
- Have begun to acquire practical knowledge of relevant research methodologies, incorporating appropriate safe handling of materials (chemical, biological)
- Have contributed to the planning/communicate/review cycle in a research setting
Assessment tasks
- Research presentation A
- Supervisor A report
- Research presentation B
- Supervisor B report
Changes from Previous Offering
In 2018, potential supervisors will give overviews of their research in a "Research Pitch" in the class of Week 1. This replaces students organising one-on-one meetings.