Students
BIOL799 – Advanced Research Topics in Biology
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Caitlin Kordis
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to search, read and critically review the available scientific literature across a broad range of fields within biological sciences at an advanced level. The topics are to be decided by the student in consultation with a mentor from the Department of Biological Sciences. All students undertake independent literature research, with regular contact with their topic mentor either in person or via e-mail. Students will need to take responsibility for organising their workload throughout the semester. This unit encourages students to directly interact with research active academic staff, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students within the department and to explore the most current and controversial issues in biological sciences.
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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:
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Develop and refine existing skills for the use of online databases and bibliographical software through the preparation of a literature review.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with a research supervisor and learn the expectations of such relationships, and the conduct of productive meetings.
- Develop ability to review individual written work and that of peers.
- Record and reflect on research meetings with supervisors.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | 60% | No | 2/11/18 |
| Peer Review 2 | 20% | No | 19/10/18 & 26/10/18 |
| Peer review 1 | 0% | Yes | Friday 21/9/17 |
| Annotated bibliography | 10% | No | 7/9/18 |
| Literature review outline | 10% | No | 24/8/18 |
Literature Review
Due: 2/11/18
Weighting: 60%
Students are to complete a 2500 word literature review based on the broader topic that they expect to research in year 2 of the MRes. The review topic will be related to your area of intended research but the question should be in a broader context of your specific research project. Students are to engage with their supervisor through regular meetings and explore the structure and content of the review.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Develop and refine existing skills for the use of online databases and bibliographical software through the preparation of a literature review.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with a research supervisor and learn the expectations of such relationships, and the conduct of productive meetings.
- Record and reflect on research meetings with supervisors.
Peer Review 2
Due: 19/10/18 & 26/10/18
Weighting: 20%
Copies of student draft literature reviews will be disseminated among the class. Students are to provide detailed written feedback and comments on the work of their peers.
Completed draft literature reviews are due 19th October 2017.
Comments on peer reviews of your work are due 26th October 2017
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop ability to review individual written work and that of peers.
Peer review 1
Due: Friday 21/9/17
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Copies of draft thesis sections from current MRes year 2 students will be disseminated among the class by 15/9/17. Students are to provide detailed written feedback and comments on the work of their peers.
This task must be completed satisfactorily in order to pass this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop ability to review individual written work and that of peers.
Annotated bibliography
Due: 7/9/18
Weighting: 10%
Students will provide a bibliography including at least 30 relevant papers. The bibliography should be prepared using a referencing database program such as Endnote. For each paper in the database you should include a short description (up to 200 words) of the main points and relevance of the paper to your review. Endnote may be downloaded free from the library website. The bibliography must be submitted as a database file containing your annotated references
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop and refine existing skills for the use of online databases and bibliographical software through the preparation of a literature review.
Literature review outline
Due: 24/8/18
Weighting: 10%
Students will meet and discuss with their supervisor a structure and outline for their literature review. Students will provide a 1-2 page outline of their lit review, presented as a brief, annotated table of contents that lists the major sections for their review and the information covered
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with a research supervisor and learn the expectations of such relationships, and the conduct of productive meetings.
- Record and reflect on research meetings with supervisors.
Delivery and Resources
There are two required workshops that will be that will be held in room G230, 3 Innovation Rd. There is an optional drop in session for assistance with writing.
Session 1. Introduction to 799
Thursday 2nd August, 10 am – 11 am
Session 2. How to review a scientific paper
Thursday 6th September 9 am – 11 am
Session 3. Writing workshop (optional) Drop-in
Monday 15th October 10 am – 2 pm location TBC
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.
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
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with a research supervisor and learn the expectations of such relationships, and the conduct of productive meetings.
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Literature review outline
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
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Develop and refine existing skills for the use of online databases and bibliographical software through the preparation of a literature review.
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Annotated bibliography
- Literature review outline
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
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Develop and refine existing skills for the use of online databases and bibliographical software through the preparation of a literature review.
- Develop ability to review individual written work and that of peers.
- Record and reflect on research meetings with supervisors.
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Peer Review 2
- Peer review 1
- Annotated bibliography
- Literature review outline
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
- Develop ability to review individual written work and that of peers.
- Record and reflect on research meetings with supervisors.
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Peer Review 2
- Peer review 1
- Literature review outline
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
- Prepare critical reviews of the literature and research proposals, which will further develop their skills in scientific writing.
- Develop and refine existing skills for the use of online databases and bibliographical software through the preparation of a literature review.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with a research supervisor and learn the expectations of such relationships, and the conduct of productive meetings.
- Develop ability to review individual written work and that of peers.
- Record and reflect on research meetings with supervisors.
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Peer Review 2
- Peer review 1
- Annotated bibliography
- Literature review outline