Students
BIOL711 – Topics in Evolution
2019 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrew Barron
Kate Barry
|
|---|---|
| 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
Students will formulate a novel research question within a well-defined topic area, conduct a comprehensive review of the primary literature, synthesise this material to address their research question, and present their findings in oral and written forms. The best reviews will unite evidence from disparate areas to generate novel ideas and hypotheses. This unit provides an opportunity for students to learn about an area of scientific research that they may be unfamiliar with at the outset. The intention is to give students an opportunity to gain exposure to a research area that is completely unrelated to their masters research project. It also provides an opportunity for students to learn about the latest work in a wide variety of research areas through discussions and oral presentations presented by their peers. In the past, some literature reviews by students have been published in refereed scientific journals.
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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:
- Advance skills in oral presentation of a scientific argument
- Develop skills in scientific writing
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal | 10% | No | 18/03/2019 |
| Oral presentation | 20% | No | 30/04/2019 |
| Abstract of literature review | 10% | No | 07/05/2019 |
| Literature review | 60% | No | 31/05/2019 |
Proposal
Due: 18/03/2019
Weighting: 10%
Produce a brief outline of your research topic detailing the question to be addressed, the sub-questions you will consider, an outline of the structure of your review, the title and six key references you intend to use.
Maximum 1 side of A4 paper. The intention of this assessment task is to give early feedback to students on their planned project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop skills in scientific writing
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Oral presentation
Due: 30/04/2019
Weighting: 20%
Students will give a 5-minute oral presentation on their chosen review topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Advance skills in oral presentation of a scientific argument
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Abstract of literature review
Due: 07/05/2019
Weighting: 10%
Students should submit the title and abstract for their literature review. The abstract must be less than 250 words and include no references. Feedback on abstract and title will be given in time to incorporate suggestions into the final literature review
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop skills in scientific writing
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Literature review
Due: 31/05/2019
Weighting: 60%
A written scientific review paper (3500 words max, exclusive of references)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop skills in scientific writing
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Delivery and Resources
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday 26th February 10am-12pm E8A280
Initial meeting, explanation of unit objectives & examples or literature review questions.
Tuesday 5th March 10am-12pm E8A280
Follow up meeting to discuss choice of review questions.
Tuesday 12th March 9am-12pm E8A280
Writing workshop part 1
Monday 18th March 4.00pm
Proposal due. Electronic submission via Turnitin accessible through ILearn.
Tuesday 19th March 9am-12pm E8A280
Writing workshop part 2
Friday 26th April If using powerpoint for seminar presentation submit by 5pm by email to Andrew.Barron@mq.edu.au
Tuesday 30th April 10.00 am – 4:00pm E8C212
Seminars, attendance at all seminars is compulsory!
Tuesday 7th May 4:00pm
Abstract for literature review due. Electronic submission via Turnitin accessible through ILearn.
Friday 31st May 4.00pm
Literature review due. Electronic submission via Turnitin accessible through ILearn.
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
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
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
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
- Advance skills in oral presentation of a scientific argument
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
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 outcome
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
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
- Advance skills in oral presentation of a scientific argument
- Develop skills in scientific writing
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 outcome
- Construct a scientific argument