Students
FOSE7901 – STEM research placements
2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Drew Allen
Matthew Kosnik
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
10cp at 7000 level
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides opportunities for hands-on research experience in STEM. Students will actively participate in two distinct research experiences over the session and navigate typical situations encountered as members of a research team. During each placement students will explore research opportunities in areas relating to their research interests in consultation with research mentors. Students will reflect on new skills in the context of their professional goals. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
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:
- ULO1: Apply knowledge of your WHS, ethical and other legal obligations to create a risk assessment and management plan for your research.
- ULO2: Identify, apply and evaluate research methods.
- ULO3: Demonstrate competence in the skills and techniques required to undertake your research.
- ULO4: Maintain appropriate records of your research activities and utilise these records to reflect on your initial project plan.
- ULO5: Work professionally with a research mentor, and other research collaborators as required, to plan and undertake research.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit
To pass this unit you must achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%.
Engagement – please read, as this is very important
As a Graduate Diploma of Research student you are becoming part of our community of researchers. You need to be an active participant in the unit activities. You will be expected to be an active particpant in discussions, ask questions and engage with you cohort, and proactively work to find your place in our diverse research community.
Academic Honesty
Presenting the work of another person as one’s own is a serious breach of the University’s rules and carries significant penalties. In this unit, we will be checking written work for plagiarism using TURNITIN. Penalties for plagiarism may include a zero mark for the assignment or in more extreme cases, failure of the unit. Plagiarism WILL be noted on your academic record. (link: Academic Integrity Policy)
Due dates and assessement topics
This unit is flexible by design. Each student will be undertaking two unique projects with different academic mentors. Each student may have very different project deliverables. See iLearn for more information about placement plans, but your placement plan will specify the due date and the content for each of your placement deliverables.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration.
Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted
In this unit, late submissions will accepted for written work, but:
- All training and inductions MUST be completed prior to starting placement work.
- See marking guidance on iLearn or consult the convenor for additional information.
Special Consideration
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please contact the convenor prior to submitting a Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement plans | 0% | No | Prior to placement start |
| Placement 1 deliverable | 40% | No | Week 7 or as agreed in learning plan. |
| Placement 2 deliverable | 40% | No | Week 13 or as agreed in learning plan. |
| Reflective journal | 20% | No | Week 13 |
Placement plans
Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Prior to placement start
Weighting: 0%
Complete placement plans outlining the research to be done and outlining any required WHS, ethics or other required training or inductions that need to be completed prior to starting your research placements.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of your WHS, ethical and other legal obligations to create a risk assessment and management plan for your research.
- Identify, apply and evaluate research methods.
- Work professionally with a research mentor, and other research collaborators as required, to plan and undertake research.
Placement 1 deliverable
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 7 or as agreed in learning plan.
Weighting: 40%
At the start of your research placement you will create a plan that will outline the format and the content of your placement deliverable. Typically this is a short report on the research placement and it should include records of your research activity as appropriate for the research undertaken.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, apply and evaluate research methods.
- Demonstrate competence in the skills and techniques required to undertake your research.
- Maintain appropriate records of your research activities and utilise these records to reflect on your initial project plan.
- Work professionally with a research mentor, and other research collaborators as required, to plan and undertake research.
Placement 2 deliverable
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13 or as agreed in learning plan.
Weighting: 40%
At the start of your research placement you will create a plan that will outline the format and the content of your placement deliverable. Typically this is a short report on the research placement and it should include records of your research activity as appropriate for the research undertaken.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, apply and evaluate research methods.
- Demonstrate competence in the skills and techniques required to undertake your research.
- Maintain appropriate records of your research activities and utilise these records to reflect on your initial project plan.
- Work professionally with a research mentor, and other research collaborators as required, to plan and undertake research.
Reflective journal
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 11 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
Your reflective journal will include short ongoing reflections during each of your research placements in the context of your research plans. In addition you will compare of the two placements in the context of your individual research and career goals.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of your WHS, ethical and other legal obligations to create a risk assessment and management plan for your research.
- Identify, apply and evaluate research methods.
- Maintain appropriate records of your research activities and utilise these records to reflect on your initial project plan.
- Work professionally with a research mentor, and other research collaborators as required, to plan and undertake research.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Finding research mentors:
You are encouraged to be proactive in seeking potential mentors, but your discipline advisor and the unit convenor are here to help. In addition there are a some resources that are worth looking at:
- Macquarie University Research Portal
- Macquarie University Supervsor Database
- Previous / current students
You are expected to try out a couple different research mentors / research groups / research topics. We specifically use the term "mentor" rather than "supervisor" to make a clear distinction between an MRes supervisor, and the placement mentors who you will work with in this unit. Working with a particular mentor during a placement does not obligate you (or your mentor) to supervise you in an MRes project. We want you to use this opportunity to help find the best possible supervisor / topic match for you.
Unit Schedule
You are expected to be present for the meetings scheduled in the official timetable.
As such most of this unit will take place in consultation with your mentor / outside of the time tabled locations & times. The unit convenor is available to help you navigate the transition to an active participant in your research group, but the goal is to let you and your mentor opperate as independently as possible!
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Changes from Previous Offering
Significant changes to the assessment structue as part of the university wide review of assessments.
Unit information based on version 2025.04 of the Handbook