Students
FOSX1000 – Becoming a scientist
2026 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jessica Boomer
Noa Kraitzman
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Acceptance into OUA Bachelor of Science
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is about you, who you want to be and where you want to go. It is designed to help you build a solid foundation of skills for success in learning to be a practising scientist. You will explore what being a scientist means for you, and how you would like to make a difference in the world. Investigate what types of knowledge systems contribute to our understanding and read and use information sources critically. Be empowered to learn effectively and respond to assessments with confidence, focusing on strengths and growth. You will widen your career options and see the impact science can have through real-world cases. Plan your time at university to achieve your personal goals and obtain a clear idea of where you want your degree to take you. This unit is designed to maximise your interaction with staff and students from a range of majors in practice-based activities. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Responsible Consumption and Production |
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: Communicate the significance of sustainability, Indigenous knowledges and practices, and social and ethical responsibility in scientific research and practice.
- ULO2: Identify skills for and reflect on project work, planning, and time management.
- ULO3: Develop and reflect on capabilities, preferences, and strategies for study; self-directed learning; collaborative learning; and communication in an academic context.
- ULO4: Explore potential career pathways and create an initial career plan by articulating personal interests, goals, strengths and values.
- ULO5: Explore and apply disciplinary skills to carry out a small scientific project and communicate its results.
General Assessment Information
We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.
Requirements to Pass this Unit
FOSE1000 uses competency-based (pass/fail) assessment where you demonstrate competency in essential scientific skills rather than receive traditional grades.
Both assessments in this unit are hurdles. To pass this unit, you must:
-
Attempt both assessment tasks
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Demonstrate competency in both assessment tasks
In the case where you have made a serious first attempt at a hurdle requirement but have failed to meet it, you will be given one further opportunity to meet that hurdle requirement provided your performance in the unit is otherwise satisfactory.
Late Assessment Submission
Late assessments are not accepted in this unit unless a Special Consideration has been submitted and approved.
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 inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Remember: We're here to help you succeed. Use the support available and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science project | 50% | Yes | 29/05/2026 | Individual | No | Open |
| Career and study goals and plans | 50% | Yes | 05/06/2026 | Individual | No | Open |
Science project
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 29/05/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
You will experience practicing science by undertaking a project. You will create a report based on your project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify skills for and reflect on project work, planning, and time management.
- Develop and reflect on capabilities, preferences, and strategies for study; self-directed learning; collaborative learning; and communication in an academic context.
- Explore and apply disciplinary skills to carry out a small scientific project and communicate its results.
Career and study goals and plans
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
You will work through activities for exploring the place of science in the world, to consider your career and study goals and strategies. This assessment will help you take charge of your learning and plan towards your future.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Communicate the significance of sustainability, Indigenous knowledges and practices, and social and ethical responsibility in scientific research and practice.
- Identify skills for and reflect on project work, planning, and time management.
- Develop and reflect on capabilities, preferences, and strategies for study; self-directed learning; collaborative learning; and communication in an academic context.
- Explore potential career pathways and create an initial career plan by articulating personal interests, goals, strengths and values.
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
- Academic Success 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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Workshops
Workshops start in week 1. A recording will be made available via ECHO360. We will also offer an online drop-in session for FOSX1000 students to ask questions. Details for the drop-in session will be made available through iLearn.
Small Group Teaching Activities (SGTAs)
During the SGTAs you will complete a science project. There are a number of different projects run in different SGTAs. See the iLearn site of details of when different projects will run. You are welcome to enrol in the weekly SGTA sessions that run in weeks 4 to 11. Alternatively there are projects running in block mode during the mid-session break. There will also be an online option for those who are unable to attend campus.
Methods of Communication
We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn.
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.
Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook