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 practising 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 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
• 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.

³ An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

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. You will investigate what types of knowledge systems contribute to our understanding and read and use information sources critically. You will 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. The unit will help you plan your time at university to achieve your personal goals and obtain a clear idea of where you want your degree to take you. FOSJ1000 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

Delivery

FOSJ1000 is run through a series of workshops and SGTAs (Small Group Teaching Activities). These learning activities start in week 1.

• Workshops occur on Thursdays, from 13:30 to 15:50, Xuehai Building, Room 327
• SGTAs occur on Fridays, from 8:00 to 10:20, Huacheng Building, Room 205

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. They will also allow you to receive valuable feedback from instructors and will 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

FOSJ1000 uses competency-based (pass/fail) assessment where you demonstrate competency in essential scientific skills rather than receive traditional grades.

To pass this unit, you must:

• Attempt all assessment tasks

• Demonstrate competency in both 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.

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.

Week	Starting Date	Workshop	SGTA	Assessment Due Dates (11.55 pm)
1	9/3/2026	Introduction	Orientation to the Unit
2	16/3/2026	Orientation to Science	Sustainability & Ethics
3	23/3/2026	Indigenous Knowledge	Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
4	30/3/2026	Information Literacy	Indigenous Knowledge
5	6/4/2026	Project Planning & Collaboratove Work	Science Project
6	13/4/2026	Time Management & Learning Habits	Science Project
7	20/4/2026	AI & Research Integrity	Science Project
8	27/4/2026	Processing & Analysing Data	Labour Day Holiday
9	4/5/2026	Academic Writing	Science Project
10	11/5/2026	Time to Write	Science Project
11	18/5/2026	Reflection on becoming a Scientist	Science Project Final
12	25/5/2026	Careers Festival	Preparing for your Career	29/05/2026 Science Project
13	1/6/2026	Wrap-up	Wrap-up	05/06/2026 Career and study goals and plans
14	8/6/2026	No class	No class
15	15/6/2026	No exam	No exam