Students
BIOL388 – Advanced Science (Biology) 3
2016 – FY1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Distinguished Professor
Mark Westoby
Contact via 9850 8196
E8C161
by appointment
Senior Lecturer, director of Advanced Biology Program
Michelle Power
Contact via 9850 6974
E8A206
by appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp including BIOL188 and admission to BAdvSc
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This tutorial unit meets for one hour weekly to discuss hot topics and recent research advances in biology with a variety of scientists from a diverse background. Students undertake a research internship in biology and produce a report (in scientific format) on their findings at the annual conference.
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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:
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
General Assessment Information
Unit completion requirements
Students must complete all the assessment tasks. A Satisfactory (or Participated) grade is required in each assessment task in order to pass this subject.
Student learning in this unit is evaluated using two different systems:
Participation tasks (graded as Participated or Did not participate) indicate your level of engagement with learning opportunities. The weekly discussion groups and the weekly online question assessment track active participation rather than performance level.
Feedback assessment tasks allow evaluations of capability. Two of these assessments (one written and one oral) are used in the unit, and high standards are expected. You will be provided with written feedback regarding your performance in these assessments, and the assessment tasks will be graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Assignment submission
All assessments are to be submitted via iLearn. Your work may be submitted to the anti-plagiarism detection software (Turnitin) via iLearn. Your work will be automatically compared to work of your classmates, previous students from Macquarie and other universities, with material available on the Internet, both freely available and subscription-based electronic journals and book chapters. The results will be sent only to the unit convenor, who will analyse them with reference to the University's Policy on Academic Honesty.
Extensions and penalties
The deadlines for assignments are not negotiable. Late assignments will be penalised. Extensions are granted only on grounds of illness or misadventure, and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted. All applications for special consideration or extension must be sought before the due date.
Work submitted after 3 weeks beyond the due date, or the date for which an extension has been given, will not be accepted. If you are having problems completing an assignment, please contact the Convenor as soon as possible.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| weekly discussions | 30% | Weekly, 9 am each Wednesday | No | ||
| written paper on hot topic | 15% | 11 Nov 2016 | No | ||
| group project, scoping phase | 10% | early May | No | ||
| internship research project | 30% | 3 Oct 2016 | No | ||
| presentation about internship | 15% | 26 Oct 2016 | No |
weekly discussions
Due: Weekly, 9 am each Wednesday
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Each week, read the required articles and provide a written response to a discussion question relating to the week’s topic (set by the week’s presenter). Blog entries should be no more than 500 words. Participate intelligently and constructively in discussion at the meetings.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
written paper on hot topic
Due: 11 Nov 2016
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
A review-and-communication paper based on your favourite hot topic of the year -- two alternative formats and target audiences. Maximum 1500 words
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
group project, scoping phase
Due: early May
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
assessed via (a) contributions to the blog where ideas are developed (b) observations of your contribution by staff during the project
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
internship research project
Due: 3 Oct 2016
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Experience in the conduct of a research project and in working within a collaborative group. Assessed via report from lab supervisor, due 17th Oct 2016
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
presentation about internship
Due: 26 Oct 2016
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
12 min exposition of the research topic and appraisal of what was learned
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Delivery and Resources
This unit is for students enrolled in the Advanced Science (Biology) Program. The Advanced Biology Program offers enrichment for students who are achieving strong grades in their regular units and who have energy and curiosity to spare. Some students may go on to become career researchers, but we are enthusiastic also for Adv Biol students to enter media or politics or government or business.
The unit meets for one hour weekly, jointly with Biol388. Most weeks are discussions about hot topics and recent research advances in Biology with a variety of people as discussion-leaders. Topic areas include medical science, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, palaeontology and biology in the media, to name a few. New for 2016, students will participate in a group project to develop research-based material for a Science Week exercise at Taronga Zoo. Some weeks, discussion will revolve around this project.
A research internship in biology is a component of this unit. BIOL388 is a PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) unit, and a series of support services are offered through the PACE office including opportunities, support and funds for overseas internships. PACE units provide an academic framework through which students can engage with the community, learn through participation, develop their capabilities and build on the skills that employers value. Enquiries about PACE can be directed to pace.science@mq.edu.au.
- Successful completion of this unit will earn you 3 credit points.
- The unit is offered internally for a full year (FY1)
Unit web page
The format of this unit requires that you complete blog entries and download readings from iLearn. Hence, it is absolutely essential that you log in on a regular basis.
To access the online unit, go to https://iLearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/ and type in your Macquarie OneID Username and password.
New to iLearn? You can find out more at: http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/
Experiencing difficulties? Visit: http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/
Unit Schedule
The schedule of presenters and topics for each semester will be listed on iLearn progressively as presenters are confirmed.
SESSION 1
week 1 (Wed 2 March) no meeting
week 2 (Wed 9 March)
Introductory meeting; aims of the Advanced Biology Program; organisation of the year; the group project at Taronga Zoo; internships and PACE; iLearn and blogs
week 3 Wed 16 March
Mark Westoby leading discussion
week 4 Wed 23 March
Michelle Power leading: discussion of group project at Taronga Zoo
week 5 Wed 30 March
guest discussion leader
week 6 Wed 6 April
11-25 April recess
week 7 Wed 27 April
week 8 Wed 4 May
week 9 Wed 11 May
meeting to discuss progress in group project -- wind-up of scoping phase, beginning of detailed planning and implementation
week 10 Wed 18 May
week 11 Wed 25 May
week 12 Wed 1 June
week 13 Wed 8 June
SESSION 2
week 1 Wed 3 August
week 2 Wed 10 August
week 3 Wed 17 August (National Science Week 13-21 Aug)
culmination of group project at Taronga Zoo
week 4 Wed 24 August
week 5 Wed 31 August
week 6 Wed 7 Sept
week 7 Wed 14 Sept
session 2 recess 19 Sept - 3 Oct
week 8 Wed 5 Oct
week 9 Wed 12 Oct
week 10 Wed 19 Oct
week 11 Wed 26 Oct
Advanced Biology Conference, running 12-2 pm. Will include presentations from Biol3888 students about their internships, plus reporting and appraisal of group project at Taronga Zoo.
week 12 Wed 2 Nov
Learning and Teaching Activities
preparation for and participation in weekly discussion groups
written paper on selected hot topic
group project scoping phase
Seminar at the Advanced Biology Conference
internship with research group
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of 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/support/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
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
- presentation about internship
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- written paper on hot topic
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- written paper on hot topic
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
- presentation about internship
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- written paper on hot topic
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
- presentation about internship
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- written paper on hot topic
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
- presentation about internship
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- written paper on hot topic
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
- presentation about internship
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Write a short review paper on a hot topic in biology for a non-specialist audience, demonstrating that you can explain and critically evaluate specific advances and also the broad context of the research
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
- 4. Synthesize results from your research project, interpret positively but critically what they mean, communicate this to your peers
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- written paper on hot topic
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
- presentation about internship
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 2. Contribute constructively and creatively to an outreach program
- 3. Demonstrate skills in teamwork and collegial discussion within a research group, assessed by your own reflection and also by report from the group leader
Assessment tasks
- weekly discussions
- group project, scoping phase
- internship research project
Changes from Previous Offering
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a group project (but with scope for individual contributions) to communicate biology to school students via a Science Week activity at Taronga Zoo. Biol388 students will participate in the first scoping phase of this project.