Students
BIOL711 – Topics in Evolution
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrew Barron
Grant Hose
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|---|---|
| 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 | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review proposal | 10% | 18/3/2016 | No | ||
| Oral presentation | 20% | 29/4/2016 | No | ||
| Oral presentation summary | 10% | 6/5/2016 | No | ||
| Literature review | 60% | 3/6/2016 | No |
Review proposal
Due: 18/3/2016
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
A 1 page outline of your chosen question summarising your question, the structure of your review and presenting 6 scientific references. The intention of this assessment is to give constructive early feedback on your chosen topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop skills in scientific writing
- Construct a scientific argument
Oral presentation
Due: 29/4/2016
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Students will give a 5 minute oral presentation on their chosen topic, which will be peer reviewed, and review and critique their peers.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Advance skills in oral presentation of a scientific argument
Oral presentation summary
Due: 6/5/2016
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
From the student oral presentations select and rank your top 3. For each one summarise the scientific content (200 words max) and explain why you selected it as one of the best (100 words max)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Advance skills in oral presentation of a scientific argument
Literature review
Due: 3/6/2016
Weighting: 60%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
A written report of the chosen topic in the form of a scientific review paper (3500 words)
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
iLearn and email will be the principle method of communication in this subject.
We expect you to use iLearn for regularly checking subject announcements.
Unit Schedule
Friday 26th February 10.00-12am E8A280
Initial meeting, explanation of theme topic & examples
Friday 4th March 10.00-12am E8A280
Follow up meeting to discuss choice of topic areas
Friday 29th April 9.30 am – 1:00pm E8A280
Seminars, attendance at all seminars is compulsory!
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
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 outcome
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
Assessment tasks
- Oral presentation summary
- Literature review
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
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Assessment tasks
- Review proposal
- Literature review
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
- Synthesise primary scientific literature
- Construct a scientific argument
Assessment tasks
- Review proposal
- Literature review
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 outcomes
- Construct a scientific argument
- Source and frame evidence to critique a scientific argument
Assessment task
- Literature review
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
Assessment task
- Oral presentation