Students

BIOL860 – Biology Research Experience

2019 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Rachael Dudaniec
Anthony Chariton
Adam Stow
Kate Barry
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(8cp from BIOL861 or BIOL873 or BIOL874 or BIOL875 or BIOL877 or BIOL887) and permission by special approval
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
BIOL860 int and ext to be co-badged
Unit description Unit description
This unit enables the student to acquire biological research experience by undertaking a small independent research project under academic supervision. The research topic may be flexible, but in most cases it will be aligned with the objectives of an academic staff member involved in research. This unit can be combined with BIOL870 Conservation in Practice for a more extended experience. Students are strongly encouraged to organise their project and supervisor well before commencing this unit.

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. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook
  • 4. Communicate research findings to a scientific audience in written form by constructing a coherent, well structured document.

General Assessment Information

You will be provided with marking schemes for each assessment task.

Assessment details

Details of assessments will be provided on iLearn and in class.

All assessments must be correctly cited and referenced using the same format at the journal. See here for details  https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19399170/  

 

Assignment submission

All assignments will be digitally submitted through the appropriate Turnitin submission link on iLearn. No hardcopy / paper submissions are needed. All assessments need to be written in the students own words. 

 

Academic honesty

All assessments need to be written in the students own words. The penalties imposed by the University for plagiarism are serious and may include expulsion from the University. ANY evidence of plagiarism WILL be dealt with following University policy. Penalties for plagiarism range from a loss of marks to awarding of a zero depending on the level of plagiarism and reporting to Faculty disciplinary committee.

 

Extensions, penalties and Disruptions to Studies

The deadlines for assignments are not negotiable. If an assignment is submitted late a penalty of -10% of the mark allocated for the assignment will be deducted per day that any work is submitted late (i.e. 5 days late = -50% of marks available).

If you experience a serious and unavoidable disruption to your studies and require an extension for an assessment please submit a Disruptions to Studies notification via ask.mq.edu.au with supporting documentation, and a Professional Authority Form completed by your health care professional. If you anticipate a potentially serious and unavoidable disruption (e.g. upcoming surgery) speak to the unit convenor early and apply for an extension before the due date.

Please note the extensions are not available directly via the convenor,  all request must be made via AskMq as detailed above

Unit completion

To pass this unit, students need to achieve an overall minimum grade of 50%.

 

Assessment submission

Submissions of all assessments for this unit will be electronic.

 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Project proposal 20% No 22 March 2018
Introduction and Methods 30% No 4 May 2018
Scientific Report 30% No 18 June 2018
Supervisor Report 20% No 15 June 2018

Project proposal

Due: 22 March 2018
Weighting: 20%

 Write a short proposal explaining the work that you will undertake 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook

Introduction and Methods

Due: 4 May 2018
Weighting: 30%

Write the Introduction to the final report describing what is currently known in the area of your project and how your work will contribute to further understanding in this area, and outline the Methods used  (this forms part of the major report)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook
  • 4. Communicate research findings to a scientific audience in written form by constructing a coherent, well structured document.

Scientific Report

Due: 18 June 2018
Weighting: 30%

Complete the Full Scientific Report in the form of a Scientific Paper


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook
  • 4. Communicate research findings to a scientific audience in written form by constructing a coherent, well structured document.

Supervisor Report

Due: 15 June 2018
Weighting: 20%

Supervisors will provide a report on student performance, progress, abilities acquired and attendance throughout placement.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 4. Communicate research findings to a scientific audience in written form by constructing a coherent, well structured document.

Delivery and Resources

Technology Used and Required

Students are required to have access to a computer and the internet to access the teaching website and unit materials. Students will also be required to have access to a word processor, spreadsheet manager and database programs to be able to complete set assessment tasks.

For field work students will require access to some field equipment, a complete list of which will be supplied within the teaching website on activation.

Unit Web Page

To access the unit and associated resources, please login to iLearn (http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/) Guides for assist students with on-line websites and resources can be found at

Student iLearn guides: https://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm

Student Echo guides: https://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/lecture_recordings. htm

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 outcomes

  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook
  • 4. Communicate research findings to a scientific audience in written form by constructing a coherent, well structured document.

Assessment tasks

  • Project proposal
  • Introduction and Methods
  • Scientific Report
  • Supervisor Report

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

  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook

Assessment tasks

  • Project proposal
  • Introduction and Methods
  • Scientific Report

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

  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook

Assessment tasks

  • Project proposal
  • Introduction and Methods
  • Scientific Report

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

  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook

Assessment tasks

  • Project proposal
  • Introduction and Methods
  • Scientific Report

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

  • 2. Plan and implement a research project to address this hypothesis using principles of experimental design and appropriate data collection methods for measuring and assessing biological processes.
  • 4. Communicate research findings to a scientific audience in written form by constructing a coherent, well structured document.

Assessment tasks

  • Project proposal
  • Introduction and Methods
  • Scientific Report
  • Supervisor Report

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Develop a testable biological hypothesis by reviewing and synthesizing previous research in the scientific literature.
  • 3. Demonstrate effective time and project management skills by working independently to collect scientific data and by documenting these efforts using a project notebook

Assessment tasks

  • Project proposal
  • Introduction and Methods
  • Scientific Report
  • Supervisor Report