SCI 4401 Science Honours Project A

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
SCI4401143662, 2002ONCScience Honours Project A2.50TWMBA
Academic Group:FOSCI
Academic Org:FOS002
HECS Band:2
ASCED Code:019999

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Michael Kotiw
Moderator: Grant Daggard



RATIONALE:

A substantial programme of research will be performed by the student, the prime purpose being to give the student experience in carrying out scientific research.


SYNOPSIS:

This course involves students in a research project which will be supervised by a member of staff with appropriate expertise. It may consist of pure or developmental research in an important area of science and be based on experimental work conducted either within the University or elsewhere in conjunction with a government or private organisation. This course will require the student to undertake an extensive literature review and deliver several seminars on their research topic, in addition to conducting their research program. Science Honours Project A and B need to be undertaken in consecutive semesters, overall Honours grades being determined in accordance with Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Honours program guidelines.


OBJECTIVES:


On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • demonstrate practical experience in the performance of original research in science;

  • demonstrate real-world practical problems and the limitations these place on scientific advances;

  • demonstrate work in a research environment;

  • demonstrate expertise in critically reviewing scientific literature and in the delivery of research seminars.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Project Design and Approval The details of the experimental work to be performed will obviously vary with each individual project. Projects will require approval of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Research and Higher Degrees Committee (DR&HDC). The student will be expected to perform original research under the supervision of a research scientist from the place at which the research is being carried out. If this is not the USQ, regular progress reports must be submitted to a second supervisor who will be a USQ staff member.
    		 33.00
    2. Seminars Students will be required to deliver two seminars to the Department during the course of their project. Details of the content of each seminar are available from the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Honours Co-ordinator.
    		 34.00
    3. Literature Review Students must undertake a comprehensive literature survey in their area of research and submit two copies of a written literature review (4000-5000 words, excluding references). Details of assessment criteria of the literature review and submission date will be provided by the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Honours Co-ordinator.
    		 33.00

    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Such journals, monographs and other printed materials appropriate for the research topic chosen.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Directed Study400


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    LITERATURE REVIEW999.0025.00Y22 Jul 2002 (see note 1)
    INTRO HONOURS SEMINAR999.0025.00Y22 Jul 2002 (see note 2)
    FINAL HONOURS SEMINAR999.0050.00Y22 Jul 2002 (see note 3)
    NOTES:
    1.
    Examiner to advise of the due date for Literature Review
    2.
    Examiner to advise the date of the Introduction Honours Seminar.
    3.
    Examiner to advise the date of the Final Honours Seminar.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. It is the students' responsibility to attend classes organised for them to ensure that they have the best chance to meet the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. Students are also expected to attend Departmental Research Seminars.
    2. To be assured of a pass in this course, students must: complete all three assessment items; and obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each of the three assessment items.
    3. Final grades for students will be determined by the addition of the marks obtained in each assessment item.
    4. Due Dates of assessment items will be advised by the Examiner with the Final Honours Seminar being held towards the end of Semester 2 so finalisation of grades for this course will not occur until the end of Semester 2.
    5. The due date for assignments is the date by which a student must despatch an assignment to the USQ. the onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. In accordance with the University's Policy on Assignments (Regulation 5.6.1), the Examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances. This policy may be found in the USQ Handbook, the Distance Education Student Guide and the Faculty of Sciences' Orientation Handbook for new on-campus students. All students are advised to study and follow the guidelines associated with this policy. Students must retain a copy of any assignment submitted. This must be produced within 48 hours if required by the Examiner.