SCI 4401 Science Honours Project A

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
SCI4401243672, 2003ONCScience 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.
    		100.00

    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 REVIEW25.0025.00Y22 Jul 2003(see note )
    INTRO HONOURS SEMINAR25.0025.00Y22 Jul 2003(see note )
    FINAL HONOURS SEMINAR50.0050.00Y22 Jul 2003(see note )
    NOTES:
    .
    Examiner to advise of the due date for Literature Review
    .
    Examiner to advise the date of the Introduction Honours Seminar.
    .
    Examiner to advise the date of the Final Honours Seminar.

    IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

    1. Attendance requirements:
      It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
    2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
      To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
    3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
      If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
    4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
      Students will be awarded the grad of IIP (Incomplete - in progress) at the end of this course provided they have gained at least 50% of the marks available for their literature review and introductory Honours seminar.
    5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
      When the Science Honours Project has been assessed in its entirety, the interim grade of IIP will be changed to the appropriate final grade.
    6. Examination information:
      There is no examination in this course.
    7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
      There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
    8. University Regulations:
      Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/calendar/Part5/ or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook.

    ASSESSMENT NOTES

    9.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.
    10.Literature Review - Students must undertake a comprehensive literature survey in their area of research and submit three 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.