SCI 4401 Science Honours Project A

STAFFING:

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:

1. demonstrate competence in the performance of original scientific research and work in a research environment;
2. demonstrate an understanding of real-world practical problems and the limitations these place on scientific advances;
3. demonstrate expertise in critically reviewing scientific literature;
4. demonstrate expertise in scientific communication through preparing a literature review and through the delivery of reserch seminars.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

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

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

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.

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/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES