SCI 4402 Science Honours Project B

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. At the conclusion of their research program students are required to submit a detailed research thesis. 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 through practical experience in the performance of original scientific research;
2. demonstrate their understanding of real-world practical problems and the limitations these place on scientific advances;
3. demonstrate expertise in critically reviewing scientific literature and placing their research results in the context of published findings;
4. demonstrate expertise in scientific writing and data presentation, through production of an Honours dissertation.

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.

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examiner to advise the due date of the Honours Dissertation

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 the dissertation satisfactorily students must gain at least 50% of the marks available.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit the dissertation late, without prior approval, then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the dissertation will apply for each day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must satisfactorily complete the dissertation and the final Honours seminar in SCI4401.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   Final grades for students will be determined on the basis of marks obtained for the dissertation.
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