BIO 5501 Graduate Diploma of Science Project 1

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 and which forms the basis of the project component of the Graduate Diploma of Science. It may consist of pure or developmental research and be based on experimental work conducted either with the University or elsewhere in conjunction with a government or private organisation. Graduate Diploma of Science Project 1 and 2 need to be undertaken in consecutive semesters. At the conclusion of their research program, students are required to submit a detailed research thesis.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course and course BIO5502, Graduate Diploma of Science Project 2 students will be able to:

1. perform original research in science;
2. work in a research environment;
3. critically review scientific literature and deliver research seminars;
4. report on and communicate the findings of a scientific study by submitting a competent written dissertation on their work.

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 as are appropriate for the research topic chosen.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examiner to advise due date of Literature Review

2.

Examiner to advise date of Introductory Seminar

3.

Examiner to advise date of Final Seminar

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as research seminars) 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. It is the student's responsibility to find a staff member who is willing to supervise their study and to attend meetings with the Supervisor as arranged.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete satisfactorily the assessment items in the course, students must achieve at least half of the available marks in each of them.
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 gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by satisfactorily completing all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
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