BIO 5502 Graduate Diploma of Science Project 2

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
BIO 5502 54268 2, 2006 ONC Graduate Diploma of Science Project 2 2.00 Toowoomba

Academic group: FOSCI
Academic org: FOS002
Student contribution band: 2
ASCED code: 019999


Contents



STAFFING:

Examiner: Mark Sutherland
Moderator: Alfio Parisi




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 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. 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 completion of this course and course BIO5501, Science Project 1 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 in competent written dissertation on their work.



TOPICS:


Description Weighting (%)
1. If students have not yet enrolled in the S1 course BIO5501, then they should complete Topic 1.1 and the Assessments as set out in the Course Spec for BIO5501. If students have enrolled in BIO5501 in the proceeding S1, then they should complete Topic 1.2 and the Assessment set out in BIO5502.
1.1. Project Design and Communication: the details of the experimental work to be perofrmed will obviously vary with each individual project. Projects will require approval of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Research and Highers 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 principal supervisor who will be a USQ staff member. OR
1.2. Completion of Dissertation
100.00


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:

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 as are appropriate for the research topic chosen.





STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ACTIVITY HOURS
Directed Study 330.00



ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
RESEARCH DISSERTATION 100.00 100.00 19 Jul 2005 (see note 1)
NOTES:
1.
Postgraduate Coordinator/Supervisor will advise the due date of Research 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. Students are also expected to attend Departmental Research Seminars.
  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 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 satisfactorily complete the dissertation.
  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The 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

9. The due date for an assignment is the date by which the student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the examiner. In accordance with University policy, the Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
10. Research projects chosen must receive approval by the Department's Research and Higher Degrees Committee prior to commencement of work.
11. Further information regarding the Science Project is given in the current version of the Graduate Diploma of Science Guidelines
12. Research Dissertation - Four typed unbound copies of the research dissertation presented in the format typical of a post-graduate thesis, must be submitted to the Examiner of this course by the due date. Following examination, the thesis will be returned to the student for correction (to their Supervisor's satisfaction and any requirements of the Department's Research and Higher Degrees Committee). Following correction, four copies of the thesis, bound to University requirements, are to be submitted to the course Examiner who will then process the student's final grade for the course. All students will be awarded a grade of "IIP" (Incomplete, in progress) until either the bound thesis, or evidence of binding, is provided to the course examiner.