BIO5501 Postgraduate Diploma of Science Project 1

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
BIO 5501 74214 1, 2008 ONC Postgraduate Diploma of Science Project 1 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 Postgraduate 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. Postgraduate 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, Postgraduate Diploma of Science Project 2 students will be able to:

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



TOPICS


Description Weighting (%)
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 principal supervisor who will be a USQ staff member.
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 Notes
LITERATURE REVIEW 25.00 25.00 06 Mar 2007 (see note 1)
INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR 25.00 25.00 06 Mar 2007 (see note 2)
FINAL SEMINAR 50.00 50.00 06 Mar 2007 (see note 3)
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

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 Postgraduate Co-ordinator.
10. Literature Review - Students must undertake a comprehensive literature survey in their area of research and submit two 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 & Physical Sciences Postgraduate Co-ordinator.
11. 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. This policy may be found in the USQ Handbook for new on-campus students. All students are advised to study and follow the guidelines associated with this policy.

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.