SCI4402 Science Honours Project B

Contents

• Staffing
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Reference materials
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

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 dissertation. Overall Honours grades will be 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 (Dissertation);

2.

demonstrate their understanding of real-world practical problems and the limitations these place on scientific advances (Dissertation);

3.

demonstrate expertise in critically reviewing scientific literature and placing their research results in the context of published findings (Dissertation);

4.

demonstrate expertise in scientific writing and data presentation, through production of an Honours dissertation (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

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 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 assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
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:
   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

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.