BIOTECH 7010B - Research Project Part 2

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course consists of a research project and written thesis. It is designed to develop the practical skills required for a successful career in scientific research or related activities. It provides advanced education and training in the principles of scientific research and the current state of knowledge and techniques used in the field of biomedical research. Thus, students learn to search and understand scientific literature relevant to their chosen discipline, to design, evaluate and present scientific experiments, and to develop written and verbal communication skills. Each student is expected to carry out a laboratory based research project during the year. At the end of the year the project outcomes are to be written up as a thesis using a form similar to that required for publication of research data. The thesis will include a summary of work done, an introduction outlining the theoretical background related to the work actually carried out (see Biotechnology Research Project Part I), materials and methods, results and a discussion of the results obtained in relation to the general background of the study. Each student will be required to give a formal presentation of their research at the end of the year, followed by an oral defence of their findings and conclusions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code BIOTECH 7010B
    Course Research Project Part 2
    Coordinating Unit School of Molecular and Biomedical Sci(Inactive)
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 18
    Contact Up to 35 hours per week
    Prerequisites TECHCOMM 5016, EDUC 7055, EDUC 7055 & BIOTECH 7010A
    Restrictions Available to GCBIBIOM, GDBIBIOM, MBIBIOM students only
    Course Description This course consists of a research project and written thesis. It is designed to develop the practical skills required for a successful career in scientific research or related activities. It provides advanced education and training in the principles of scientific research and the current state of knowledge and techniques used in the field of biomedical research. Thus, students learn to search and understand scientific literature relevant to their chosen discipline, to design, evaluate and present scientific experiments, and to develop written and verbal communication skills.
    Each student is expected to carry out a laboratory based research project during the year. At the end of the year the project outcomes are to be written up as a thesis using a form similar to that required for publication of research data. The thesis will include a summary of work done, an introduction outlining the theoretical background related to the work actually carried out (see Biotechnology Research Project Part I), materials and methods, results and a discussion of the results obtained in relation to the general background of the study.
    Each student will be required to give a formal presentation of their research at the end of the year, followed by an oral defence of their findings and conclusions.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Antonio Focareta

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Demonstrate an understanding of basic research methodologies used in biomedical science research.
    2 Demonstrate an expert knowledge and insightful understanding of their chosen field of research.
    3 Develop an ability to evaluate research articles and research proposals, including critical analysis and interpretation of data, arguments and conclusions presented in the scientific literature.
    4 Demonstrate an appreciation of the current gaps in our understanding and the future areas for investigation in a particular area of research.
    5 Develop a capacity to identify and evaluate a problem and define the important elements required for its solution while appreciating the risks and benefits of alternate approaches.
    6 Develop an ability to effectively plan a research proposal in the field of biomedical research.
    7 Demonstrate mastery of the basic techniques required for the study of a research question.
    8 Develop a rigorous and methodical approach to the maintenance of records and the collection, storage and analysis of data.
    9 Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues associated with their chosen field of research.
    10 Develop and demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate written and oral presentations to a scientific audience.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-7, 8, 10
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 3, 4, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 4, 6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 5, 10
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2, 9, 10
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2, 9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    No specific text book is required for this course. Students will be expected to access literature and databases relevant to their reseach project. Most literature will be in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles.
    Online Learning
    Students will be expected to access online molecular biology databases appropriate to their research project and e-resources such as e-journals.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means: A major research project and thesis form the basis of this course. The 9 month research project is based on the research proposal; (see co-requisite Biotechnology Research Project Part I).

    Each project will develop specific skills involving laboratory work on a topic of relevance in the area of biotechnology. Students will will be required to understand and critically analyse scientific literature relevant to their chosen discipline, to design, evaluate and present scientific experiments, and to develop written and verbal communication skills.

    Students will have a supervisor (academic, researcher or affiliate) either from the laboratory where the research project will be undertaken, or have one assigned who is appropriate for the project (see co-requisite course Biotechnology Research Project, Part II) and a scientific or industry-based mentor.
      
    At the end of the year the project outcomes are to be written up as a thesis using a form similar to that required for publication of research data. The thesis will include a summary of work done, an introduction outlining the theoretical background related to the work actually carried out (see Biotechnology Research Project Part I), materials and methods, results and a discussion of the results obtained in relation to the general background of the study.

    Each student will be required to give a formal presentation of their research at the end of the year, followed by an oral defence of their findings and conclusions followed by a time of questions.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.


    A student enrolled in this 12 unit course, should expect to spend, up to 35 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both contact time as well as non-contact time.
    Learning Activities Summary
    A major research project and thesis form the basis of this course. The 9 month research project is based on the research proposal; (see co-requisite Biotechnology Research Project Part I).
    Each project will develop specific skills involving laboratory work on a topic of relevance in the area of biotechnology. Students will have a supervisor (academic, researcher or affiliate) either from the laboratory where the research project will be undertaken, or have one assigned who is appropriate for the project (see co-requisite course Biotechnology Research Project, Part II) and a scientific or industry-based mentor.
     
    Research
    Project and Thesis:
    Each student will carry out a research project in an area of Biotechnology (Biomedical Science).  At the end of the year the project is to be written up as a thesis using a form similar to that required for publication
    of research data. The thesis should include a Table of Contents, an Abstract (summary of work done and no more than 1 page in length), an Introduction outlining the theoretical background related to the work actually carried out, a Materials and Methods section, a Results section and a Discussion of the results obtained in relation to the general background of the study. The Discussion is an opportunity for the student to critically assess the significance and limitations of their results and to suggest future work to expand knowledge in their field. Students should expect significant help from their supervisor in all aspects of scientific research including experimental design, interpretation of results, literature assessment, scientific writing, and career advice.  However, the final draft of the thesis should be the student's own work, for which the student takes responsibility.
     



  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Percentage of total assessment for grading Hurdle Learning Outcome
    Oral presentation (final seminar) Formative and Summative

    10%

    No 1-7, 9-10
    Oral defence (viva) Formative and Summative 15% No 1-6, 8-10
    Thesis (written) Formative and Summative 60% No 1-6, 8-10
    Thesis (laboratory performance) Formative and Summative 15% No 1, 2, 5-8
    Assessment Detail
    Description of Assessment

    Oral Presentations: First seminar
    This presentation should consist of approximately 75% literature review and research topic background, together with 25% aims and justification of the project. The aim of this presentation is to assist the student to plan and focus the research project, allow members of staff an opportunity to provide guidance or assistance, and give the students an opportunity to gain practice at oral presentation. This assessment task is formative and will not be assessed.

    Final seminar (10%):  Each student will present a seminar (20 minutes + 5 minutes questions) that describes the results of their research, conclusions and implications. An additional aim is to highlight and
    inform other students and staff of the breadth and success of work carried out in the year.

    Oral Defence (Viva) (15%):
    The viva assessment panel will consist of three members of academic staff.  Each member of the panel will have read all of the theses.  Each student will be assigned a member of the panel as a spokesperson. Thesis examiners are invited to submit questions to be asked by the panel.  Each student is interviewed by the panel for 20 minutes and questioned about aspects of the thesis and general understanding of scientific issues relevant to the research project. Students are also given the opportunity to draw to the
    examiners’ attention any particular issues or problems associated with their work.

    Assessment of the Project:
    The Thesis (60%) and Laboratory Performance 15%).
    The thesis will be assessed by three individuals; usually the supervisor together with two others familiar with the general area of the project. The three assessments will contribute a total of 60% of the final mark.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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