STB310-1 Science Research 1
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | STB310-1 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | STB200 and completion of 180 credit points and Admission to ST20 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | STB310-1 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 180 credit points including STB200 and admission to ST20 |
| Coordinator: | Peter Prentis | p.prentis@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Scientific research requires you to conceive, develop and communicate solutions to scientific problems, developing capabilities that are critical for both professionals in the workplace and future researchers. In STB310-1 and 2 you will undertake a small research project over two semesters in the third year of your degree.These units build on skills developed in core research units STB100 and STB200 and will provide you with the opportunity to further develop skills for independent scientific investigation, problem solving, analysis and reporting to answer a research question in area of interest that aligns with future research and career goals. This project will usually act as a pilot project that will support and inform your Honours research in STH420 Advanced Research. On completion of these units you will present your research outcomes in the form of a research paper.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- 1. Apply the principles of research and project design and planning to a research project, including risk assessment and ethical implications [CLO1; CLO2; CLO5]
- 2. Evaluate strategies and methods sourced from literature, independent investigation and personal communication to design, execute and analyse experiments to answer research questions and solve problems within appropriate timeframes [CLO1; CLO2; CLO3; CLO6]
- 3. Identify and apply appropriate forms of oral and written communication to effectively communicate your research outcomes [CLO4]
Content
These units will include aspects of research design, research methodology, project management, discipline knowledge and data analysis and report writing and includes training in the use of advanced technologies and instruments, reliable recording and analyses of data, workplace health and safety issues and the reporting of results to groups of scientists in various formats. Where available, students will have an opportunity to undertake a research project that has relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Learning Approaches
In these units you learn through independent investigation, application and problem solving under the guidance of a supervisory team. Workshops, seminars, online and independent activities will support the design and development of the research project and embed research strategies, principles and skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Oral and written feedback will be available during the semester.
Assessment
Overview
In these units you will undertake a small research project which will (usually) act as a pilot to your Honours project. The success of your research is determined by the effectiveness of your research plan, the skill with which it is executed, the accuracy and robustness of your data, effective critical analysis of the results and their subsequent communication. In these units you will develop these skills and will demonstrate this in three assessment tasks positioned at appropriate stages. During STB310-1 you will prepare a project proposal where you will present background, aims, research plan and initial progress. At the end of this unit you will present your progress in an oral presentation to peers and supervisors. At the end of STB310-2 you will prepare a research report in the format of a journal manuscript in which you will present your results and a critical discussion of your research. These assessment tasks will be summatively assessed but will also be an opportunity to obtain feedback from your supervisory team. The final grade for these tasks will be applied equally to STB310-1 and 2 on completion of all assessment tasks.
Unit Grading Scheme
S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Proposal
You will prepare a written report which introduces and provides relevant background to your project, defines the aims and objectives of the work, includes a detailed research plan with timeline and a brief progress summary.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Progress Report
Seminar outlining project aims, research plan and reporting progress achieved in STB310-1. Presented at end of semester enrolled in STB310-1 to peers, supervisors and other invitees.
Assessment: Research Paper
A report describing the results and interpretation of your research and investigation in STB310-1 and 2. The report will be written in the form of a journal manuscript appropriate to the discipline. Submitted at the end of semester enrolled in STB310-2.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no prescribed text for this unit. You will be directed to a range of resource material to support your learning in this unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
These units will involve fieldwork and/or laboratory work. The procedures involved are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. In the case of laboratory work you will be provided with appropriate Health and Safety information, guidelines and inductions specific to the location and task. It is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff. You will also be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.