STB310-1 Science Research 1

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal

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 STB101 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 STH403 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.
2. Evaluate strategies and methods sourced from literature, independent inquiry and personal communication to design, conduct and analyse investigations that address research questions and solve problems within specified timeframes.
3. Identify and apply appropriate forms of oral and written communication to effectively communicate your research outcomes to diverse audiences, including your peers.

Content

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 as well as strategies for development of your professional profile.

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 including background, aims, research plan and initial progress. You will submit this at the end of this unit. During STB310-2 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

7- point scale and 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. Submitted at the end of STB310-1

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Progress Report

Seminar outlining project aims, research plan and reporting progress achieved to date.  Presented during STB310-2 to peers, supervisors and other invitees.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

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. This will be submitted at the end of STB310-2.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

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.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

ST20 Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)

1. Articulate advanced and coherent knowledge and understanding of at least one scientific discipline
   Relates to: Research Proposal, Progress Report
2. Identify, adapt and apply advanced techniques and appropriate technologies in a systematic manner to answer scientific questions as part of leading and completing a substantial research-based project
   Relates to: Research Proposal, Progress Report
3. Critically evaluate and apply advanced scientific principles to design experiments, and collect, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate scientific methodologies, and critical thinking, judgment and deduction to solve complex problems
   Relates to: Progress Report
4. Evaluate and synthesise complex scientific information, research outcomes and arguments and communicate these to scientists and non-scientists using appropriate communication styles in a variety of formats.
   Relates to: Progress Report, Research Paper
5. Demonstrate personal accountability and ethical practice in scholarship and research and critically assess the societal impact of science and technology
   Relates to: Research Proposal
6. Work independently and collaboratively in diverse teams, while applying appropriate principles of workplace and laboratory safety
   Relates to: Progress Report