BVB304 Integrative Biology
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: | BVB304 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BVB202 and BVB203 and BVB301 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB304 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BVB202 and BVB203 and BVB301 |
| Coordinator: | Matthew Phillips | m9.phillips@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This Capstone unit requires you to think critically about an important problem in biological sciences and to integrate the knowledge gained through earlier units to provide an effective solution. You will conduct a research project, applying your knowledge of quantitative techniques and experimental design, to answer a specific challenge. Through critical analysis and reflection on your work and that of your peers, you will gain a deeper understanding of the scientific method and will become confident in applying it. The unit will provide a foundation for future Honours studies, or higher degree research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Synthesise advanced knowledge in a specific aspect of biological sciences, incorporating a level of interdisciplinary understanding
- Apply critical reasoning and evaluation skills to the interpretation of scientific data
- Communicate complex scientific information in written and oral forms
- Use effective teamwork skills to solve a scientific challenge within a set timeframe
- Understand and demonstrate ethical practice as applied to research
Content
The unit is organized around investigating and understanding a key aspect of biological science involving:
- Design of a research project (open investigation, field and/or laboratory experiment, application of theory)
- Data recording, collection and interpretation using appropriate discipline specific approaches
- Critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information to develop a possible solution to the biological problem
- Collation and production of a scientific report and oral communication of scientific information
Learning Approaches
This unit will employ a combination of learning approaches including face-to-face workshops and practical activities related to your project (e.g. laboratory and/or field work and/or computer analysis), to assist you in developing an appreciation of a scientific problem and a means to research this.
A series of workshops will outline the personal and professional responsibilities of practicing scientists including research project management, research integrity and core skills in research communication.
Independent literature research will provide you with scientific knowledge about specific aspects of a problem your group has chosen to investigate.
By working in a research group, you will develop a scientific approach to investigate the problem including the collection and analysis of data.
Working individually, you will prepare a project proposal and manuscript which integrates the knowledge generated and places it in the context of biological science.
Throughout the unit, you will engage in peer review of the work produced by your colleagues.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative assessment by peers and teaching staff will occur throughout the semester, during a series of workshops and research group meetings.
Written feedback, according to criteria, will be provided by teaching staff for written assessment.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit will be divided into three elements:
An individual project proposal prepared by your group will draw on knowledge gained through classes, meetings with your project supervisor and independent literature research, to describe the topic, explain its context, and outline your experimental approach.
An individual manuscript based on your group's data, will display your experimental findings and your interpretation of these results, including an explanation of their context within the broader science discipline and questions for future investigation.
An oral viva voce will provide you with the opportunity to answer questions about the scientific problem your group has chosen to research, results of your scientific investigation and conclusions you have drawn, and the broader ramifications of this research.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Project Proposal
You will prepare a written report which outlines your research question and its broader context, your experimental approach and research plan, including timeline and logistics. This report will be written in the style of a research proposal and will include references to relevant scientific literature.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Manuscript
You will produce a concise document that outlines the issue you have investigated, a brief and critical review of the current primary literature, your experimental approach and results, and a discussion of their relevance and implications, with reference to other published research. The content and format will follow the general style and framework of a scientific journal paper, including text, tables, figures, citations and a reference list. Your contribution to the project team will be assessed by your project supervisor.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Viva voce
During an oral viva voce, you will provide answers to questions about the scientific problem your group has chosen to research. You must be prepared to answer specific questions about your research hypotheses, methodology, results and interpretation, including the utility and application of your work in a broader societal context. Your contribution to teamwork will be assessed by your team members.
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
This unit may 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 a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual. In the case of field work you will be provided with a list of field safety guidelines. Having been provided with this information, 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 workshops. 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.