Major Research Project
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 120 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
2024 teaching periods
| Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 1 |
Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 2 | |
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Prerequisites
Assumed knowledge:
Biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to expose students to an actual hands-on research on animal, plant, or microbial biotechnology using a capstone project of their choice, directly mentored by research experts in the field. This unit will train students to conduct biotechnology experiments in an unstructured environment, with the aim of developing research skills related to experimental design and interpretation through to writing about their research outcome and presenting them to their peers.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Formulate a project proposal, incorporating an in-depth review of the scientific literature.
2. Maintain an accurate and useful record of activities in the laboratory, focusing on the development of experimental design, as well as generation, analysis and interpretation of data.
3. Demonstrate practical skills in a number of laboratory techniques used in biotechnology.
4. Exhibit an understanding of the use of these techniques in developing new applications in biotechnology.
5. Show awareness of the scientific concerns, the need for critical thinking, and the ethical, legal and social issues associated with some of the technology.
6. Recognise the relevance of their study to current developments and future trends in biotechnology.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
*Scheduled face to face: Laboratory Work (108 hours), Consultation and Data Analysis (12 hours)
*Scheduled synchronous online learning events (N/A)
Non-scheduled online learning events and activities (Approx. 60 hours)
Other non-scheduled learning events and activities including independent study (Approx.150 hours)
*Scheduled synchronous online learning events (N/A)
Non-scheduled online learning events and activities (Approx. 60 hours)
Other non-scheduled learning events and activities including independent study (Approx.150 hours)
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Project Proposal | Individual | 10-20% | 1, 4, 5, 6 |
| Oral Presentations | Individual | 10-20% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Research and Problem Solving Skills | Individual | 10-30% | 2, 3 |
| Project Workbook | Individual | 5-10% | 2 |
| Final Written Report | Individual | 30-40% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Minimum requirements to pass this Unit
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) must complete a minimum of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for
successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s), and
(iii) obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the above laboratory hurdle.
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) and (iii) in full, will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) must complete a minimum of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for
successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s), and
(iii) obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the above laboratory hurdle.
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) and (iii) in full, will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
General skills outcomes
During this unit students will receive feedback on the following key generic skills:
• Teamwork skills
• Analysis skills
• Problem solving skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• Ability to work independently
• Teamwork skills
• Analysis skills
• Problem solving skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• Ability to work independently
Content
The subject consists of a research project in an area of biotechnology addressing a research problem, by laboratory work and/or alternative approaches such as critical analysis of literature and/or computer modelling or bioinformatics analysis.
Techniques or methods used range across practical microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry, including gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, chromatography, PCR, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, isolation, identification or characterization of microorganisms, natural products.
The projects will be at the level at least two-fold that of the Minor Research Project (BIO70003) in terms of the amount and depth of work required and expectations of outcomes.
Techniques or methods used range across practical microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry, including gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, chromatography, PCR, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, isolation, identification or characterization of microorganisms, natural products.
The projects will be at the level at least two-fold that of the Minor Research Project (BIO70003) in terms of the amount and depth of work required and expectations of outcomes.
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.