BIOTECH 7020B - Research Project Part 2
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code BIOTECH 7020B Course Research Project Part 2 Coordinating Unit Molec & Biomedical Science Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 24 Contact Up to 35 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Prerequisites Completion of Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology (Biomedical) Incompatible BIOINF 7200A, BIOINF 7200B Restrictions Available to Master of Biotechnology (Biomedical) (Advanced) students only Assessment Laboratory performance, written thesis, oral presentation & Thesis defence Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Kate Wegener
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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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. 11 Critically analyse and interpret data, arguments and conclusions presented in the scientific literature. 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) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,3,8,9,10 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1,2,3,8,10 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
3,4,8,9,10 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1,2,4,5,6,8 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
2,7,8,9 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 ,11 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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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 research 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 and a scientific or industry-based mentor.
At the end of the year the project outcomes will be written up as a thesis. 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.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 theresearch project will be undertaken, or have one assigned who is appropriate for the project.
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 will be written up as a 15,000 word thesis.
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 relatedto 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 opportunityfor 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:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Note that this is the Assessment Summary for BIOTECH 7020A and BIOTECH 7020B combined.
Assessment Task Task Type Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle Course learning outcomes being assessed / achieved Assignment (literature review) Formative and Summative 10% No 1-3, 7, 8, 10 Oral presentation (Introduction Research Presentation) Formative and Summative 10% No 1-6, 9-11 Assignment (research proposal Formative and Summative 10% No 1-6, 9-11 Oral presentation (final seminar) Formative and Summative 10% No 1-6, 9-11 Oral defence (viva) Formative and Summative 10% No 1 - 11 Thesis (written) Formative and Summative 40% No 1 - 11 Thesis (laboratory performance) Formative and Summative 10% No 1-6, 8, 9, 11
Assessment Detail
Assessment Description: Literature Review; First Research Presentation; Research Proposal; Final Research Presentation; Oral Defence (Viva); Thesis; Laboratory Performance
This is the combined assessment detail for BIOTECH 7020A and BIOTECH 7020B.
1. Literature Review (10%)
A maximum 5,000 word literature review. Students will also be given an opportunity to correct/insert appropriate corrections, as the literature review will form part of the final research thesis.
2. First Research Presentation (10%)
15 minute oral presentation, plus up to 10 minute question time. Key features of the presentation that will be assessed are: clarity of presentation, justification of the research and approach used, and answers to questions from the audience.
Students will receive individual oral feedback, on presentation style, content and their knowledge of the area.
3. Research Proposal (10%)
A maximum 3,000 word assignment. Students will be assessed on the scientific approach, clarity of aims and research techniques used. Students will receive individual oral feedback and direction after marking.
4. Final Research Presentation (10%)
Final seminar: Each student will present a seminar (20 minutes + 10 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.
5. Oral Defence (Viva) (10%)
The viva assessment panel will consist of three members of academic staff, one of whom will be the Supervisor. Each member of the panel will have read all of the theses. Each student is interviewed by the panel for 30 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.
6. Thesis (40%)
The thesis will be assessed by three examiners; usually the supervisor together with two others familiar with the general area of the project.
7. Laboratory Performance (10%)
Performance of the student during the research project will also contribute toward the final assessment. However, students will not be penalised if a difficult project does not "succeed". Assessment will be based on how the student defines the problem, designs and carries out relevant experiments and interprets the results.
The lab performance mark is allocated by the supervisor.Submission
Late Submission
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply.
A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied.
This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension canonly receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.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 .
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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.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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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鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
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