Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 16
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
Honours students at the School of Biomedical Sciences will undertake their own original research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor based at the School or affiliated Institutes. Students will learn and be assessed on their scientific communication skills in both oral and written presentations of their research project. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to the students' research training.
In BIOM6191, you will undertake a research project in an area of biomedical science of your own choosing and interest. You will conduct your research through a 2-semester long placement in a world-class research environment under supervision of an academic researcher. You will develop your ability to critically analyse the scientific literature, and to conceive, design, and conduct scientific research independently. You will develop your skills to articulate the significance of your work and to communicate scientific findings through oral presentations and written submissions. Assessment items include a written Research Proposal, Thesis (Research Report),ﾠResearch Outcomes Seminar, Seminar Diary, and a Supervisor’s Report.ﾠ
Course requirements
Restrictions
Permission from School of Biomedical Science required
Course contact
Course coordinator
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130).
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The course will develop skills that are valued by employers acrossﾠa range ofﾠprofessions andﾠindustries that are possible career destinations forﾠBiomedicalﾠScience graduates. These skills include critical analysis, scientific creativity, problem solving,ﾠtechnical expertise,ﾠand effective communication.ﾠThisﾠcourseﾠtherefore not onlyﾠlays the foundationﾠfor students wishing to progressﾠto a PhD, itﾠalsoﾠcontributes to generic skill development and job readiness for a broad range of other career options.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Read and critically analyse current scientific literature related to the area of the research project.
LO2.
Identify research questions, investigate appropriate methodology and plan experiments to address these questions.
LO3.
Perform practical and/or theoretical experimental work, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
LO4.
Record the planning and outcome of experiments accurately and at a level that is both appropriate and expected in modern day scientific research.
LO5.
Write a substantial report based on your scientific investigation in a format suitable for a biomedical science audience.
LO6.
Critically discuss scientific data in the context of existing literature, draw conclusions from such discussions and suggest further experiments.
LO7.
Present the outcomes of a scientific project and its significance to both expert and non-expert audiences, accurately and appropriately.
LO8.
Practice time management in project planning.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Proposal
|
10% |
8 April 2025 14:00 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Report
|
55% |
24 Sept 2025 14:00 (Draft) 8 Oct 2025 14:00 (Final) |
| Presentation |
Research Outcomes Seminar
|
20% |
21 Oct 2025 09:00 - 23 Oct 2025 18:00 |
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Seminar Diary
|
5% |
24 Oct 2025 10:00 |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration |
Supervisor's Report
|
10% |
8 Oct 2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Research Proposal
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
8 April 2025 14:00
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06, L07
Task description
- A report comprised of a literature review relevant to the student's area of research, a statement of aims and hypotheses and a description of the proposed research plan. Students should also clearly outline the significance of their proposed research. Please consult your Honours Handbook for further information.
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must make a reasonable attempt of all assessment items.Submission guidelines
Only electronic submissions are required for these written assessments.
An electronic copy of your assignment in BOTH Word and PDF format must be submitted through the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard website by the assessment due date.
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Upon submission of the Research Proposal, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your proposal was submitted successfully.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Research Report
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
24 Sept 2025 14:00 (Draft)
8 Oct 2025 14:00 (Final)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
- A substantial report on the research project is to be submitted. The written research report is a document which addresses the background, rationale, methods used and outcomes of the research project. The significance of the research project findings needs to be discussed in detail. All research data for research projects associated with the project is to be stored within a UQ Research Data Manager (UQRDM). Please consult your Honours Handbook for further information.
- Any substantial timescale disruptions (i.e. greater than 3 weeks) due to extenuating circumstances (as outlined in the Honours Handbook) during the honours year should be discussed with the coordinator.
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must make a reasonable attempt of all assessment items.Submission guidelines
Only electronic submissions are required for these written assessments.
An electronic copy of your assignment in BOTH Word and PDF format must be submitted through the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard website by the assessment due date.
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Upon submission of the Research Proposal, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your proposal was submitted successfully.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
It is anticipated that you will have both scheduled and unscheduled interruptions throughout the 8 months you will be working towards completion of your Honours Research Report and Outcome Seminar. Extension requests for the Research Report will only be considered if the interruption occurred between the draft submission date and final submission date of the Research Report.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Research Outcomes Seminar
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21 Oct 2025 09:00 - 23 Oct 2025 18:00
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06, L07
Task description
- Students will give a 15-minute presentation on the current outcomes and conclusions from their research project followed by up to 10 minutes of in-depth questioning by your examiners, other academic staff and students.
- All seminars will be recorded.
- The Associate Dean (Academic) may waive the recording of an assessment performance as outlined in section 87 of the Assessment Procedure. If required i.e for commercial in confidence projects or those involving sensitive human anatomy projects, this should be organised by the primary supervisor with the outcome then communicated to the course coordinator.
- Completion of the Research Outcomes Seminar is independent of any other assessment item.
- Any substantial timescale disruptions (i.e. greater than 3 weeks) due to extenuating circumstances (as outlined in the Honours Handbook) during the honours year should be discussed with the coordinator.
- As this assessment is marked by two or more examiners and a post-marking moderation process is applied, re-marks are not permitted.
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must make a reasonable attempt of all assessment items.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
It is anticipated that you will have both scheduled and unscheduled interruptions throughout the 8 months you will be working towards completion of your Honours Research Report and Outcome Seminar. Extension requests for the Outcome Seminar will only be considered if the interruption occurred between the submission date of the Research Report and the Outcome Seminar date.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Seminar Diary
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
24 Oct 2025 10:00
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06, L07
Task description
- Students will attend at least 12 seminars given by academic or research staff or by invited speakers across UQ between 24th February 2025 and 17 September 2025.
- Seminar Presentations (excluding questions) must be a minimum of 30 minutes in length.
- Students will attend scheduled research outcomes seminars given by honours students and keep a diary containing a brief description of the work presented.
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must make a reasonable attempt of all assessment items.Submission guidelines
You should submit your seminar diary EITHER as a hard copy to the SBMS Teaching and Assessment Office, Level 1, Sir William MacGregor Building OR as a scanned electronic file to the Blackboard submission point by the due date.
Submission of the Seminar Diary is independent of any other assessment item.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Supervisor's Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
8 Oct 2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Supervisors will be contacted and asked to submit a report on the student’s performance over the course of the Honours program.
Hurdle requirements
You must make a reasonable attempt of all assessment items.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Honours Class IIIB - A cumulative score of 0%-29% OR a cumulative score of at least 30% AND less than 30% for the research report |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Honours Class IIIB - A cumulative score of 30%-44% AND at least 30% for the research report OR a cumulative score of at least 40% AND 30%-39% for the research report |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Honours Class IIIB - A cumulative score of 45%-49% AND at least 40% for the research report OR a cumulative score of at least 50% AND 40%-49% for the research report |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 59 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Honours Class IIIA - A cumulative score of 50%-59% AND at least 50% for the research report OR a cumulative score of at least 60% AND 50%-59% for the research report |
| 5 (Credit) | 60 - 69 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Honours Class IIB - A cumulative score of 60%-69% AND at least 60% for the research report OR a cumulative score of at least 70% AND 60%-69% for the research report |
| 6 (Distinction) | 70 - 79 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Honours Class IIA - A cumulative score of 70%-79% AND at least 70% for the research report OR a cumulative score of at least 80% AND 70%-79% for the research report |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 80 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Honours Class I - A cumulative score of 80%-100% AND at least 80% for the research reportﾠ |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:
- You must submit a reasonable attempt of all assessment items.
- Students must meet the indicated hurdle in the Research Report assessment, in addition to the required cumulative score on all assessment tasks to achieve each grade and class of Honours, as detailed above.ﾠ
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course and does NOT successfully complete the hurdles, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
The cut-offs for class of honours is governed by the University's Teaching and Learning Policies.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The supplementary assessment may be in the form of an exam (written or oral), a written submission or another assessment as determined by the Course Coordinator. It may be made up of multiple components and will allow students to meet any outstanding Learning Outcomes. The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only and a passing grade will be awarded only if a student passes the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Information on applying for anﾠassessment extension can be found on the Applying for an extension website.
Information onﾠassessment re-mark requestsﾠcan be found on theﾠQuerying a resultﾠwebsite.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Literature: | There is no required textbook for this course. Students are responsible for the collection of current literature in their field using the UQ Library services. The initial literature search and review will be guided by the student’s supervisor. | |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): | Minimum requirement will be fully enclosed shoes. Additional requirements will be specific to the laboratory and/or research environment that you will be working in. Examples of such requirements include a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Students are required to check with their lab supervisor as to what the appropriate PPE requirements for the specific research environment in which they will be working and comply with these. | |
| OH&S Training (OHS): | You will, at a minimum, be required to complete the relevant Induction(s) and OH&S training for your School, Institute, Industry and/or Hospital environment in which you will be working. Additional training may be required to operate equipment or perform experimental tasks associated with completion of your research project. Your primary supervisor will advise you of the need for additional (OHS) training where applicable. | |
| Ethics Training: | Students engaged with animal research as part of their project must also complete online training, attend local animal house inductions and technical skill development workshops as required for their project. Students engaged with projects involving human subjects and/or data must similarly complete relevant online training and familiarise themselves with ethical requirements / obligations specific to their project and/or as directed by their supervisor. |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| UQ Library Courses: | Participation in professional development courses on the use of Databases and Endnote is encouraged. |
Additional learning resources information
A GAF Policy and Procedures Laboratory Manual will also be available to students when in the GAF. Compulsory face-to-face GAF inductions for students will also be conducted at the start of semester, by the GAF staff, at scheduled times. Students are required to attend one of these face-to-face induction sessions prior to undertaking any classes in the GAF.ﾠAny non-compliance with state legislation or university, school or GAF policy may result in an investigation and disciplinary action.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Seminar Diary Keep a diary containing a minimum of 12 brief descriptions of seminars given by researchers. Keep a diary containing brief descriptions of outcome seminars given by other honours students. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 6 |
Not Timetabled |
Literature review and research proposal writing Students will undertake a self-directed literature search and prepare the project proposal under guidance of their supervisor. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 22 |
Not Timetabled |
Independent Research Students to participate in laboratory based research work. Results to be presented in an independent research report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Orientation Session All students are expected to attend this on campus orientation session at 10:00am. Location to be confirmed. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Effective Communication Workshop Attend workshop on preparing research proposal. Attendance at this workshop is encouraged but optional. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 14 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Research Progress Meeting Students to deliver a presentation to their entire supervisory team outlining the progress in their research project and any remaining objectives. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06, L08 |
Week 25 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Research Outcomes Seminar Students to deliver a presentation of the research achieved during the Honours year up to the current point in time. Learning outcomes: L02, L06, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: