Course coordinator
Dr Simon Worrall
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
Critical review of recent literature in area chosen by student in consultation with academic staff member.
Not all published literature is of the same standard and some can even be misleading. This course will give you the opportunity ﾠto analyse what you read in the scientific literature,ﾠ to question/interrogate the ﾠaccuracy and relevance of the data and to present this in the context of the field of study. These skills are the foundation ofﾠ good scientific practice.ﾠ
In a good paper critiqueﾠ the student will be expected to present their own conclusions on the assigned topic, especially when there are controversial or conflicting views in the literature. A critiqueﾠwhich merely surveys and summarises the topic, without critical assessment, will not receive high marks.
There are optional weekly workshops for this course, supervised by Dr Ziora, to provide guidance and help throughout the semester. Details will be communicated through blackboard.
Course requirements
Assumed background
A general knowledge of molecular genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and chemistry is assumed but not essential.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
With permission of the program director.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOC6014, BIOT6014
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Director - bioinformatics
Professor Mikael Boden
Director - biotechnology
Professor Joanne Blanchfield
Director - molecular biology
Dr Simon Worrall
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
BIOX6000 is aﾠ 2 unit course. You should therefore be allocating at leastﾠ 10 hours per week to working on your literature review.
Your Program Director's permission is required to enrol in this course. Please complete and submit the SCMB Postgraduate Coursework Supervisor Approval Formﾠ via the submission link provided in the SCMB Postgraduate Coursework Community Blackboard site.
Students should contact their individual supervisors directly for matters relating to theirﾠ literature review.ﾠ
Please note ﾠit is a course requirement that you meet regularly with your supervisor - see assessment.
Students must meet with their supervisors and agree upon a topic BEFORE the end of week 2 of semester.
Contact with academic staff will be by mutual agreement.
There are weekly workshops for this course to provide guidance and help throughout the semester. Attendance is voluntary but highly recommended. Please check your timetable for details.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to develop the student’s capacity for inductive reasoning, skills in library resource usage, and a capacity for critical analysis of a publication in the recent scientific literature.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically read the scientific literature and be able to recognise papers of great scientific merit in a defined area;
LO2.
Evaluate work already done in an area and assess where deficiencies in the knowledge of the subject lie;
LO3.
Critically review a scientific paper to detect its strengths and weaknesses;
LO4.
Organise ideas derived from other people's work and write a clear, concise, readily understandable critique in an objective manner.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution |
Meetings with supervisor
|
20% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Review a current scientific paper
|
80% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
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
Meetings with supervisor
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Supervisor meetings during semester
You should arrange to meet with your supervisor at least 5 times during the semester to discuss your chosen topic and paper. You should ensure that a record of your meetings with your supervisor is maintained using the meeting diary template. You will note such things as what was discussed and what you were requested to do before the next meeting using the meeting diary template. Please ensure that your supervisor signs and dates each entry. A copy of the meeting diary should be submitted through the relevant Turnitin submission point in Blackboard by the due date given in the course profile (CP). Scanned copies are acceptable.
Your performance during and in response to these meetings will be taken into account when the supervisor formulates a mark. In silico meetings (e.g. via Zoom or email) are acceptable. If you do not arrange and attend these meetings you will fail the course (see course hurdles).
Supervisor's mark
If the student does not attend regular meetings or keep in regular email contact they should be marked accordingly. The mark they are awarded should reflect the depth of issues discussed and questions asked, and your perception of their critical analysis skills.
This assessment item will be marked by your Supervisor.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submit a scanned copy of your meeting diary through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard when you submit your Literature Review.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way.
FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName
For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way.
SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting the assessment item by the requested due date and time.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
Review a current scientific paper
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 80%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Selection of the Paper Critique topic
1. The student should decide on a scientific area that aligns with their Masters program and that interests them. Before the first week of semester the student should secure a supervisor. There are many avenues to identify a potential supervisor:
- searching the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences website (scmb.uq.edu.au )
- consult the SCMB Research Projects booklet (scmb.uq.edu.au/study/postgraduate-coursework )
- the web pages of the various research institutes at UQ, links to those web pages can be found here https://research.uq.edu.au/
- the UQ Researchers website (https://researchers.uq.edu.au/)
You should contact prospective supervisors and ask whether they have time to supervise your literature review. Supervision will involve meeting with you at least 5 times during semester to discuss your progress and help you with any difficulties you have encountered. Your supervisor must sign the SUPERVISOR APPROVAL FORM.
2. Once you have had an introductory meeting with your supervisor and established the topic of your literature review, you should begin looking for key papers. This will involve searching the various library databases (e.g. PubMed) for relevant papers. If you are not familiar with these databases, you should enrol in one of the short courses offered by the library. Please ask at the Information desk and indicate that you are a postgraduate student. Once a topic has been selected, the student will search the literature in that area, and select a recent research paper (within the last 2 years, NOT A REVIEW) which has significantly advanced our understanding of any key aspect of the topic. The chosen paper must represent a substantial piece of work with clearly-described (or well-referenced) experimental detail. It is intended that each student select a different research paper. The student will confirm the paper with their supervisor.
Preparation of the Paper Critique
The Paper Critique will consist of the sections described below. The page limit is 15 pages (this does NOT include bibliography, figures and tables) if this limit is exceeded penalties will be applied in marking.
The page margins will be set to 2 cm all round, pages will be numbered, font of 12 pt Calibri or Times New Roman (or equivalent) is acceptable, line spacing of 1.5 will be used. The first page (not counted in the total number pages) should carry your title, course code your name and student number, and your supervisor’s details.
The Paper Critique will consist of the sections described below.
(a) Abstract. Your review should start with a short abstract of no more than 150 words
(b) General review of research area (approx. 50%). A background review which provides a critical insight into where the chosen paper fits into the broader framework of research in that area, and what issues are being addressed in current research. References cited in the Introduction and Discussion of your chosen paper will put you in touch with previous work. Survey the literature for more recent work. (GIVE ACTUAL WORD COUNT AFTER HEADING) Please note that your literature review involves a critical analysis of a single recent research paper and how this impacts on the field. The general review should therefore include a review of the field and identification of knowledge gaps, followed by a discussion of your chosen paper, and finally a section on future direction.
(c) The paper (approx. 25%). A critical appraisal of the work presented in the selected paper and its significance. You should deal with each substantial set of data presented in the paper, and summarise how the experimental technique works and what was found (it may be necessary to read source papers on particular methods). You should also highlight any strengths and/or weaknesses in the experimental design, data presentation, choice of controls etc. It is very helpful to actually include key figures from the paper in this section of your report. Feel free to include your own figure(s) or to modify a figure from the paper or from a related paper. (GIVE ACTUAL WORD COUNT AFTER HEADING)
(d) Conclusions and future directions (approx. 25%). Here you should critically review the conclusions of the paper as presented in the Discussion. Highlight any apparent conflicts with other work in the field, e.g. papers cited by the authors, and compare the major findings with more recent or contemporary papers found during your literature survey and with information you have found in relevant reviews. Finally, consider the direction in which this work is going, identify unanswered questions, and suggest experimental approaches which you feel would be most important to address these issues. (GIVE ACTUAL WORD COUNT AFTER HEADING)
(e) Bibliography include titles of research articles. Include an appendix with URLs for the selected paper and any others you cite extensively.
(f) Appendices
Assessment of the Literature review
Marks will be awarded for the quality and "degree of difficulty" of the paper selected, the information content and analysis of the literature surveyed, the depth and originality shown in assessing the research and future directions, and layout and English expression.
Finally, remember that the Literature review must be your own work. You may obtain advice and comment from your supervisor on the ideas in your proposal, and from various sources on whether your English expression is appropriate, but you should not request, or expect, others to rewrite your submission. Acknowledge all help and sources, especially if you quote text and ideas written by others.
Each literature review will be assessed by two examiners using the published criteria.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submit your literature review through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way.
FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName
For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way.
SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting the assessment item by the requested due date and time.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student has made little attempt to address the requirements for this topic. Written submissions and performance are incomplete or unsatisfactory. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student fails to demonstrate relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts associated with this topic. The student shows little evidence of the skills and understanding expected of a graduate. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates a limited knowledge of the topics being assessed. The student shows little aptitude to continue in this area, but has benefited from the exercise and may be able to apply this knowledge for other purposes. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's answer to the topic is unambiguous and addresses the specific question(s) or issue(s) being examined. Performance in the assessment instrument(s) demonstrates basic knowledge and comprehension of the underlying concepts of the topic being examined. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 4, the student demonstrates in his or her assessment a superior understanding of some of the underlying concepts of the topic(s) being examined. The student has shown some competence in addressing the assessment criteria. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 5, the student demonstrates a higher level of understanding of the factual and conceptual information available from the literature or other appropriate sources (e.g. the student's own experimental data). A good attempt has been made to dissect and integrate different aspects of that knowledge, resulting in well-balanced and appropriate conclusions and a commendable attempt to synthesize ideas. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Reserved for an outstanding performance which demonstrates a level of achievement superior to a grade of 6, and includes a substantial and original synthesis of ideas based on a critical analysis of the subject matter available to the student. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. Students must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
2. Students must complete and submit ALL learning tasks and assessment items.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Further information regarding this course can be found on the course Blackboard site at learn.uq.edu.au. Additional supplementary material may also be posted on the site.
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
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.