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Course profile

Industry Research Placement (BIOX7516)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (17/02/2025 - 15/11/2025)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
16
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Chemistry & Molec Biosciences

This course involves 800-960 (16 unit) hours of industry experience, through a work integrated learning placement within an approved Biotechnology workplace. Students will work with their placement provider to develop and complete a specific project which is both meaningful to the organisation and of sufficient technical content to meet the academic requirements of the course. It enables students to apply, to that industry, their theoretical knowledge and research skills. It is anticipated that students will also acquire an understanding of industry operations and requirements, while also developing and enhancing skills in report writing and project management, thereby enhancing their career opportunities.

This course provides students with program-related industry experience and an opportunity to further their professional skills training in an authenticᅠenvironment. Students will gain practical experience in the application of theoretical concepts and knowledge, while acquainting themselves with the real-world conditions and activities of their industry before graduating. Students will undertake 800-960 hours of placementᅠin an approved workplace.

The host industry organisation will appoint a Placement Supervisor for each student who will be the students primary contact during the placement, and responsible for grading the students’ performance and presentation. The Course Coordinator acts as the Academic Supervisor and is availableᅠto resolve issues that arise during the placement, as well as discuss progress with the Placement Supervisor and the student.

Industry placements are generally unpaid. Please be aware UQ insurance coverage applies to unpaid placements. If the student is paid, the companyᅠis required to insure the student.

During the placement, students will adhere to theᅠStudent Code of Conduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=145) and theᅠWork Integrated Learning and Work Experience Policy ᅠ(https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=163), as well as act inᅠaccordance with host organisation’s policies, procedures and regulations. Students may be asked to enter into a confidentiality and intellectualᅠproperty agreement with the host organisation. Students should seek their own independent legal advice to ensure they are aware of their obligationsᅠand before signing such agreements. TheᅠUQ Unionᅠ(https://www.uqu.com.au/student-support/legal) offers a free legal service to all UQ Studentsᅠwho are currently enrolled.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students will have completed 4 units of Core Courses from the Biotechnology Postgraduate Coursework program. 

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Science Degree or equivalent. Completed a minimum of 8 units towards their PGCW program by the semester of enrolement.

Restrictions

This course is restricted to students enrolled in the MBiotechnology Research Extensive program.
Permission required to enrol. See course description for further information.
Enrolment will require permission of the program director via completion of the online supervisor approval form.

Course contact

Course staff

Director - biotechnology

Timetable

Additional timetable information

This course is delivered by directed study under academic supervision and there is no generic timetable. Student and supervisor will arrange to meet at regular intervals to monitor progress.

Students must meet with their supervisor and agree upon a topic BEFORE the end of week 2 of semester.

In week 1, students must meet with their supervisor to agree on a timetable for attendance in the laboratory. For a 16 unit project laboratory attendance should be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Students must also provide their supervisor with a hard copy of the Course Profile at this meeting.

Students should contact their individual supervisors directly for matters relating to their research project lab work and research report.

It is the student's responsibility to make contact and arrange meetings with their supervisor to discuss the progress of their work.

It is the supervisor's responsibility to supervise the research project and provide a mark for each of the following assessment items - project plan and laboratory performance. The research report will be marked by two independent examiners.

The supervisor may be asked to mark the research report of a student they do not supervise.

The supervisor should nominate one examiner for the placement report and inform the Course Coordinator of theᅠexaminer's contact details.

Any questions on the assessment requirements should be directed to enquiries@scmb.uq.edu.au

Absences

It is the student’s responsibility to notify their supervisor if they will be absent from the lab for any period of time. Absences longer than three days must be supported by documentation e.g. a medical certificate.

It is the supervisor’s responsibility to notify the School if a student is absent for more than five days.

Project Progression

Refer to Assessment > Additional Information for important information on how to manage disruptions during your project.

Aims and outcomes

To enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills to a biotechnology-related workplace situation, and to acquire more detailed knowledge and professional skills to enhance employability.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Link theory and practice by demonstrating practical processing, research, laboratory or problem-solving skills in a professional work environment.

LO2.

Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers and/or management.

LO3.

Demonstrate project management skills including completing an agreed project (or projects) and presenting results within a specified time period.

LO4.

Demonstrate the ability to work with others and work independently.

LO5.

Engage actively in critical self-reflection and self-evaluation.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution First Semester Week 3 Checkpoint Meeting
  • Hurdle
Pass/Fail

17/03/2025 2:00 pm

Participation/ Student contribution First Semester Week 8 Checkpoint Meeting
  • Hurdle
Pass/Fail

28/04/2025 2:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Professional Network Action Plan
  • Hurdle
Pass/Fail

6/05/2025 2:00 pm

Participation/ Student contribution Second Semester Week 6 Checkpoint Meeting
  • Hurdle
Pass/Fail

8/09/2025 2:00 pm

Presentation Company Seminar
  • Hurdle
20%

Completion of presentation 3/11/2025 - 7/11/2025

Submission of slides 2:00pm 10/11/2025

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project Placement Report
  • Hurdle
60%

10/11/2025 2:00 pm

Practical/ Demonstration Placement Performance
  • Hurdle
20%

10/11/2025 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

First Semester Week 3 Checkpoint Meeting

  • Hurdle
Mode
Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
Pass/Fail
Due date

17/03/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The performance evaluation is conducted by the Placement Supervisor in the workplace or a person with designated authority on their behalf, and is intended to form part of a conversation with them regarding the students’ performance. This evaluation is not a test but rather an evaluation of the students’ performance against the criteria over the placement to date. It is the students’ responsibility to arrange a meeting with your supervisor in Week 3 and complete the Week 3 Checkpoint reflection then submit by the due date and time.

This assessment item will be marked by the Course Coordinator and/or Program Director.

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.

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression.

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit through the online portal in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item 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.

First Semester Week 8 Checkpoint Meeting

  • Hurdle
Mode
Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
Pass/Fail
Due date

28/04/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The performance evaluation is conducted by the Placement Supervisor in the workplace or a person with designated authority on their behalf, and is intended to form part of a conversation with them regarding the students’ performance. This evaluation is not a test but rather an evaluation of the students’ performance against the criteria over the placement to date. It is the students’ responsibility to arrange a meeting with your supervisor in Week 8 and complete the Week 8 Checkpoint reflection then submit by the due date and time.

This assessment item will be marked by the Course Coordinator and/or Program Director.

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.

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression.

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit through the online portal in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item 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.

Professional Network Action Plan

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
Pass/Fail
Due date

6/05/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Evidence indicates that many industry roles rely on professional networks, including personal and through social network sites liked LinkedIn. Students will develop a professional network action plan in consultation with their supervisor in order to establish a personal brand and resume, identify career opportunities, and connect with other professionals in the field. The student will professionally present their network action plan of at least 3 activities, and demonstrate that they have implemented it in order to connect with (1) at least 10 Biotechnology colleagues (fellow students, academics, and other professionals); (2) at least 5 professional organisations or associations.

Format of Plan

The page margins should be set to 2cm all round, the pages should be numbered and 12pt Calibri (or equivalent) or Times New Roman (or equivalent) fonts should be used. The first page of the plan (not counted in the total number of pages) should carry your project title, your name and student number, and your supervisor’s details. The maximum length of the plan should be a 8 pages.

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

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression.

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit through the online portal in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item 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.

Second Semester Week 6 Checkpoint Meeting

  • Hurdle
Mode
Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
Pass/Fail
Due date

8/09/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The performance evaluation is conducted by the Placement Supervisor in the workplace or a person with designated authority on their behalf, and is intended to form part of a conversation with them regarding the students’ performance. This evaluation is not a test but rather an evaluation of the students’ performance against the criteria over the placement to date. It is the students’ responsibility to arrange a meeting with your supervisor in Week 6 and complete the Week 6 Checkpoint reflection then submit by the due date and time.

This assessment item will be marked by the Course Coordinator and/or Program Director.

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

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression.

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit through the online portal in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item 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.

Company Seminar

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
20%
Due date

Completion of presentation 3/11/2025 - 7/11/2025

Submission of slides 2:00pm 10/11/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Give a 15 minute presentation to your supervisor and research group members at the end of semester between the dates above.

An oral presentation is expected to be no more than 15 minutes in duration, and will be to colleagues at the student's industry host. At the end of the presentation, 5 minutes will be allocated for questions. The presentation should be the type the student would give to report work they have done, and the student needs to report their work as if they are a member of the company, taking note of confidentiality issues, and modelling how a company representative gives a professional presentation at a conference. The presentation will be marked by their industry supervisor.

The student must liaise with their Placement Supervisor before reporting any information and, if permission is refused to present results/discuss specific project details, company confidentiality should be respected. There will be no academic penalty should data be excluded because permission was refused, but this should be clearly communicated at the start of the presentation. Presentation contents must be shown to the Placement Supervisor for vetting and approval prior to the seminar. The title slide of the presentation should have a statement to this effect, or have the signature of the students Placement Supervisor.

This assessment item will be marked by your Supervisor.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression. 

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit your PowerPoint slides as PPTX through the online portal in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item 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.

Placement Report

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
Weight
60%
Due date

10/11/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The Project Report should provide a concise review of the students Industry Placement Project. It should serve to complement any reports that the student prepared for their Host Organisation as part of the Placement and as a record of their industry placement experience. As part of the student’s report, they are to learn about the company and find out the companies’ values, mission, what makes the company special. A self-reflective piece of no more than 2 pages at the end of the report is a requirement for this assessment. This will include an opportunity to discuss the professional and technical skills the student has learned and developed throughout this placement. The format will depend upon the nature of the placement and should be prepared in consultation with the student’s supervisor. The total length, exclusive of references, figures and tables, should not exceed 8000 words (±10% = will not incur any penalties).

Students should retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment submitted.

The student must liaise with their Placement Supervisor before reporting any information and, if this is refused, company confidentiality should be respected. There will be no academic penalty should data be excluded because permission was refused, but this should be clearly communicated in the report. 

This assessment item will be marked by two examiners.

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

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression.

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit your report 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.

Placement Performance

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
20%
Due date

10/11/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

General guidance on how to perform the students project work, and the student's responsibilities as part of a research team, will be given by the students Placement Supervisor or the person appointed to act as the student's mentor for this course. The student is expected to keep a comprehensive record of their day-to-day work, fully dated and indexed as evidence that the work has been conducted. The Placement Supervisor will evaluate the progress, performance, and conduct of the student at the end of the placement. The Placement Supervisor is encouraged to use the student’s notebook as an opportunity to conduct a formal performance review session with the student and provide face-to-face feedback before submitting their report electronically.

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

See Additional Assessment Information for important information on project progression.

Hurdle requirements

See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Submit your laboratory notebook (or a record of your work) directly to your project supervisor by the due date and time.

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 Hurdles

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 course assessment items and learning tasks.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not 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.

 

Important Note - Project Progression

Please note that extensions are only rarely granted. Extensions will typically only be granted if you suffer from a significant illness, if a close family member develops a serious illness, or for family bereavement. Extensions will not routinely be granted at many weeks or months after an illness or other event, on the basis that such interruptions are part of life.

Research projects are not about completing a set body of work within an indefinite timeframe. Rather, you are given a period of time to learn about a topic, gain experience in practical research skills, analyse data, develop your own independent thoughts and conclusions based on this analysis, and write a report that communicates all of this to your examiners.

We expect that you will develop skills that allow you to adjust your plans “on the run” – everyone will experience things that do not go according to plan at some point, and it is a necessary skill in scientific research to be able to respond to change, whether it is an experiment that did not work because someone switched the incubator off over the weekend, or an event that prevented your attendance at the University or impacted your priorities.

What is important is that you adjust your plans appropriately, and in close consultation with your supervisor, so that you have sufficient time to analyse and write up what data you have obtained into a report that best demonstrates your knowledge and development as a scientist.

Note: If your application for extension is due to significant unforeseen circumstances in your laboratory a detailed written statement outlining the circumstances is required from your supervisor. This can be included in your application. Applications due to unforeseen circumstances will not be accepted without a supervisor's statement.

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.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 26
(24 Feb - 02 Nov)

Practical

Laboratory Work

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Not Timetabled

Week 1 Meeting

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Revision week (second semester)

(03 Nov - 09 Nov)

Not Timetabled

Seminar

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: