Course coordinator
Dr Xin Guo
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
Research project report on topic in research field as recommended by supervisor and approved by Head of School.
A special project course provides the opportunity for independent directed study under the supervision of a staff member.
Students should take a special project course only under special circumstances as advised by the Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator.
This unit is offered subject to availability of supervising staff members.
Course requirements
Assumed background
3 year degree with some level of mathematics or statistics content.
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Students will usually meet with their supervisor on a weekly basis.
Aims and outcomes
On completing this course students will obtain a sound knowledge of the specific topic area.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use rigorous mathematical arguments, draw conclusions from empirical evidence, and efficiently implement mathematical and statistical techniques as appropriate.
LO2.
Explain ideas clearly making appropriate use of examples, counter-examples, special cases, graphs, tables, and visualisation techniques.
LO3.
Place results in the context of the development of the area and compare alternative approaches.
LO4.
Use appropriate referencing to original results and a consistent bibliographic style.
LO5.
Write clearly in a consistent style and with good organisation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project, Thesis |
Project
|
70% |
10/11/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Project Defense
|
30% |
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 |
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
Project
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project, Thesis
- Weight
- 70%
- Due date
10/11/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
There is no formal page limit. No formatting or referencing style is formally prescribed, but formatting and referencing should be clear, be used consistently, and be in accordance with the standard practices of the discipline.
DECLARATION
For students who have not signed a Confidentiality Agreement, make sure to include one of the following two declarationss on the title page of your report:
I give consent for copies of this report to be made available, as a learning resource, to students enrolled at The University of Queensland.
or
I do not give consent for copies of this report to be made available, as a learning resource, to students enrolled at The University of Queensland.
MARKING
Marks are awarded on the following basis:
- Quality of introduction /20%
- Demonstration of understanding key elements /30% (40% for projects in Mathematics Education)
- Rigour of definitions, proofs, calculations, etc. /20% (not for projects in Mathematics Education)
- Appropriate style of writing /20% (30% for projects in Mathematics Education)
- Appropriate referencing /10%
Submission guidelines
Please submit an electronic version of the file to Blackboard, preferably in PDF format.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Based on the current due time, the 14-day extension constitutes the maximum allowance the teaching team can offer, ensuring sufficient time for marking, moderation, and score uploading.
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 the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Project Defense
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The project defense comprises a 15-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session. The project defense is intended to assess the student's genuine understanding of their research project and their ability to communicate their work clearly and confidently. During the defense, the student is expected to give a concise summary of the project's objectives, methodology, and findings, and to respond thoughtfully to questions from the examiner regarding the project's background, approach, results, and significance. The defense also provides an opportunity to clarify the student's individual contribution and confirm their comprehension of key concepts, methods, and literature relevant to the project. The student should be prepared to discuss alternative approaches, justify their choices, and reflect on the limitations and implications of their work. Overall, the defense is an important part of the assessment process to ensure academic integrity and to verify that the report reflects the student's own understanding and effort.
Hurdle requirements
If you receive less than 15 marks from Project Defense, then the maximum grade you can obtain is 3.Submission guidelines
The project defense should be video recorded when there is only one examiner. In such cases, the recording must be uploaded to Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Based on the current due time, the 7-day extension constitutes the maximum allowance the teaching team can offer, ensuring sufficient time for moderation, and score uploading.
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 the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
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: Mark 0 - 19.99%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mark 20 - 44.99%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Mark 45 - 49.99%. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mark 50 - 64.99%. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: mark 65 - 74.99%. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mark 75 - 84.99%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mark 85 - 100%. |
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.
The supplementary assessment for a student receiving a grade of 3 is contingent upon the overall outcome of the project assessment. Specifically, if the student fails the defense but would have passed the project in the absence of the hurdle requirement, the supplementary assessment will consist of a second defense. Otherwise, if the student would have failed the project regardless of the hurdle, the supplementary assessment will include both a revised project report and a second defense. The revised report must demonstrate substantial improvement relative to the initial submission.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ 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 constituteTo pass this course, students will be required to demonstrate a detailed understanding of course material together with a range of associated skills independent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools.
For assessment tasks that are completed in-person (including examinations) termed “secure assessment”, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted unless otherwise advised. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Other non-secure assessment tasks (such as assignments) are designed to help you develop your understanding and skills, and to prepare you for secure assessment. You are thus generally encouraged to complete such assessment without the use of AI/MT, unless explicitly advised to the contrary in the assessment item. In any event, if you choose to use such tools, then you must clearly reference any such use within your submitted work. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. 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 written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
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
The project supervisor will give the student advice about appropriate sources of information.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Exam week 1 |
Not Timetabled |
Directed Study Students undertake a project under the supervision of a staff member. 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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.