Research Project I (SCIE3121)

Course overview

This course provides students with the opportunity to undertake a short discipline-based research project associated with their topic of interest, under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Students taking the course will develop core research skills relevant to their discipline, such as safe laboratory and/or fieldwork practices, critical engagement with the literature, development of hypotheses, experimental design, proofs, recording and analysing data, interpreting results, and written and oral communication. To obtain permission to enrol in this course, students must discuss their project with, and obtain approval from, an appropriate supervisor.

Students must complete the SCIE3121/SCIE3122 Project Application Form by 2pm on the Friday before Week One of their commencing semester and submit the completed form via email to enquiries@scmb.uq.edu.au or to the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) Administration Office, Level 3, Chemistry Building (68). Once the application is approved by the Course Coordinator, you will be able to enrol in your course via mySI-net. You will receive an email with enrolment instructions once you are able to enrol.

The research topics and contact details of potential supervisors can be found on the UQ Experts website.

Once a supervisor has been organised, students should complete the Project Application Form and submit it to the SCMB Administration Office, Level 3, Chemistry Building (68).

Students also need two examiners who are independent of their primary supervisor. The examiners should be nominated by the student's supervisor. The supervisor should contact the examiners to check their availability, and the examiners must confirm their agreement in writing. They must not be a member of the supervisor’s research group (i.e. not a current postdoctoral researcher or Fellowship holder under their supervision), not currently collaborating with their group directly on the project the student will be undertaking, and of sufficient seniority and experience to make an assessment of the student.

Supervisors are required to provide a mark for the student’s performance and record keeping.

Course requirements

Assumed background

It is assumed that all students will have completed level 2 courses that provide an appropriate background to the project, as assessed by the project supervisor.

Prerequisites

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

Completion of #24 units prior to enrolment in the course PLUS approval from supervisor.

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Students should have adequate background knowledge in their project topic as assessed by the project supervisor.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Check your online timetable regularly.

Aims and outcomes

1. To introduce students to scientific research.
2. To enable students to acquire research skills appropriate to an area of specialisation.
3. To develop students’ ability to critically and constructively analyse scientific problems and questions.
4. To develop students’ written and oral communication skills by presenting their research findings in several authentic modes including: a literature review/project proposal, research record appropriate to their discipline, and a poster presentation.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

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 Proposal

• Hurdle

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

30%

Due date

4/04/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L05, L06

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Submit your project proposal through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.

Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way. FAMILYNAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his SCIE3121 project proposal in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_SCIE3121_ProjectProposal

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.

Poster Presentation

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Oral, Written

Category

Presentation, Poster

Weight

40%

Due date

27/05/2025 10:00 am

Chemistry Building (68); Level 3 (Podium)

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

The student will display their poster at the timetabled poster session. Students should also send a PDF copy of their poster to their supervisor.

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.

Student’s Performance and Record Keeping

• Hurdle

Mode

Activity/ Performance, Written

Category

Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration

Weight

30%

Due date

30/05/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

The record-keeping documents should be submitted directly to the research supervisor.

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.

Additional course grading information

Assessment Hurdles

In order to pass this course:

1. Students must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and

2. Students must complete and submit ALL coursework assessment items and learning tasks; and

3. Students must complete all lecture and workshop activities or they will be downgraded by one grade level.*

*Students who miss a contact session must submit supporting documentation to cover this absence to enquiries@scmb.uq.edu.au to access alternative assessment. This alternative assessment must be completed in order to meet hurdle 3 above.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in 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.

Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.

Turnitin

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Assessment/Attendance

Please 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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP) for your course also 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

Any student who enrols in a course must not be given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment. Instead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolment (PPL Assessment - Procedures Section: Assessment integrity).

If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SCMB recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.

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 are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 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

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

Additional material (including the Turnitin portal) may be found on the Blackboard site for SCIE3121.

Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.

Poster printing information is available here (https://environment.uq.edu.au/about/facilities-equipment ) (UQ login required) or refer to course Workshop on poster design.

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.

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

• Occupational Health and Safety in the Laboratory Guideline

Course guidelines

Note this is not relevant for mathematics or theoretical physics.