Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
This course will present students with the opportunity to undertake an additional undergraduate research project in the field of biomedical science, under the supervision of a researcher.
This course allows students to participate in an individual or group research project associated with a discipline of interest to them.
It provides an opportunity to develop core skills in biomedical science research, including scientific communication, record keeping, analysisﾠand statistics, as well as both independence and teamwork.
Finding a supervisor for SCIE3221
To participate in this course you need an academic supervisor who can accommodate you in their laboratory. How do you find a supervisor?
1. Identify an area of research in Biomedical Science that interests you.
2. Locate an academic that has an active laboratory in the research field that interests you. A good source of this information is the SBMS website and www.uq.edu.au/uqresearchers.
3. Choose several potential supervisors.
4. Contact the selected supervisors by email to make an appointment to speak with them.
5. Meet up and discuss the possible research project. Be informed about the research work of the academic's laboratory.ﾠ
Applying for SCIE3221
Once you have confirmed your supervisor, you must complete the SCIE3221 application form in conjunction with your supervisors. The application form can be downloaded here under the Research-intensive courses heading. All applications should be submitted to the School of Biomedical Sciences via email to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au by Week 1 of the semester.
Applications will be considered by the Course Coordinator and applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the SBMS Student Academic Administration Team on behalf of the Course Coordinator. This notification will be sent via email to your official UQ student email account. Students with approved applications will be added to a permissions list which will allow them to enrol into the course via mySI-net. Students will be unable to enrol into the appropriate course until given permission by the School.
All details relating to the course organisation, lectures and assessment of projects will be discussed in the first lecture and subsequent communication will be directly with the course co-ordinator, lecturers, and supervisors via the course Blackboard site. For more information about specific projects, contact the lab supervisor offering the research project.
If you are uncertain whether the project you have identified is appropriate for your field of study, please contact the course coordinator.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that all students will have undertaken Level 2 courses which provide an appropriate background to the project which they undertake. In particular, some component of Level 2 laboratory work would be desirable. All students as a minimum must have undertaken first level or equivalent course which introduces basic aspects of occupational health and safety issues associated with working in a laboratory.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completion of #24 units including SCIE3220 prior to enrolment in the course; approval from School of Biomedical Sciences
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1040, BIOL2200, BIOM2011, BIOM2012
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL3044, BIOL3017, BIOL3043, SCIE3017, SCIE3043, SCIE3044
Course contact
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
Level 1, Sir William Macgregor Building (64)
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The broad goals of the course are to develop students core research skills and to introduce them to important concepts related to the ethical and legal aspects of scientific research by allowing them to participate in an individual or group research project within a discipline of interest.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Participate in an individual or group research project
LO2.
Make scientific observations
LO3.
Record and analyse scientific data
LO4.
Apply core research skills including finding and organising information, and conveying ideas
LO5.
Apply written and oral communication skills pertaining to scientific, biological and chemical research
LO6.
Explain concepts related to the ethical and legal aspects of scientific research and intellectual property
LO7.
Describe the social and civic responsibility pertaining to research, how research is funded, and future career opportunities in science
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory Performance and Record Keeping
|
20% |
23/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Project Research Report
|
60% |
23/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Project Results - Oral Presentation
|
20% |
28/05/2025 - 29/05/2025 |
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
Laboratory Performance and Record Keeping
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
23/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
This practical component of SCIE3220 is a major emphasis of the course and this part of the assessment will focus on the student's overall ability to carry out cutting edge research. This includes the use of relevant equipment, techniques, OH&S compliance and ability to work with others. The supervisor will be asked to assess the Laboratory Performance and Record Keeping and submit a report.
Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Hurdle requirements
You must achieve 50% or higher in all assessment items.Submission guidelines
The supervisor will be asked to assess the Laboratory Performance and Record Keeping and submit a report.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Project Research Report
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
23/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The research report should be a maximum of 2,500 words and include sections for the Title, Author list, Contributions by others, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and References. References, figures and tables are not counted in the word count.
Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Hurdle requirements
You must achieve 50% or higher in all assessment items.Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. Upon submission of the Research Report, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Project Results - Oral Presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/05/2025 - 29/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
Oral Presentations are a common way of presenting scientific research at conferences. The oral presentation for this assessment task is being used to present the student's research to 2 academics or research fellows. Hints and ideas to help with oral preparation will be discussed during the lectures and can also be obtained from the supervisors. The oral presentations will be assessed by 2 assigned academics or postdoctoral researchers not associated with the supervisor's laboratory. Should Queensland Health restrictions prevent this assessment to be undertaken face to face on campus, examination will instead be undertaken online via Zoom.
Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
As this assessment is marked by two or more examiners and a post-marking moderation process is applied, re-marks are not permitted.
Hurdle requirements
You must achieve 50% or higher in all assessment items.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If you encounter any issues with your presentation timeslot, please reach out to your Course Coordinator. You may be allowed to swap your time within the schedule once. A formal deferral must be submitted for any additional requests. Deferred presentations will be arranged based on marker availability and dates will be communicated to affected students via their student email account.
Late submission
No late submission permitted
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49% OR A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater, but less than a pass in any of the assessment hurdles outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64% AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74% AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84% AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100% AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet the following hurdle requirements:
- You must achieve 50% or higher in all assessment itemsﾠ
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course and does NOT successfully complete the hurdles, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Information onﾠapplying for an assessment extensionﾠcan be found on theﾠApplying for an extension ﾠwebsite.
Information onﾠapplying for a deferred examﾠcan be found on theﾠDeferring an exam ﾠwebsite.
Information onﾠassessment re-mark requestsﾠcan be found on theﾠQuerying a resultﾠwebsite.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Clean white laboratory coat, safety glasses and fully enclosed shoes. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without these items. Lab coats are available for purchase from the UQ Bookshop. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, you are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note that cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the School Locker. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Resources will be recommended by the supervisor once the individual project is agreed upon.
Resources will be made available on Blackboard before the lectures and workshops commence.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction: [Hilliard]
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Scientific Writing and Presentation [Hilliard]] What makes a great paper, poster or oral presentation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Project Presentation [Hilliard]] Students will present their proposed project in a 3-minute talk. Students are expected to attend their peers' presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Project Presentation [Hilliard] Students will present their proposed project in a 3-minute talk. Students are expected to attend their peers' presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: