Course coordinator
Dr Renjie Zhou
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Science Faculty
This course equips students with fundamental and transferable skills in conducting research both within and outside of their disciplinary areas through a series of workshops designed to build on their scientific research knowledge. Opportunities will be provided for students to gain first-hand experience of research activities outside of their own disciplinary area in the Faculty of Science through field trips and site visits, and students will be required to work in multidisciplinary groups for workshop activities. This course is designed to complement and enhance students' experience of their own research project.
This course is co-delivered across St Lucia and Gatton campuses. Most workshop will be available in-person and live-streamed. Most workshop will also be available for asynchronous participation later by accessing recording. Synchronous participation is highly encouraged but not compulsory (except for Week 4, 5, and 12). Please refer to the course's Blackboard site for details.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students would have completed a three-year Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a field related to their current field in the Honours study.
Restrictions
Restricted to students undertaking science Honours studies: BAdvSc(Hons), BSc(Hons), BSc(Hons) Gatton, BBiotech(Hons), BAgrSc(Hons), BEqSc(Hons), BWSc(Hons), BMath(Hons), BVetTech(Hons), BA(Hons). Students should complete this course in their first semester of Honours year.
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
SCIE4000 St Lucia and SCIE4000 Gatton are co-delivered with the same content and assessments.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Renjie Zhou
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to equip Honours students in disciplines within the Faculty of Science with fundamental research skills including how to develop a research question, design and manage a project, conduct a literature review, deliver presentations to various audiences, incorporate Indigenous perspectives, apply fundamental data analysis tools, and create publication-quality manuscripts. It also aims to provide students with multidisciplinary perspectives and experiences in science research.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Develop a research-focussed approach to the solution of a new problem, beginning with the development of research questions.
LO2.
Apply project management techniques to plan and carry out a research project in the allocated time frame, within the available resources and in a safe and ethical manner.
LO3.
Competently search the scientific literature to critically evaluate previous research.
LO4.
Offer clear and logical explanations of scientific concepts that may be unfamiliar to the non-specialist through both oral and written communication.
LO5.
Incorporate Indigenous perspectives in research in a respectful and meaningful way.
LO6.
Apply fundamental data analysis tools to analyse quantitative and qualitative results.
LO7.
Be familiar with the contexts of scientific research, and the various research activities that take place within the Faculty’s schools and research centres.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection |
Workshop Templates
|
50% - This weight is indicative only. This is a pass/fail course. |
Each workshop template must be completed and submitted within five working days after the workshop is delivered. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Research Pitch and Peer Feedback
|
30% - This weight is indicative only. This is a pass/fail course. |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Performance, Presentation, Reflection |
3MT-style presentation
|
20% - This weight is indicative only. This is a pass/fail course. |
19/05/2025 - 23/05/2025 |
Assessment details
Workshop Templates
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 50% - This weight is indicative only. This is a pass/fail course.
- Due date
Each workshop template must be completed and submitted within five working days after the workshop is delivered.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
During this course, there will be nine workshops (including one that contains field trips). Students are required to complete at least six workshops and associated templates (workshop working sheets). Among these workshops, three are compulsory for all students. Please refer to the Learning Activities section for details on these workshops.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or 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.
Submission guidelines
Submissions will be done electronically through the Blackboard site. Hard-copy submissions will not be accepted.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications
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).
Research Pitch and Peer Feedback
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% - This weight is indicative only. This is a pass/fail course.
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
Each student is required to develop a written research pitch (~600 words) about their research topic and project. This pitch is meant to be written and understood by a broad, multidisciplinary audience. Students will work in groups to read and comment on each other's work and revise their own work for final submission. This activity will largely take place self-paced in multidisciplinary peer groups of students from multiple Schools at the Faculty of Science throughout the semester. The group activities (including draft pitch, group meetings, peer feedback, and final draft) will be documented on a worksheet (a form) which will be submitted as the work of this assessment item.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or 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.
Submission guidelines
Submissions will be done electronically through the Blackboard site. Hard-copy submissions will not be accepted.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications
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).
3MT-style presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Performance, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 20% - This weight is indicative only. This is a pass/fail course.
- Due date
19/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L07
Task description
Each student will deliver a 3MT-style presentation in Week 12 in a class conference. Notes, palm cards, or other aids are not permitted.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or 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.
Submission guidelines
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.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications
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).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| Pass |
Course grade description: Students successfully complete all assessment items. |
| Fail |
Course grade description: Students fail to complete all assessment items. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Additional assessment information
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 timeframes. 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 4 weeks, 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.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
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
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Resources from Blackboard site | Resources will be provided on a weekly basis and instructions will be given in class as to how to best use them. |
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 O-week To Week 8 |
Workshop |
Workshop (O-Week to Week 8) Details on scheduling of activities are available through Blackboard. From O-Week (Orientation Week) to Week 8 (except for Week 5), there is a workshop in each week. The topics of workshops cover a wide range of themes in general research (beyond disciplinary knowledge). For each workshop, students will work with a workshop template (a worksheet) and be provided with additional resources through Blackboard. Students will be required to take time to complete one or more short pre-workshop tasks prior to attending the workshop. In certain workshops, some post-workshop tasks will also be required. Details will be provided through Blackboard. Refer to Blackboard for details on scheduling. O-Week: It will provide an introduction to the course, welcome all students to their Honours research journey, and introduce students to research including the nature of research, developing research questions, big-picture research funding, national Science/Research Priorities, and others. This workshop will also be attended by a guest academic speaker who will provide their personal perspectives on the research journey and join for a Q&A session with the whole class. Week 1: Get on the leading edge of the disciplinary research: how to conduct a literature review and use tools to manage references. This workshop will be delivered by UQ Library and will equip students with basic skills in searching and managing literatures. It will also contain other topical areas such as the responsible use of AI. Week 2: The research processes: design a project and apply project and time management tools. Students will reflect on their own research project and its design, research questions, deliverables, timelines, and significance. Week 3 (This one is compulsory): Research ethics and integrity: fundamental principles, data integrity, compliance with regulations including review boards and ethics committees, confidentiality and data protection, research misconduct. Week 4 (This one is compulsory): Develop cultural competency: incorporating Indigenous perspectives in research. Week 5: mini-field trips (This one is compulsory): to experience the breadth of research in science and observe research activities outside student's home discipline across campuses. Trips in Week 5 will not be visible from the Timetable system. There are about five trips available to the class and each student could choose to attend one of them. Details on the trips and how to register will be made available through Blackboard. Week 6: Communicate your research I: deliver presentations to disciplinary and broad audiences. This activity is also useful for students to prepare for their 3MT-style presentations for Week 12. Week 7: Communicate your research II: create publication-quality data graphs/ figures/ maps, write a thesis and a manuscript Week 8: Analyse results with standard tools: apply fundamental statistical concepts/ tools, work with quantitative data Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Symposium |
3MT-style presentations Details on scheduling of activities are available through Blackboard. This item is a learning activity as well as an assessment. Each student will deliver a 3MT-style presentation in Week 12, and attendance at a '3MT conference' is compulsory. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Additional learning activity information
This course has limited contact hours in order to provide students with the maximum flexibility to engage with their own Honours research. It is noted that the content of this course serves as a starting point in many cases to allow students to further explore topical areas that interest them. Students in this course will also work in multidisciplinary groups with peers from different Schools (i.e., during workshops, preparing for 3MT presentations, and working on research pitches and feedback).
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.