Course coordinator
Dr Frances Shapter
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - )
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 12
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
Design, implementation and presentation of research project relevant to student's program of study, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions.
Students commencing in semester 1 full-time enrol in VETS6616 for 2 consecutive semesters, part-time students enrol in VETS6628 for 4 consecutive semesters. Students commencing in semester 2 full-time enrol in VETS6617 for 2 consecutive semesters, part-time students enrol in VETS6629 for 4 consecutive semesters.
An Honours research project has no formal lectures, nor structured content. As with other research-focussed degrees, you are expected to work on your research project and prepare drafts of your thesis and seminars under the guidance of your supervisor(s). The major research project (thesis) extends over two semesters full-time OR four semesters part-time, and is written up as a thesis that includes an abstract, an introduction (including a review of the relevant literature, with no significant overlap with your VETS6640 literature review assessment piece), a description of the methodology used, documentation of experimental results, a discussion of experimental results with respect to other published findings, a conclusion and a list of references used.
Course requirements
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
VETS6640
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
VETS6001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
VETS6626 and VETS6627
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Gatton) students.
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the timetable throughout the semester and so it is important to check VETS6629 Blackboard site regularly. Students will be notified of changes to the timetable via Blackboard Announcements.
Your academic timetable, and your needs as an Hons. student, are unique to you. Full details regarding expectations for students and supervisors are provided in the SVS honours handbook, available in the Learning Resources folder on Blackboard.
All students will give a preliminary seminar early in the first semester of their enrolment (first Semester for those students enrolled in VETS6616ﾠor VETS6628, and second semester for students enrolled in VETS6617 or VETS6629).ﾠ
Students will also give aﾠfinal seminarﾠimmediately after the submission of their thesis (mid-November for those students enrolled in VETS6616ﾠor VETS6628 and mid-June for students enrolled in VETS6617 or VETS6629).
It is compulsory for all students to attend each other's seminars.
Final theses need to be submitted via the Turnitin portal in the Assessments folder,ﾠby the due date listed in this ECP and on Blackboard.
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The general aim of this postgraduate research program is that students complete theses of merit, which meet criteria set out in the accreditation document for the program. This course should encourage you to develop and demonstrate capabilities for critical thought and independent research. You will learn how to conceive, design, carry out and communicate science through the development and practice of sound research skills together with the presentation of your results.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Perform self-directed, original and independent research
LO2.
Display skills in time management, problem solving and organisation
LO3.
Have a sound understanding of the selected field of research and highlight areas which require further research and innovation
LO4.
Critically evaluate other studies in this area of research as well as critically evaluate and highlight any problems in this study
LO5.
Display skills in experimental design and appropriate statistical analysis and able to draw valid conclusions from the analysis
LO6.
Convey and communicate your science and ideas with fluency and utilising an appropriate variety of communication modes
LO7.
Work as part of a functioning laboratory and part of a university system and be able to work effectively with others as part of a cohesive research team
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Student participation in research laboratory | 10% |
29/05/2026 |
| Thesis | Honours research thesis | 70% |
29/05/2026 |
| Project |
Learning Contract
|
Pass/Fail |
19/08/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Honours Assessment Authenticity Report
|
Pass/Fail |
29/05/2026 |
| Presentation |
Preliminary Research Seminar
|
Pass/Fail |
14/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Date & time TBC |
| Presentation | Honours final seminar | 20% |
29/05/2026 - 19/06/2026
Date & time TBC |
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
Student participation in research laboratory
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
29/05/2026
Task description
Supervisor/s will grade students according to their participation in the research laboratory and the overall quality of the student.
Submission guidelines
Student evaluation form is available on Blackboard. The principal supervisor must send the completed evaluation to the course coordinator via email, f.shapter@uq.edu.au , by the due date.
Where a student has multiple supervisors who do not agree on a single evaluation, supervisors may submit their evaluations separately to the course coordinator. An average mark will be determined from all supervisory inputs and used for grading.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Honours research thesis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 70%
- Due date
29/05/2026
Task description
Students will submit a final research thesis based on the research carried out over the study period, to be marked by an internal and external examiner . The thesis will include an abstract, introduction (detailing previous work, aims and hypotheses), methodology, results and discussion (including conclusions) and references. A detailed task description and marking criteria are provided in the SVS Hons Handbook, on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the Turnitin portal in the Assessment Folder on Blackboard. You also need to supply a corrected e-copy of your thesis to the Honours Coordinator via email, as PDF or MSword files, for archiving purposes.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Learning Contract
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
19/08/2024
Task description
The learning contract is a pass/fail assessment item. This document must be collaboratively completed between the supervisor/s and the student within four weeks of commencing study.
The purpose of this document is to ensure that prior to census date, within reason, all aspects of;
*the project have been considered
*the advisor/student supervision arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon
*research integrity, budgets, compliance with UQ policies, compliance with external regulatory bodies and funding opportunities have been discussed and understood
*due diligence is completed; this has been included to ensure the student has every opportunity to succeed in this program.
Hurdle requirements
This is a pass/fail item, based on submission of the completed form. Students who unable to submit the form by the due date, will be recommended to withdraw from the program before census date.Submission guidelines
This document is to be submitted the submission portal, in the assessment folder on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Honours Assessment Authenticity Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
29/05/2026
Task description
UQ acknowledges that AI presents novel and evolving opportunities to assessment and learning, and will support students and staff in maintaining academic integrity. Individual assessment tasks will detail any form of acceptable use of AI across all courses. Use of AI outputs without attribution is a form of plagiarism which is unacceptable and constitutes academic misconduct. Assessment will always centre on critical appraisal of student knowledge, skills and attributes. This may include students’ critical reflection and application of AI within their discipline. This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies for submitted responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The Honours Authenticity Report must be submitted one week prior to the submission of the literature review. This is a pass/fail assessment item for this course.
To pass this assessment, students are required to demonstrate to their supervisors, detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools. The use of the Honours Authenticity Report in conjunction with your academic supervisors oversight has been designed to authenticate and document the student's understanding of the topic and scientific principles, contained in their literature review. Students may use AI as a learning tool; to hone their understanding of a topic and improve their scientific writing style. However, all assessment submitted for grading must have been generated by the student, WITHOUT the use of any form of generative AI.
As this is a pass/fail assessment piece, if a supervisor is unwilling to sign this authenticity record, the student will need to provide evidence of why this should overridden by the Hons. Program Coordinator. Students should make minutes from their supervisory meetings and secure copies of their draft documents at each iteration on the UQ RDM. If a student feels they are not receiving adequate or the agreed level of support from their supervisor, they should contact the Hons. Program Coordinator (f.shapter@uq.edu.au) as soon as possible.
Hurdle requirements
Supervisors must be able to confirm that they have seen regular evidence of 1) the student's independent understanding of their research and 2) the document developed is of the student's own authorship.Submission guidelines
A student's Principal Supervisor will be required to submit an Assessment Authentication form to the Hons. Program Coordinator one week prior to the due date of their Honours thesis.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Preliminary Research Seminar
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
14/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Date & time TBC
Task description
SStudents will present a formal 15-20 minute research seminar, outlining the 1) background for their research question, 2) their hypotheses 3) objectives, 4) proposed methodology and 5) project timelines, followed by 6) a 5 minute, facilitated question and answer session.
- Full details of the assessment task are provided in the Honours guidelines document and a template for the presentation, are provided on Blackboard .
- This is a pass/fail assessment item designed to provide timely feedback on the project plan and for the student to practice seminar skills prior to graded assessment.
- Student's should treat this as a formal research seminar, and present themselves accordingly in business style attire.
- All Honours students must attend the seminar presentations of all other students. The date and time of the seminar will be determined based on course coordinator and supervisor availability, and advised via a Blackboard announcement.
Hurdle requirements
Students must deliver a preliminary seminar to progress in this course. As this is potentially their first scientific presentation, students receive feedback regarding their project plan and presentation style, but this does not impact their grade. The act of delivering the seminar in line with the template provided constitutes a pass.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Honours final seminar
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
29/05/2026 - 19/06/2026
Date & time TBC
Task description
Oral presentation of the student's Honours research project.
Seminars should follow the structure of a standard 30min research seminar, with a 20-25min presentation followed by questions from the panel for 5-10minutes or longer if the topic starts an academic discussion.
Students should seek detailed guidance for development and review of their seminar from their supervisor(s).
Students must prepare a seminar abstract suitable for advertising the seminar throughout SVS, have this reviewed by their supervisors and provide the abstract to the Honours coordinator 2 weeks before their agreed presentation date.
See SVS Honours handbook for further information. A template for the seminar is available on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
To pass the course students must attain 50% or greater of total marks, which includes the final seminar,ﾠthe thesis assessment and the supervisor's assessment. Detailed assessment criteria for the thesis and seminar can be found in the SVS honours handbook
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.
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
The final thesis will be examined by two examiners – normally this will be conducted by two internal examiners or one internal examiner and one external to this School. The percentage mark awarded will be the average of the two examiner's marks. Thesis marks will be subject to a moderation process conducted by the Honours coordinator, or a discipline expert nominated by the Honours coordinator, if they differ by 15% or more.
This final seminar is worth 20% of the assessment for VETS6616, VETS6617, VETS6628 or VETS6629; it will be assessed by the thesis examiners.
The final 10% of assessment will be based on the supervisor’s mark/s. The supervisor’s mark is an objective assessment by the student’s supervisor(s) as to the overall quality of the student in terms of their scholarship, practical competence and potential for independent postgraduate research. Where a student has more than one supervisor, the average of all supervisors will be used for the final mark, if the supervisors cannot agree on a single mark.
ﾠ
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
Ensuring work-life balance and seeking help at an early stage are key attributes for successful study at university. UQ Student Servicesﾠand the Student Union (UQU) provide many resources for students studying at UQ. Student Services provide a range of mindfulness programs and counselling services to help improve confidence and overall wellbeing. UQU also provide a range of student support, welfare and wellbeing resources.
If immediate help is needed, please call the 24/7ﾠUQ Counselling and Crisis Line 1300 851 998
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Demonstrate self directed learning |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Independent research |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Review and critique other work |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Maintain a Lab Book (digital or hardcopy) Maintain a Lab Book (digital or hardcopy), as a legal record of all project work undertaken |
Not scheduled |
Problem-based learning |
Carry out a full research project |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Present work in various formats (written, oral) |
Not scheduled |
Seminar |
Review and provide feedback of peer research Attend and provide feedback on other student's preliminary and final seminars |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
Work in a laboratory or field-based environment (optional) If appropriate to project and ensuring all OH&S compliance is completed prior to commencing. |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
Accurately record and analyse data |
Multiple weeks From O-week To Week 6 |
Not Timetabled |
Learning Contract Students and advisor/s must collaboratively complete the learning contract. This is a pass/fail assessment item, due prior to census date. Resource links are embedded in the document. |
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Not Timetabled |
Review Assessment Authenticity Report The Assessment Authenticity report must be reviewed with your advisor/s during week one. This form must be completed as directed to pass this course. |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Seminar |
Preliminary Project Seminar Students will present a formal research seminar, outlining the background for their research question, their hypotheses, objectives, proposed methodology and project timelines. This is a pass/fail assessment item designed to provide timely feedback on the project plan and to practice seminar skills prior to graded assessment. |
Additional learning activity information
An Honours course of study should be considered a full time, semester-based, student workload of 8 units/per semester. This equates to 40 hours of study per week for the 13 weeks of semester, and the three weeks of SWOTVAC and exam block (640 hours total). As with any degree, students who wish to excel may choose to spend more study hours per week, but this is at the student's discretion and should not be a requirement for passing this degree.
Students should discuss their study plan with their supervisor from enrolment. Honours is a self-directed learning program, with set due dates for numerous assessment items, across two semesters (or four, for part-time) of enrolment. However, as with all research, the individual student's study plan can be aligned to the specific research project's design and timelines, and the student's individual circumstances. This includes studying during semester breaks. The study plan must be agreed to by both supervisor and student in advance, and students should not be required to exceed the total of 640hours of candidature during enrolment. For example, a student enrolled in the Sem. 2 intake may choose to work less hours per week, but continue to work throughout the summer break, if appropriate supervision is still available.
Appropriate alternate supervision should be identified if the supervisor is not available for extended periods, and/or to supervise practical components, where the agreed study plan is continuing during their absence.
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: