Course Title: Science Honours Project 1
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Science Honours Project 1
Credit Points: 24.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ONPS2663 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 2 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Professor Peter Daivis
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3393
Course Coordinator Email: peter.daivis@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 014.06.006
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
It is assumed that students taking this course will have background knowledge in their chosen discipline at Bachelor’s degree level.
Course Description
This course is part of the research project undertaken by all Science Honours students. The project, selected from the appropriate discipline area, allows students to develop skills in investigating a problem using scientific methodology. The project will be supervised by an academic research staff member and may involve direct collaboration with external bodies such as industries or government agencies.
Please note that if you take this course for a bachelor honours program, your overall mark for the course will be one of the course marks used to calculate the weighted average mark (WAM) that will determine your award level. This applies to students who commence enrolment in a bachelor honours program from 1 January 2016 onwards. See the WAM information webpage for more information.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following PLOs of the BSc(AppSc)(Hons) program (BH012) and BSc(AppSc)Deans Scholars(Hons) BH101
PLO-1 Understanding Science
PLO-1.1 You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.
PLO-1.2 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and relevance of science in society.
PLO-1.3 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO-1.4 You will demonstrate an understanding of the significance of your research project to your field of specialization and to society.
PLO-2 Scientific Knowledge
PLO-2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline.
PLO-2.2 You will have advanced knowledge in specialized areas of your chosen discipline.
PLO-2.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methodology appropriate to your discipline.
PLO-3 Inquiry and Problem Solving
PLO-3.2 You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO-3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO-3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO-3.5 You will possess an ability to accurately record, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your research findings.
PLO-4 Communication
PLO-4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO-4.2 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate terminology for the intended audience.
PLO-5 Personal and Professional Responsibility
PLO-5.1 You will demonstrate accountability for your own learning and professional conduct.
PLO-5.2 You will demonstrate initiative and independence.
PLO-5.3 You will work responsibly, safely and ethically.
PLO-5.4 You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.
On completion of this course, you should be able to:
- plan and organise a research project
- place your research in the context of your field of specialization and discuss its relevance to society
- develop and concisely state your research questions
- write a literature survey relevant to your project
- initiate and report on progress in your research project
Overview of Learning Activities
This course introduces you to the process of running a specific research project. In a research environment you will plan your Honours project, including specifying the research questions, aims, methods and analyses to be undertaken during the project, and then report on its progress. You will also be expected to demonstrate some progress in starting your project work. The result for this course may be moderated by the School and Discipline honours coordinators after considering the results obtained for Science Honours Project Courses.
Your designated supervisor, assisted as necessary by other members of staff, will guide you on a weekly basis in the planning and execution of your project.
Overview of Learning Resources
You will have access to current literature through the Library and manuals etc. available in your research group. You will be expected to access the references on good scientific writing on the course website (accessible through MyRMIT Studies). You may contact Student Services for assistance with learning and information on a range of supports available to facilitate your academic program.
Overview of Assessment
This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Task 1: Project plan including graphical abstract and annotated bibliography
Weighting 60%
Addresses CLO 1, 2, 3, 4
Assessment Task 2: 3 minute project pitch oral presentation
Weighting 20%
Addresses CLO 1, 2, 3
Assessment Task 3 Progress report
Weighting 20%
Addresses CLO 5