Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with a preliminary training in research in pharmaceutical science or pharmacy practice within the faculty as well as provide the knowledge of research philosophy and approaches.

Students will participate in a hands-on research project within the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) or the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS) under the supervision of an academic staff member. The project will enhance students' skills in all aspects of research.

Objectives

The aim of this unit is to provide students the opportunity to gain skills in research and an understanding of current research activities within the faculty. The unit is designed for the student who may wish to pursue further study in research-orientated postgraduate programs. The elective aims to:

• provide students with experience in an area of research
• provide students with an insight into future opportunities in the area of research
• encourage and attract high quality students interested in pursuing a career in research, the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry or academia

1. an understanding of some recent advances in research in pharmaceutical science or pharmacy practice and the literature within their area of research
2. an appreciation of the need to define a hypothesis, design an approach to test the hypothesis, plan the experiments, undertake the experiments, analyse and interpret the data and write a research report
3. an appreciation of basic research philosophies and approaches

Assessment

Written report: 50%; Supervisor mark: 50%, comprising 10% for each of: initiative; technical capability; attention to detail; teamwork; project understanding.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Chris Porter

Contact hours

Students will participate in a small number of lectures and undertake a research project equivalent to 72 hours of learning. The research project will be 4-6 weeks in length and run in January/February prior to fourth year.

Prerequisites

All third year units except the elective unit (students take this unit in the summer break between third and fourth year)

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au/students/undergrad/pac3522research-project.html