Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides the opportunity for high achieving students to work with an academic supervisor and complete a research project in Developmental Biology. The research project may be chosen from a list of projects available at the beginning of semester from the Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology. Students will work in a research laboratory to obtain data, will complete a final report and will give a series of oral presentations on their work. Students will also undertake an informal written open-book exam comprising 3 brief essays based on weekly tutorials.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will have acquired the following skills and attributes: review scientific literature in developmental biology, including the ability to identify key information in this area: access databases for provision of information; presentation of oral reports; construction of written reports; manage workloads to meet deadlines; work with a significant degree of independence; plan a large project, including the ability to adjust planning as events and results dictate; conduct appropriate statistical analysis of results; perform routine laboratory measurements and manipulations; maintain efficient and meaningful communication with a project supervisor and gain experience in the use of technical work processing packages and graphics software.

Assessment

Two oral reports (preliminary 15 mins, 10% and final 15 minutes, 10%): 20%
Two written reports (preliminary 1,500 words, 10% and final 8,000 words, 50%): 60%
Assessment of laboratory work: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Georgina Caruana

Contact hours

12 hours per week

Prerequisites

12 points of study in the discipline area at 2nd year level and a distinction average over 24 points at second year level and by permission of the Unit Convenor or the Head of Department.