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 Microbiology. The research project may be chosen from a list of projects available at the beginning of semester from the Department of Microbiology. The unit convener and supervisor must approve the project topic at the time of the enrolment. Students will work in a research laboratory to obtain data, will complete a written preliminary and final report and will give a series of oral presentations on their work.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will have acquired the following skills and attributes: review scientific literature in microbiology, 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 word processing packages and graphics software.

Assessment

Two oral reports (preliminary 15 minutes, 10%; 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)

Professor Ben Adler

Contact hours

12 hours per week

Prerequisites

Permission from the Head of Microbiology. Students must have completed all first and second level units in their approved major, and be able to demonstrate that they have an appropriate project and supervisor/s. 12 points of study in the discipline area at 2nd year level and a distinction over 24 points at second or third year level in appropriate units.