BIOS 4001 Science, Technology and Environment Honours Project
Credit Points 30
Legacy Code 300412
Coordinator Janice Aldrich-Wright Opens in new window
Description This is a 60 credit point year-long subject taken over two terms (30 credit points in each term).The aim of this subject is to further develop the student's research and problem solving skills. The student is required to implement a research plan, complete a substantive piece of research in a relevant field within Science, Technology and the Environment and to communicate the results of that work to an interested and technically literate audience. Students will present their research as a thesis with a substantial chapter detailing research objectives, methodology and research outcomes. The thesis topic and structure will vary according to the area of interest of the student and the expertise of the supervisor. The project is meant to be a significant undertaking and to incorporate some element of innovation. Throughout this subject regular planned consultations between the student and supervisor(s) will occur and students will be required to attend seminar series or regular research meetings; these may be formal components of other subjects within the Bachelor (Honours) program. Students are expected to work to a schedule devised in consultation with their supervisor. The schedule will include dates set for progress reports and the presentation of draft chapters for review by the supervisor. The subject builds upon the skills developed in the undergraduate program, extending students' competencies in a range of practical techniques and processes of critical thinking. Students who successfully complete the Honours program will have achieved the appropriate background to enable them to pursue further postgraduate research and/or coursework in the sciences or pursue a career in industry or profession.
School Science
Discipline Biological Sciences
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 30cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 4 subject
Restrictions Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate or honours program.
Assumed Knowledge
Successful completion of a Bachelors degree in a science discipline. Normally the student will have achieved a grade point average of greater than 5.0 in Level 2 and 3 subjects.
Learning Outcomes
- conduct a postgraduate research project;
- demonstrate a capacity for critical and independent thought, self-motivation and initiative;
- collate and critically evaluate relevant research literature;
- formulate research questions;
- prepare a formal research proposal on their project;
- (where appropriate) obtain Ethics Approval for the project from the Western Sydney University Human Ethics Review Committee or Animal Care and Ethics Committee;
- demonstrate competencies in appropriate research methodologies;
- devise and implement experimental protocols relevant to their research objectives;
- gather, analyse and evaluate experimental or other relevant data;
- demonstrate oral and written skills appropriate for the presentation of experimental results, including the ability to write a cogent thesis;
- develop a framework for understanding and implementing good laboratory management strategies and occupational health and safety procedures.
Subject Content
This may include the preparation of up to three progress reports, as agreed with the supervisor(s).
In addition to the submission of a thesis, students are also required to complete the following compulsory elements of the Honours program:
- prepare a formal research proposal on the Honours project within the first Session of Honours study, for evaluation by the student?fs supervisor(s). Note: This requirement may be satisfied separately in the units Research Methodology and Experimental D
- where appropriate, obtain ethics Approval for The Honours Project from The Western Sydney university human ethics Review Committee or Animal care and ethics Committee.
Teaching Periods