| Effective Term: | 2025/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Research Project |
| Unit ID: | SCCOR3001 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (Successful completion of two years full time equivalent of a science degree) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | (SCENV3903 and SCIGC3990) |
| ASCED: | 019999 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
This unit is designed for students enrolled in science programmes to extend individual and independent learning skills. Students will undertake a supervised research project involving research of a publishable standard which forms the basis of a final report presented at the end of the unit. The unit will explore current scientific problems in relevant fields of research. As part of the unit, students are trained to develop a project with defined objectives, collate, evaluate, critically interpret research data and communicate their results scientifically. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: No |
| Supplementary Assessment:No |
| Supplementary assessment is not available to students who gain a fail in this Unit. |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | |  | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of an appropriate subject and describe appropriate methods for data collection and analysis within this field |
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| K2. | Discuss potential ethical issues associated with scientific research |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Examine and critique literature relevant to the needs and scope of the research project |
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| S2. | Develop problem solving skills through devising appropriate methodological approaches to address the research question |
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| S3. | Collect, collate, analyse and interpret research data |
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| S4. | Communicate results in oral and written form |
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| S5. | Demonstrate ability to participate in individual or group research projects (as required) |
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| S6. | Operate with a significant degree of independence, whilst maintaining efficient and meaningful dialogue with a project supervisor. |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Collect and scrutinise scientific research literature and develop an independent interpretation in order to establish the approaches and scope of the research project |
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| A2. | Decide on methodological approaches to obtain and collect data in an appropriate manner, and analyse this data to help understand scientific problems |
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| A3. | Evaluate and communicate research results in oral and written form, requiring critical analysis, synthesis and organization of knowledge and construction of a rational and lucid scientific argument |
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| A4. | Apply problem solving and knowledge of statistical methods to critically analyse data and communicate results using both written and oral approaches |
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| Unit Content: |
•The syllabus will cover the following topics •The research project will involve an in-depth study in an area of interest, and will require the student to carry out an extensive literature review in the area related to the project •Formulate a specific research problem with well-defined objectives •Carry out research consistent with the defined objectives of the study •Collate, evaluate and interpret research data •Present a final report in an appropriate format summarising the aims, objectives, results, conclusions and recommendations of the project •Oral presentation to a scientifically-literate audience of peers and staff summarising the main features of the project |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | | 1. | K1, K2 | Completion of Research Integrity Training and Laboratory and Field Work Safety Training | Online quiz | satisfactory / unsatisfactory | | 2. | K1, S1, S2, S4, S6, A1, A2, A3, A4 | Project Proposal | Written document | 15-20% | | 3. | K1, K2, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, A1, A2, A3, A4 | Presentation of research findings to a scientifically literate audience | Oral Presentation | 15-20% | | 4. | K1, K2, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, A1, A2, A3, A4 | Completion of a scientific/ technical project report | Written Research Report | 50-60% | | 5. | S2, S3, S5, S6 | Supervisor`s assessment: level of engagement with research project and demonstration of appropriate laboratory/field skills | Laboratory or field work professionalism | 5-10% |
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