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BIO4120 · Biology research project part time 2

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook18 credit pointsLevel 4School of Biological Sciences

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

You will undertake a major research project. Under the supervision of an academic in the School of Biological Sciences, you will immerse yourself in the literature surrounding your chosen field of research, design novel research projects that will lead to new understanding in the field, and then set about testing these questions. You will experience working in a lab group environment, working side-by-side with PhD students and professional researchers. You will present the results of your research projects via an oral presentation and written thesis. Further information is available from the course coordinators and at a meeting held with prospective students during Second Semester of third year.

Areas of study: Ecology and conservation biology Genetics Plant sciences Zoology

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
ClaytonFull yearTeaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Research background and research proposalWritten15%
2Research project thesis (<less than 10,000 words)Written55%
3Seminar presentation on your own research topic (15 min talk + 5 min questions)Presentation10%
4 Supervisor's assessment of student's competency and participationDemonstration20%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. Gather, analyse and critically evaluate data and information from scientific research;
  2. Demonstrate skills in experimental design and in specialised techniques for laboratory and/or fieldwork in biological sciences;
  3. Demonstrate skills in writing reports of scientific experiments and in searching the scientific literature;
  4. Communicate scientific information effectively and professionally using a variety of modes;
  5. Statistically analyse and present biological data;
  6. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and responsibly using the scientific method.

Workload

You will largely undertake work associated with this unit independently, under supervision. Scheduled activities will include a combination of literature searching and reading, lab and / or field work, data analysis and interpretation, and preparation of written and oral reports.

ActivityDuration
Practical activities

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