Units / BMS3940
BMS3940 · Major research project in biomedical science
2026 Handbook24 credit pointsLevel 3School of Biomedical Sciences
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit provides the opportunity for high achieving students to work in an active research laboratory to complete a substantial research project in an area of Biomedical Sciences. The research project may be undertaken within any of the themes of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, or in an affiliated clinical school. The unit convenor and supervisor must approve the project topic at the time of enrolment. In completing this unit, you will undertake experimental work to obtain data which will then be analysed and presented via both oral presentations and written reports.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching 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.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oral report - Preliminary (15 minutes) | Presentation | 10% | — |
| 2 | Oral report - Final (15 minutes) | Presentation | 10% | — |
| 3 | Preliminary report (2,000 words) | Written | 10% | — |
| 4 | Final report (8,000 words) | Written | 50% | — |
| 5 | Laboratory skills assessment | Project | 20% | — |
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
- Identify relevant published scientific literature and critically analyse and evaluate the content in the context of the research project
- Apply knowledge of experimental design with regard to ethical and safety regulations
- Demonstrate expertise in research methods relevant to the area of research
- Use appropriate data collection and analysis software to collect and analyse data
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of research procedures, results and outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate research findings and how these fit with current knowledge
- Effectively present research plans and findings orally and via an extended written report
- Communicate appropriately and effectively with supervisors, laboratory staff and other research students
Workload
On-campus: Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 576 hours per semester (48 hours/week) typically comprising a mixture of laboratory experimental work, consultation with supervisor, participation in lab meetings and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, data analysis and preparation for scheduled activities.
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