Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit comprises a work placement in an active academic research laboratory, supported by a short series of seminars and personal meetings with the direct research supervisor in which each student is able to discuss their work placement.

Students undertake a work placement of 60 hours in the laboratory, with an additional 20 hours of seminars, personal meetings and laboratory (group) meetings. They acquire an understanding of the conventions of scientific research design and communication, as well as insight into research culture in a professional environment.

Students will develop skills in experimental design, analysis, interpretation and presentation through observation of and participation in research activities. They will also acquire hands on technical skills in laboratory techniques or other activities as relevant to individual projects.

Students must complete all three assessment components to pass the unit

Students must contact the unit coordinators to discuss project opportunities before enrolling in the unit.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) discuss and critically evaluate the scientific literature in their field; (2) demonstrate an understanding of experimental design; (3) apply discipline appropriate skills in conducting laboratory research; and (4) integrate existing knowledge to formulate new hypotheses..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) literature review/oral presentation; (2) laboratory practicum/participation; and (3) reflection. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the laboratory practicum/participation component.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger and Dr Jason Kennington
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
two level 1 6 points Unit(s) BIOL1130 Frontiers in Biology
or BIOL1131 Plant and Animal Biology
or SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or BIOC1001 Introductory Cellular Biochemistry
and Successful completion of
48 points
Contact hours
Weekly progress meetings with supervisor (up to 1 hour per week for 10 weeks)
Observe and assist with laboratory work (6 hours per week for 10 weeks)
Attend regular lab meetings with lab group and relevant research seminars (up to 2 hour per week for 10 weeks)
Self-study research activities including reading and literature searches up to 6 hours per week for 10 weeks
Note
All placements for this unit must be 100% voluntary and unpaid

Students must contact the unit coordinators to discuss project opportunities before enrolling in the unit.

Enrolment is subject to satisfactory interview with unit coordinator and availability of suitable supervisor.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.