CQUniversity Unit Profile
SCIE11023 Scientific Research Fundamentals
Scientific Research Fundamentals
All details in this unit profile for SCIE11023 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will explore, synthesise and apply the fundamentals of the scientific method. You will develop skills in scientific communication beyond reading and writing - through a series of seminars, lectures and self-guided tasks students will learn appropriate manipulation of mathematical and statistical data as well as data presentation. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of a range of fundamental scientific concepts and consider issues relating to ethics, experimentation and professional practice. Finally, through conducting your own research activity, you will learn how to develop a research framework and apply critical thinking to solve complex problems.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2021

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 15%
2. Presentation
Weighting: 35%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students continue to enjoy the flexibility they are given in choosing their own topics for assessment pieces.

Recommendation

Lecturers should continue to allow flexibility in assessment topics for students.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

One student requested further assessment discussion at lectures and tutorials.

Recommendation

Lecturers should ensure that assessment requirements are discussed throughout term, with increased opportunity for student lead discussion.

Feedback from In-person feedback

Feedback

Students generally appreciated the linked nature of their assessments, whereby feedback from a preceding assessment helps inform and improve a latter piece. Some students noted they would like further opportunity to discuss their feedback with markers.

Recommendation

Consider adding in additional live voluntary Zoom sessions that are dedicated to discussing student feedback after assessments have been returned.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain and apply information and numerical literacy skills to communicate scientific knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently to a variety of audiences
  2. Formulate a research hypothesis and research questions that include relevant ethical considerations
  3. Conduct and manage a small research project using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods research methodologies
  4. Analyse, interpret and explain scientific data, resulting in the production of a research report appropriate for an e-portfolio.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 15%
2 - Presentation - 35%
3 - Portfolio - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 15%
2 - Presentation - 35%
3 - Portfolio - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft word AND excel or equivalent Mac or Open Source packages
  • Citation management software such as EndNote or Zotero
  • Zoom videoconferencing software. A Zoom account is available with your student credentials
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Simon Robson Unit Coordinator
s.robson@cqu.edu.au
Nathan Brooks-English Unit Coordinator
n.english@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction, scientific method and hypotheses

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Ethics, risk assessment and research integrity

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Research methods - qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Experimental design, planning and proposals

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Managing research and conducting trials

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Journal articles and scientific reports

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Research Proposal Due: Week 6 Friday (27 Aug 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Stakeholder reports, technical notes and fact sheets

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Mathematics, statistics and excel

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Data analysis and presentation

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

ePortfolios and enrolment management

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Research Update Video Due: Week 10 Friday (24 Sept 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Citation management and finalising reports

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Unit wrap-up

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Research Report Due: Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 18 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Research Proposal

Task Description

Complete a short research proposal detailing the research project you will complete (individually, or as a group) during this unit.

While you may conduct your small research project as a group, you will be required to complete your research proposal individually.

Additional information, resources, and assessment instructions will be provided on the unit Moodle site during term.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (27 Aug 2021) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (10 Sept 2021)


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The proposal you submit for assessment will require you to provide:

  • An overview and justification supporting your proposed project.
  • Aims, objectives and hypotheses of your research.
  • A description of the planned methodology and experimental design.
  • Templates for data collection.
  • Proposal length: 500 - 1000 words. 
  • Minimum of four (4) references (no web pages unless of the data repository type).

Further detail will be provided on the Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission (and return) will be done via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain and apply information and numerical literacy skills to communicate scientific knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently to a variety of audiences


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Presentation

Assessment Title
Research Update Video

Task Description

Prepare a three minute video providing an update on the status of your research project. This video presentation should be considered an update that would be provided to key industry stakeholders, or funding partners.

While you may conduct your small research project as a group, you will be required to complete your three minute video individually.

Additional information, resources, and assessment instructions will be provided on the unit Moodle site during term.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Friday (24 Sept 2021) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021)


Weighting
35%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The three minute video you submit for assessment will require you to provide:

  • An explanation to the background on your research.
  • Aims, objectives and hypotheses of your research.
  • A brief description of your methodology and experimental design.
  • An update on the status of the research.
  • A brief summary of any results available.
  • Minimum of four (4) references (no web pages unless of the data repository type).

Further detail will be provided on the Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission (and return) will be done via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain and apply information and numerical literacy skills to communicate scientific knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently to a variety of audiences
  • Formulate a research hypothesis and research questions that include relevant ethical considerations
  • Conduct and manage a small research project using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods research methodologies


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Research Report

Task Description

Complete a written report summarising you research project. 

While you may conduct your small research project as a group, you will be required to complete your data analysis, interpretation and reporting individually. You will be required to write an individual report based on your observations, results and findings for submission to the unit Moodle site by the due date.

Additional information, resources, and assessment instructions will be provided on the unit Moodle site during term.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

After certification of grades.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The report you submit for assessment will require you to provide:

  • A literature review and background description of the rationale for doing the research project.
  • A description of the methodology used.
  • An analysis, interpretation and explanation of results obtained.
  • A summary discussion of the results obtained, placed in the context of current literature.
  • Maximum of 2500 words.
  • Minimum of eight (8) references (no web pages unless of the data repository type).

Further detail will be provided on the Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission (and return) will be done via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain and apply information and numerical literacy skills to communicate scientific knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently to a variety of audiences
  • Formulate a research hypothesis and research questions that include relevant ethical considerations
  • Conduct and manage a small research project using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods research methodologies
  • Analyse, interpret and explain scientific data, resulting in the production of a research report appropriate for an e-portfolio.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?