66065 Analytical Technologies Research Project
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 66063 Analytical Separation Science OR 66064 Analytical Spectroscopy
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
The Analytical Technologies Research Project provides students with an opportunity to undertake a session-long research project relevant to analytical technologies. Students apply discipline-specific experience in order to develop and validate analytical methods. Working under the supervision of an academic or staff member, students are responsible for carrying out the work, including appropriate and critical analysis of the data and writing up their findings in a written report. Students develop their research literacy, data analysis, written and oral communication skills.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate the capacity to synthesize, analyze, and assess current research comprehensively |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically evaluate analytical chemistry literature to formulate research questions and interpret experimental results |
| 3. | Design experiments that aim to address a research question. |
| 4. | Generate and analyze results using appropriate tools and techniques |
| 5. | Incorporate experimental methods, results and observation into a laboratory notebook |
| 6. | Compose a scientific report that summarizes the outcomes of your experimental work. |
| 7. | Communicate experimental plans and findings in a clear manner. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate critical engagement with advanced knowledge and application of in-depth and up to date Analytical Chemical Technologies within a range of professional contexts. (1.1)
- Critically evaluate information in the investigation of complex real-world problems relevant to analytical chemical technologies. Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to independent research adopting techniques from a variety of sources such as scientific literature in order to develop solutions to complex problems. (2.1)
- Engage in work practices that demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements, ethical conduct and risk management principles associated with analytical chemical sciences. Design, construct, collaborate and execute appropriately judged professional solutions to chemical problems that can impact society. (3.1)
- Find, create, and evaluate solutions to contemporary analytical chemistry problems through innovation, creativity, curiosity and application of technologies. (4.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas effectively and professionally. Judge and adapt interpersonal communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with chemists, scientists, industry, and the general public across all mediums. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Graduate Attribute 1. Disciplinary knowledge
In this subject, the students will conduct a literature review which will cultivate their understanding of the appropriate application of analytical chemistry tools to address analytical problems within the discipline. Through the exploration and critical analysis of relevant literature, the students will develop a comprehensive knowledge base that not only highlights the capabilities of the mentioned instruments but also provides insights into their effective utilization for solving complex analytical challenges. This foundational understanding will be instrumental in applying analytical techniques judiciously and innovatively across diverse scientific scenarios. Students will be assessed on these skills as part of assessment task 1,2 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 2: Research, inquiry and critical thinking
In this subject, students will be allocated an analytical research problem, from this proposal they will need to work individually to design and conduct the experiments that will attempt to address the research problem. Students will need to research the literature in order to develop an achievable project plan within the time frame and exhibit a high degree of autonomy in completing their goals. Students will be supported in the development of their research and critical thinking skills throughout the session by an academic or staff member to develop the skills they will need to complete the research project. Students will be assessed on these skills as part of assessment task 1, 2 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 3 Professional, ethical and social responsibility
This subject aims to provide students with a work-integrated learning experience by having students work on an analytical chemistry research problem. Students will need to apply their knowledge and understanding from their previous subjects to achieve their research aims. In order to successfully complete their projects, students will need to conduct a research risk management plan and assess any potential hazards that their work may pose. Students will also need to consider any potential ethics implications of their work as well as the appropriate management of their data. Students will be provided with activities to help guide the students through these areas, in these classes students will receive feedback on their risk management plans and ethical reflections. Students will be assessed on these skills in assessment task 1 and 2.
Graduate Attribute 4: Reflection, innovation and creativity
As a researcher, students will need to think critically and creatively in order to design experiments that will help them address their research question. Each week students will need to reflect on their previous weeks experiments to adapt their future experiments. Students will develop their reflective practices through the practical classes and the lab notebook. Each week students will need to summarise their experiments in order to determine the best course of action. Students will also be provided with opportunities in the practical and workshop classes to discuss and receive feedback on their project ideas with staff. Students will be assessed on their reflection in assessment task 2.
Graduate Attribute 5: Communication
An important skill for any researcher is the ability to communicate their results and findings to a wide variety of audiences. Students will have an opportunity to develop their verbal and written communication skills. Building on their experience from previous subjects, students will prepare and present an oral project plan that will form the basis of their research project. As the semester goes on, students will further develop their communication skills through the translation of experimental observations and raw data in the lab notebook to a scientific report and final seminar presentation. Students will develop these skills in the practical classes will have an opportunity to review and benchmark example reports and presentations. Students will be assessed on their communication skills in assessment tasks 1 and 2.
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will attend a series of practical classes that provide the opportunity to work individually on their allocated research projects.
During these practical classes, students will independently address an allocated analytical chemistry problem. They will need to implement an achievable project plan within the semester timeframe and design experiments to obtain meaningful outcomes. Throughout the practicals, students will be required to work both autonomously and collaboratively to complete their projects. While guided through the initial stages, by the project's conclusion, students should possess the skills to be independent researchers.
Throughout the practical classes, students will have the opportunity to discuss their experimental plans with staff and receive feedback on their progress and proposals. An aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace.
Content (topics)
Students will learn:
- Experimental design
- Literature searching and referencing
- Risk management
- Data analysis
- Scientific poster preparation
- Scientific journal writing
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Project Seminars
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking. 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility. 5. Communication. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Project Plan Presentation: 10 Minute Presentation (+ 5 Minute Question Time) Final Project Presentation: 15 Mintute Presentation (+ 5 Minute Question Time) |
| Criteria: | A full rubric will be provided on Canvas with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria. For the project plan seminar, students will be assessed on:
For the final project seminar, students will be assessed on:
|
Assessment task 2: Final Report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1, Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking. 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility. 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity. 5. Communication. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 3000-5000 words |
| Criteria: | A full rubric will be provided on Canvas with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria. Students will be assessed on: Submission of individual report (35%)
Laboratory Notebook (5%)
|
Assessment task 3: Literature Review
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Literature review |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1500 - 2000 words |
| Criteria: | A full rubric will be provided on Canvas with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria. For the literature review, students will be assessed on:
|
Minimum requirements
Students are strongly recommended to attend all practicals. The practicals for this subject are an integral part of learning the material, thus students are strongly recommended to attend all scheduled practical sessions. Failure to attend a class that is associated with an assessment item will attract a mark of zero for that assessment item unless an acceptable reason for the absence, supported by relevant documentary evidence, is provided.