Program Overview

MEDI3900 – Research Experience and Training

Unit Description

This unit provides an insight into how research is conducted and offers research experience through a placement within a research team within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. Students will develop research skills and contribute to a research project under the supervision of a researcher within the Faculty. They will also develop their scientific communication skills, enabling them to confidently discuss and present scientific methodology and findings. This unit is subject to a quota, with limited places available.

General Information

• Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff: Angela Laird
• Credit Points: 10
• Prerequisites: Admission to BClinSc and (130cp at 1000 level or above) and permission by special approval
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged Status: None
• Unit Description: As described above

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Describe main fields of contemporary medical and health-related research
• Perform research under supervision
• Critique and review medical and health-related research methods and/or data
• Evaluate scientific literature and relate to medical and health-related research data collected

General Assessment Information

• Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy
• All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy
• To pass this unit, students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better

Assessment Tasks

• Graphical Abstract: 25%, Due: 22/08/2025
• Research Proposal: 30%, Due: 05/09/2025
• Poster Presentation and Discussion: 45%, Due: 06/11/2025
• Research Engagement: 0%, Assessed by supervisor during the placement (Week 2-11)

Assessment Details

Graphical Abstract

• Assessment Type: Professional writing
• Indicative Time on Task: 15 hours
• Weighting: 25%
• Description: Creation of a graphical abstract of the work of a peer
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe main fields of contemporary medical and health-related research
  • Critique and review medical and health-related research methods and/or data

Research Proposal

• Assessment Type: Report
• Indicative Time on Task: 15 hours
• Weighting: 30%
• Description: Research proposal based on the research placement
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe main fields of contemporary medical and health-related research
  • Evaluate scientific literature and relate to medical and health-related research data collected

Poster Presentation and Discussion

• Assessment Type: Poster
• Indicative Time on Task: 25 hours
• Weighting: 45%
• Description: A poster presentation on the research activities undertaken during the placement and engagement in discussion with peers
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe main fields of contemporary medical and health-related research
  • Perform research under supervision
  • Critique and review medical and health-related research methods and/or data
  • Evaluate scientific literature and relate to medical and health-related research data collected

Research Engagement

• Assessment Type: Work-integrated task
• Indicative Time on Task: 0 hours
• Weighting: 0%
• Description: Engagement in the research placement and participation in research activities and discussion
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe main fields of contemporary medical and health-related research
  • Perform research under supervision
  • Evaluate scientific literature and relate to medical and health-related research data collected

Late Submission Policy

• A 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends)
• After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted
• Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm
• A one-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern

Special Consideration Policy

• If a student is unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due to circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive, and beyond their control, they may apply for special consideration
• The application for Special Consideration must be lodged either before or no later than five (5) working days after the assessment task due date
• All Special Consideration applications must be lodged online via the Service Connect portal and must include supporting documentary evidence

Delivery and Resources

• Students will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities
• Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop, or similar device
• Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library

Unit Schedule

• Week 1: Nomination of preferred research themes and notification of allocated research project
• Weeks 2-11 (excluding session break): Work on a research project under the supervision of a research team
• Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 10: Classes or workshops scheduled to help with assessment tasks

Policies and Procedures

• Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central
• Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
  • Academic Appeals Policy
  • Academic Integrity Policy
  • Academic Progression Policy
  • Assessment Policy
  • Fitness to Practice Procedure
  • Assessment Procedure
  • Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
  • Special Consideration Policy

Student Code of Conduct

• Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct

Academic Integrity

• At Macquarie, academic integrity is at the core of learning, teaching, and research
• The university offers a range of resources and services to help students reach their potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development, and wellbeing consultations

Student Support

• Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students, including:
  • Academic Success
  • The Library
  • IT Support
  • Accessibility and disability support with study
  • Mental health support
  • Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual assault
  • Social support including information about finances, tenancy, and legal issues
  • Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes