ObjectivesAt the completion of this course, students should have gained:
* familiarity with the kinds of data generated by biological and environmental research programs;
* a detailed understanding of selected contemporary issues in biological sciences;
* skills in conducting research in zoology;
* skills in designing rigorous experimental and sampling programs;
* skills in critical assessment of literature; and
* the ability to present and interpret results of analyses.
Academic titleMaster of Science - Zoology
Course descriptionCore discipline subjects (total of 25 points)
Students must take at least one of:
o 654-637 Graduate Seminar in Population Biology;
o 654-635 Graduate Seminar in Reproductive Physiology;
and
o 654-634 Biometry.
Elective discipline subjects (at least 25 points)
o 654-636 Graduate Seminar in Zoology (not available until semester 1, 2010);
o other approved subjects, appropriate to their research focus.
Note: Where appropriate a student may complete up to two 200 or 300 level subjects, with the approval of the course coordinator.
Professional Tools (at least 25 points)
o 600-619 Science and Communication
o Critical analysis in Science (not available until semester 2, 2010)
o eScience (not available until semester 2, 2010)
o 600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data
o 600-617 Systems Modelling and Simulation
o 600-616 Science in Context
o 600-618 Ethics and Responsibility in Science
o 600-614 Business Tools: Money, People and Projects
Research Project (112.5 points)
Students will gain experience in conducting research in zoology by taking responsibility for a research project, including the design of rigorous field sampling programs, field and/or laboratory experiments; the collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and providing an oral and written presentation of the results. A literature review (up to 4000 words; pass/fail) will ensure students assimilate and critically evaluate existing knowledge within a scientific paradigm; a grant proposal/project brief (up to 2000 words; 15%) will encourage students to consider the justification and budget of their proposed research; an oral presentation (20 minutes; pass/fail) will combine oral and visual communication skills; a thesis (up to 10,000 words, 85%) will describe the students’ research and enhance their capacity to express persuasive intellectual, scientific arguments.
Students enrolled in the Master of Science (Zoology program) are required to complete a 112.5 point Research Project. Students will need to discuss and receive approval for their proposed combination of Research Project subjects (as indicated below) with the course coordinator to ensure they will have completed a total of 112.5 points by the end of their course.
* 654-671 Zoology Research Project - 12.5 points
* 654-672 Zoology Research Project - 25.0 points
* 654-673 Zoology Research Project - 37.5 points
* 654-675 Zoology Research Project - 50.0 points
Subject Semester Credit Points
654-637 Graduate Seminar in Population Biology
This subject provides advanced critical appraisal of contemporary and controversial issues in population biology, including terrestrial and marine population ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavioural ecology. Each week, students will provide a s... Semester 1 12.50
654-635 Grad Seminar in Reproductive Physiology
This subject gives students a broad overview of advanced critical appraisal of contemporary and controversial issues in reproductive physiology and development. It will include topics on developmental biology, fetal physiology, environmental impact ... Semester 1 12.50
654-634 Biometry
No description available Semester 2 12.50
600-619 Science and Communication
This subject reviews the range of competencies needed to operate effectively in the workplace.Students develop a clear understanding of the nature of managerial work and the kinds of skills required to manage oneself and others in organisations. Comm... Semester 1 12.50
600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data
What conclusion can be drawn from a pool of data? How can a scientist draw meaningful conclusions while not overreaching? How can modelling help the scientist interpret data? This subject will address these questions by teaching students critical th... Semester 1 12.50
600-617 Systems Modelling and Simulation
Modern science and business makes extensive use of computers for simulation, because complex real-world systems often cannot be analysed exactly, but can be simulated. Using simulation we can perform virtual experiments with the system, to see how it... Semester 1 12.50
600-616 Science in Context
As a Scientist, one of the main challenges is to communicate scientific knowledge to the wider community. Whether the issues are big or small, communicating complex scientific knowledge needs to be ‘context relevant’. Increas... Semester 2 12.50
600-618 Ethics and Responsibility in Science
What is scientific fraud? What should a scientist do when he or she finds fraud is occurring on a scientific or medical research team? How does a scientist write and defend an ethics submission and get it approved? How can a scientist ensure complian... Semester 2 12.50
600-614 Business Tools:Money, People & Projects
This subject will give an overview of the tools required to operate successfully in an organisational environment. The focus of the subject is internal to the organisation and specifically addresses three main areas: working with people, managing bu... Semester 2 12.50
654-671 Zoology Research Project
This subject provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research. Specific research projects will depend upon the availability of appropriate expertise, but may address a broad spectrum of zoological ... Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer 12.50
654-672 Zoology Research Project
This subject provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research. Specific research projects will depend upon the availability of appropriate expertise, but may address a broad spectrum of zoological ... Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer 25
654-673 Zoology Research Project
This subject provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research. Specific research projects will depend upon the availability of appropriate expertise, but may address a broad spectrum of zoological ... Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer 37.50
654-675 Zoology Research Project
This subject provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research. Specific research projects will depend upon the availability of appropriate expertise, but may address a broad spectrum of zoological ... Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer 50