01. Critique and synthesise scientific literature from the field of ecological and evolutionary genetics to prepare a comprehensive literature review.

Activities:

Students prepare a literature review on their chosen topic of investigation. An extensive outline of the approach, desired layout and content of the written task are included in the prac manual. During a practical session, the students will be provided with information on how to complete the task successfully. The students are also provided with the marking schedule. The students can use feedback received on this task to improve the writing of their final project report.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Design and discuss a research project and present a testable hypothesis and project plan as a team.

Activities:

In small teams, students perform semester long projects through all stages of experimental design, data collection, laboratory work, statistical analysis and report writing. Part of a practical session is dedicated to teaching the students what constitutes a good project design, students have access to demonstrators to mentor their projects and information is also included in the practical manual. As a team, students will present on the design and hypothesis of their project and receive instant feedback; students submit and independent final report.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Demonstrate good sampling techniques and apply advanced molecular genetics laboratory methods to generate and analyse experimental data.

Activities:

Students perform a semester long independent project through all stages of experimental design, data collection, laboratory work, statistical analysis and report writing. Students are required to participate in self organised field trips to collect samples for their project. Instruction on this is provided during an excursion early in the course. Students will learn and apply a variety of molecular genetics techniques and statistical analysis in the practical classes.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Analyse and evaluate genetic data using relevant statistical methods.

Activities:

Practical session on analysing genetic data using a range of population genetic and phylogenetic programs. The practical session includes: teaching the students about statistical concepts and appropriate analyses, as well as how to use the appropriate software guided by worksheets and access to demonstrators.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

05. Produce a grammatically correct, well structured, coherent and scientifically accurate scientific report based on independent research and analysis.

Activities:

Extensive detail of the project layout, structure and content of the report is included in the manual. The students also receive verbal instructions on how to perform all stages of the project via power point and verbal instruction. The students receive detailed feedback on their progress from demonstrators and academics throughout the semester to enable them to learn and improve.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

06. Present project results as a team and take part in group discussion.

Activities:

Extensive detail of the project layout, structure and content of the report is included in the manual. The students also receive verbal instructions on how to perform all stages of the project via power point and verbal instruction. The students receive detailed feedback on their progress throughout the semester to enable them to learn and improve. As a team, students will present on the results of their projects and participate in discussion of other groups projects.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)