BIO4100 Biology research project
Faculty of Science
BIO4100 Biology research project is a level 4, 36-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 and Full year at Clayton and Monash Medical Centre. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 36
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2, Full year
- Clayton, Monash Medical Centre
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BIO4100
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BIO4100
1 unit list BIO4100 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
COREQUISITE: BIO4200
PREREQUISITE: Enrolment in an approved Honours in the discipline of Ecology and conservation biology, Genetics, Plant sciences or Zoology.
Overview
You will undertake a major research project. Under the supervision of an academic in the School of Biological Sciences, you will immerse yourself in the literature surrounding your chosen field of research, design novel research projects that will lead to new understanding in the field, and then set about testing these questions. You will experience working in a lab group environment, working side-by-side with PhD students and professional researchers. You will present the results of your research projects via an oral presentation and written thesis.
Candidates may commence the honours year at the beginning of either first or second Semester (July). Further information is available from the course coordinators and at a meeting held with prospective students during second semester of third year.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester to First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Full year | Clayton | On campus |
| Full year | Monash Medical Centre | On campus |
Assessment
- Research background and research proposalWritten7%
- Research project thesis (less than 10,000 words)Written66%
- Seminar presentation on your own research topic (15min talk + 5min questions)Presentation7%
- Supervisor's assessment of student's competency and participationDemonstration20%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Gather, analyse and critically evaluate data and information from scientific research;
- 2
Demonstrate skills in experimental design and in specialised techniques for laboratory and/or fieldwork in biological sciences;
- 3
Demonstrate skills in writing reports of scientific experiments and in searching the scientific literature;
- 4
Communicate scientific information effectively and professionally using a variety of modes;
- 5
Statistically analyse and present biological data;
- 6
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and responsibly using the scientific method.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars10 hours
- Workshops3 hours
- Teaching approachResearch activities
This unit requires the equivalent of 36 hours per week of work, over the two main semesters. You will largely undertake work associated with this unit independently, under supervision.
Scheduled activities will include a combination of literature searching and reading, lab and / or field work, data analysis and interpretation, and preparation of written and oral reports.
You will undertake a major research project. Under the supervision of an academic in the School of Biological Sciences, you will immerse yourself in the literature surrounding your chosen field of research, design novel research projects that will lead to new understanding in the field, and then set about testing these questions. You will experience working in a lab group environment, working side-by-side with PhD students and professional researchers.
Learning resources
Required resources
Bring your own device
Where it fits
BIO4100 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Keyne Monro
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Keyne Monro
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO4100?
BIO4100 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BIO4100?
BIO4100 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including BIO4200.
When is BIO4100 offered?
In 2025, BIO4100 runs in Semester 2 and Full year at Clayton and Monash Medical Centre.
Does BIO4100 have an exam?
No. BIO4100 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include BIO4100?
BIO4100 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Genetics and genomics; Plant sciences; and Zoology.