Specialisation: Biology
Biology
BIO19MSV1
600 level
This specialisation must be completed as part of an award. The general requirements for the award must be satisfied in order to graduate.
Requirements for the Specialisation:
Credit points
800 level
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED TO SATISFY THIS SPECIALISATION
| Overview and Aims of the Program | The Biology Specialisation in the Master of Science Innovation is intended to equip students with specialised knowledge and skills to create and develop innovative, practical ideas in Biology. The development of new products and services in this area requires both practical knowledge and a deep understanding of how to bring together the people and resources necessary to bring ideas to fruition. The program brings together students and practitioners of Biology and culminates in an industry-based internship where students can observe, engage with and contribute to real-word innovation in practice. This may include collaboration with a University research team, where they will gain first-hand experience of world-leading research. In addition to the core units on leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, students will undertake advanced disciplinary study in Biology. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: 1. Critically analyse issues in STEM innovation and entrepreneurship (T) 2. Carefully evaluate the feasibility of innovative STEM proposals and determine the resources needed to bring ideas to fruition (P,J,T) 3. Develop solutions to innovation and entrepreneurship problems in the STEM context (P,I,T,J) 4. Document and argue for innovative ideas and the means and resources required to realise them (C,T,I) 5. Apply appropriate strategies and techniques to work in and lead teams developing innovative ideas and products (P,I,J,T) 6. Utilise advanced technical knowledge in Biology to solve a range of advanced, real world, problems (K) 7. Communicate knowledge, skills and ideas relevant to an appropriate professional environment (C) 8. Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve diverse purposes in a range of contexts (C, E). 9. Demonstrate and apply ethical behaviour in the context of STEM innovation (A, E) 10. Develop the ability to be respond to challenges in Biology with updated knowledge and skills (K,P) 11. Acquire and analyse data on biological systems at multiple scales of observation, from genes to ecosystems, within a scientific framework designed to answer specific questions (K, P, T, J) 12. Demonstrate advanced understanding of current theory and empirical research on a range of specific patterns and processes in biological systems (K) |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | The Master of Science Innovation aims to develop flexible, knowledgeable graduates with the skills to become capable practitioners of idea and product innovation. Our program therefore strongly encourages self-directed learning, focussing on developing students' abilities and skills, and not just instilling knowledge. Learning encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects. Conceptual knowledge is taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and online activities. Practical components include laboratories, practical sessions and industry/research internship. Case studies are a central feature of the two core coursework units of the program, demonstrating the applications of concepts to real world situations. Practical exercises will involve both individual and group work. The development and realisation of innovative ideas in science and technology requires the harnessing of the talents of multiple people and graduates will be able to develop skills in working as a part of a group examining and proposing innovative ideas. |
| Assessment | Assessments in the program are designed not only to test students' knowledge and skills but also their ability to integrate and analyse information to solve real-world problems. Assessments are spread throughout the teaching period to enable students to build confidence and gain feedback as they learn. Both formative and summative feedback is provided in the program. Formative feedback, provided while students work on tasks, is given through tutorials and online fora. Summative feedback is provided once each assessment task is completed. Diverse assessment methods are employed, as the range of units that students may take cover a wide range of disciplines. For discipline specific units, assessment may include, but are not limited to quizzes, written assessments (such as scientific reports, grant proposals, case studies, critiques of the scientific and popular literature) and oral assessment (such as presentations and discussions). Some units may employ examinations. In the core units of the Master of Science Innovation assessment will be mainly by case study, reports and presentations (such as topic discussions and idea pitches). The internship unit’s core assessment will be an in-depth reflective report of your experience during the internship. This will cover both the lessons learnt from the internship, as well as wider issues around innovation, development leadership and entrepreneurship in idea generation and implementation in your chosen discipline. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl |
| Support for Learning | Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus. |
| Program Standards and Quality | The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability | Graduates of this program will have developed a broad range of problem-solving skills, particularly applicable to the development and commercial exploitation of new ideas and new uses for existing ideas in the context of Biology. The program prepares graduates with innovation and technical skills for work in organisations developing new scientific and/or technological products. This program is also suited to industry professionals wishing to update or enhance their skills for career advancement. The skills gained through completing this program will be transferable to a diverse range of career opportunities. |
| Assessment Regulations | This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements