Undergraduate research experiences

BIOC2000: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

This course covers the key principles of biochemistry and molecular biology.

You'll work with peers in a supported environment on a real research project in the undergraduate laboratories.

You can opt into this ALURE course instead of the regular LEAPS practical sessions. Lab and assessment time demands are similar for both programs.

Find out more about BIOC2000: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

BIOC3005: Molecular Systems Biology

This course will introduce you to key “-omics” techniques used to analyse cellular physiology at the system level and includes both a nine-week proteomics practical based on ongoing research projects and a short, two-week metabolomics practical.

You will

• learn how to generate and analyse a proteome dataset and interpret your final data to answer a research question
• gain experience in how to analyze complex and large datasets that is relevant in many fields of research and future employment
• develop workplace relevant skills, including carrying out risk assessment and working in small research teams

Find out more about BIOC3005: Molecular Systems Biology

CHEM1200: Chemistry 2

This course provides an introduction to chemistry as a molecular science and builds on the material presented in CHEM1100.

You can opt in to the CURE practicals in the second semester offering of this course.

You'll receive training as a group of three students in organic chemistry for the first three lab sessions, before your group comes up with a research question that you answer, working in the second set of three lab sessions later in the semester.

Find out more about CHEM1200: Chemistry 2

MICR2000: Microbiology & Immunology

This practical course will teach you about pathogen identification and clinical diagnostics.

You will:

• learn and apply laboratory techniques used in identifying microbial pathogens in infectious and immunological diseases
• develop research skills readily applicable to biotechnology, biomedical and clinical workplaces.

Find out more about MICR2000: Microbiology & Immunology

MICR3003: Molecular Microbiology

This practical course will teach you modern cloning strategies and rapid vaccine development. You'll also learn about antimicrobial screening and development. The work you undertake will directly correlate to real microbiology research projects. 

You will:

• identify and isolate microbial genes implicated as vaccine targets their rapid translation towards vaccine development
• gain hands-on experience of antimicrobial compound screening and lead compound characterisation techniques
• develop professional scientific skills to prepare you for honours and postgraduate research programs and/or employment.

Find out more about MICR3003: Molecular Microbiology

SCIE3260: Introduction to Research in Chemistry, Biochemistry & Microbiology (A)

This course offers a unique opportunity to develop core research skills relevant to a wide spectrum of chemical or biological research, including written and oral communication, skills in making scientific observations, and recording and analysing data by participating in an individual or group research project associated with a discipline of interest to you.

You can take this course in semesters 1, 2 and summer, and gain #2 credit towards your degree.

Download the SCIE3260/1 application form (PDF, 191.5 KB)

Find out more about SCIE3260: Introduction to Research in Chemistry, Biochemistry & Microbiology

Visit our projects page to see the opportunities available for Introduction to Research projects.

SCIE3121: Research Project I

This course provides students with the opportunity to undertake a short laboratory-based, fieldwork-based or theoretical research project associated with their topic of interest, under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Students taking the course will develop core research skills relevant to their discipline, such as safe laboratory and/or fieldwork practices, critical engagement with the literature, development of hypotheses, experimental design, proofs, recording and analysing data, interpreting results, and written and oral communication. To obtain permission to enrol in this course, students must discuss their project with, and obtain approval from, an appropriate supervisor.

You can take this course in semesters 1, 2 and summer.

Download the SCIE3121/3122 application form (PDF, 177.3 KB)

Find out more about SCIE3121: Research Project I

Visit our projects page to see the opportunities available for Introduction to Research projects.

SCIE3122: Research Project II

This course provides students with the opportunity to undertake a short laboratory-based, fieldwork-based or theoretical research project associated with their topic of interest, under the supervision of an experienced researcher. It is available to students seeking a second research project course after completing SCIE3121. Students taking the course will expand on the core research skills relevant to their discipline, such as safe laboratory and/or fieldwork practices, critical engagement with the literature, development of hypotheses, experimental design, proofs, recording and analysing data, interpreting results, and written and oral communication. Through interactions with their supervisors and through critical review of contemporary literature, students will develop an advanced perspective of their research discipline, identifying areas of future interest, societal needs, and training and employment opportunities. To obtain permission to enrol in this course, students must discuss their project with, and obtain approval from, an appropriate supervisor.

You can take this course in semesters 1, 2 and summer.

Download the SCIE3121/3122 application form (PDF, 177.3 KB)

Find out more about SCIE3122: Research Project II

Visit our projects page to see the opportunities available for Introduction to Research projects.