• 1) Introductory Workshop
• 2) Literature Review
• 3) Seminars
• 4) Research Project
• 5) Coursework Component (Applies to BIOT4053 only)
• 6) More about the honours component (BIOT4053) for the Biotechnology four year professional degree (3052)

1) Orientation Course 

This is composed of a series of tutorials, and seminars held during the first week of the honours program.

During this time students will be fully occupied with workshop activities and will be discouraged from attempting research work.

2) Literature Review

A major written assignment of approximately 3,000 words (and not more than 4,000 words) on the topic of each student's project work and selected in consultation with the project supervisor will be written. The aim is to familiarize students with library usage and to develop a critical approach in assessing published literature in the area relevant to the research project. Some basic references may be supplied but students will be expected to survey the relevant literature. A second important aim is for the student to develop appropriate writing skills. Therefore supervisors should read and comment on drafts of the literature review.

Your supervisor will assess this component of honours and provide feedback. This activity will be documented by a summary paragraph of the outcomes of the assessment. You will be awarded a grade of A, B, C, D, E. This literature review is an important component of the continuous assessment.

3) Seminars

Each student presents two seminars during the year. The first will occur in March (August for Midyear entry). The purpose of this seminar is for the student to introduce their research plan to the school and their peers. The second seminar the final research seminar and it will occur in October (April for midyear entry).

a) Research plan seminar program
This 10 minute seminar will be held in March (August for midyear entry). Students, staff, and your Assessment Committee (your supervisor and two other members of staff) will attend. Your supervisor will include a critique of your research plan in the written summary which will be available in April (October for midyear entry).

Topics: In consultation with your supervisor, present a plan of your research for the year. Why? How? When?

b) Final research seminar program
Each student will present a seminar on outcomes of his/her research project towards the end of their project in October (April for midyear entry). This component is worth 5% of your final mark so an appropriate amount of time should be spent preparing for this. In consultation with your supervisor prepare a 15-20 minute power point presentation. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to organize a draft presentation, practice the presentation (in consultation with your supervisor), re-draft a final presentation, and practice the final version. This process is likely to take at least two weeks (please keep in mind that different people work at different rates).

4) Research Project

This is the major part of the Honours year (accounting for 75% - 95%* of your final mark). Close consultation with supervisors is essential. A written practice thesis is due in August (February for midyear entry).

Your final report will be submitted as a thesis by noon in October (May for midyear entry).

*The thesis is worth 75% of the final mark for BIOT4053 students. The thesis is worth 95% of the total mark for students in programs BIOC 4103, 4318, 4428, BIOT 4073, MICR 4013, & MICR4033.

5) Coursework Component (Applies to BIOT4053* only)

 Students must complete Professional Issues in Biotechnology (BIOT3091) and Commercial Biotechnology (BIOT3071).

 Each course accounts for 10% of your final mark.

6) Biotechnology Four Year Professional Degree (3052)

 Students enrolled in the 3052 program are awarded a specialized degree in Biotechnology. The Honours component of this program BIOT4053 is only available to students that have completed all of the components of year 1 to 3 of the 3052 program. BIOT4053 is unique compared to the other honours streams offered by the School of BABS. BIOT4053 includes both research and coursework components. The courses offered extend the students skills in professional and commercial aspects of Biotechnology. It is recognized within the university and beyond that students completing the professional degree program have these additional skills.