Project Studies in Vision Sciences

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 240 hours

Completion of at least 375 points of the Bachelor of Optometry degree (including credit or equivalent).

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject aims to introduce the student to the research culture in the discipline by involvement in a piece of investigation in vision science under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. The project will usually involve an in-depth appraisal of the scientific literature and, as appropriate to the topic, the use of biochemical, molecular biological, pharmacological, neurophysiological, psychophysical, computational, epidemiological or advanced clinical techniques. The practical component of the project will be typically undertaken as a collaborative team effort and a manuscript prepared by each student separately.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have attained skills in problem identification, and developed expertise in applying these skills to scientific problems in the visual and clinical sciences;
• have developed a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning, with the ability to adapt to scientific, technological and social change, and a capacity to be creative and innovative;
• have developed written communication skills that allow them to establish and maintain relationships with professional colleagues and the general community.

A 1,000 word written group project proposal submitted in the first half of Semester 1 representing 10% of the final mark for this subject. This is a hurdle requirement. Students may be given the opportunity to undertake additional assessment during semester if they fail this hurdle.

Ongoing assessment of individual performance in the laboratory, or other, setting throughout the year representing 10% of the final mark for this subject.

An individually prepared 4,000 word manuscript. A draft of the Introduction and Methods sections must be submitted at the start of Semester 2, and a full draft must be submitted in the middle of Semester 2. Both drafts are marked on a pass/fail basis, and are hurdle requirements. Students may be given the opportunity to undertake additional assessment during semester if they fail these hurdles. The completed manuscript must be submitted at the end of Semester 2 and represents 80% of the final mark for this subject.

Satisfactory completion of all assessment items is required to pass this subject.

A reading list and materials will be provided.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This subject is only available to Bachelor of Optometry students.

The 5th year of the Bachelor of Optometry comprises 2 x 16 week clinical semesters.