BME3030 is a winter semster unit which runs for four weeks in between the end of the semester 1 Final Assessments (exams) period and the comencement of semester 2. Please refer to the Monash Semester dates summary for more information.
As this a laboratory-based unit it is only offered as an On Campus unit. Each week typically comprises of 3.5 full days on campus.
All activities for this unit are held in the Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building (BLTB).
Each week in BME3030, you will perform a new biomedical laboratory technique. Your skill development will be supported by:
Weekly lab meetings where you will discuss your progress with your mentors
Workshops where you will learn about the theory and applications of the biomedical lab techniques.
Lab skill training and development in the lab to learn and master key skills involved with the technique.
Ample time in the lab to perform the technique and collect data which contributes to your research project.
In additional to the specific biomedical lab technique skills you will learn, you will also develop
Time management
recording keeping
safe lab practices
data analysis and presentation.
BME3030 is designed to cater to any student who has completed a wide range of second year biomedical science units (see Eligibility for details). You will not need to have any specific skills or knowledge to excel in this unit. Through workshops and lab skill training sessions, you will learn everything you need to know about the research project, how to conduct the experiments and present your findings.
One of the most exciting aspects of BME3030 is that you will be conducting a real research project which contributes to discoveries being made here in the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. To achieve this goal, each year we design a unique research project which the whole class completes in small teams under the supervision of a Lab Head and Teaching Associate. This ensures that the project remain cutting edge, and is able to be completed within the four weeks of the unit.
Both BME3030 and 3990 units will give you great opportunities to develop research skills by having you complete a research project. Some key differences between these units are:
BME3030 - This unit is only held during the winter semester. Projects are designed to provide you with exposure to biomedical research with a focus on industry and research translation. Project are completed within small teams (though only 20% of assessment is team-based). This unit is completed over 4 weeks, with full days dedicated to being in the lab. Workshops and skill training support your skills development.
3990 - These unit are typically offered in semester 1, and 2. Some disciplines also offer summer semester. These projects involve completing a research project within a Monash University research group. For more information about 3990 units, visit this website.
These units are great opportunities to get a taste for research, but each have a different structure and focus; so why not try both?
BME3030 is a 6 credit point unit completed in just 4 weeks. Each week you will be required on campus approximately 3.5 full days, some independant study by yourself or will your team will also be required. A typical week in BME3030 looks like:
Monday AM: Lab meetings to discuss your progress with your mentors, followed by a workshop on the week's lab technique
Monday PM: Lab skill training and practice in the labs
Tuesday and Wednesday: Conducting your experiments in the lab.
Thursday and Friday: Self directed study