Environmental Science: Scientific Project Guidelines
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11.1 MARKING SCHEME
Content
Introduction with clear and sufficient evidence of research
Sufficient and appropriate literature review
Sufficient, clear and relevant methodology
Results and analysis with adequate, appropriate, accurate and fulfils the study objectives
Results discussed in a scientific manner and accompanied by relevant supporting references
References with complete and written in the correct format
Clear conclusion
11.2.1 Oral Presentation
Oral presentations are considered as an important part of the scientific project assessment because of the importance placed on communications skills both in academia and industry.
Communication skills, which not only mean in spoken or written languages is also refer to an individual's ability to transfer information in a manner that is interesting, accurate, informative and concise. The purpose of the scientific project oral presentation is to train students in presenting and defending the objectives, research analysis, findings and conclusions of their own research projects. Formal dressing is needed.
An oral presentation by each final year student is compulsory. The scientific project presentation is assessed in general both on content and delivery to ensure that the student is able to communicate project work done that is of a standard worthy of an honours degree.
The presentation should describe the aim of the project, an outline of the presentation, the results obtained and the extent to which the goals of the project are met. The scientific project presentation will be graded according to proposal / viva-voce presentation evaluation rubric form as shown in Appendix K and N.
The supervisor(s) and the examiner will attend and assess the presentation. Student must bring PowerPoint presentation on a USB flash drive and each student should arrive for the presentation earlier and stay for the presentation after their own. Student must have a plan B in the event of technical difficulties such as a laptop with a copy of slide presentation, extra flash drive or handouts. The time allocated for the presentation session is usually 10 to 15 minutes and an additional 5 minutes for the question and answer session. Questions will be asked to assess the student’s understanding and knowledge of the project.
11.2 ORAL PRESENTAION GUIDELINES
Chapter 11: Assessment Guidelines
11.2.2 Design Tips
To create an attractive and effective 10 to 15 minutes PowerPoint presentation, there are several basic tips that can be use:
Produce slides using Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation software.
Ensure consistency with element of color and format / design such as font and background throughout the presentation.
Choose good contrast colors so that the texts will stand out from the background.
Don’t put too much information on the slides. It is difficult to read and understand. Use bullet points and headlines only.
Don’t use small fonts that are difficult to read (18 pt and below) and displaying graphs or pictures that should be able to see / readable clearly from 3-4 meters.
Use sans serif fonts (Arial, Calibri, Comic Sans, Century Gothic, Verdana). Do not use serif fonts (Times New Roman, Garamond, Palatino Linotype).
Make sure there are no spellings and format mistakes or typing error.
Limit the total number of slides in the presentation. Only include material that necessary that can present within the time frame given.
Show clear and only relevant diagrams (figures, graphs, block diagrams, flowcharts, etc.) to aid the explanations.
The materials should be well organized and the presentation slide should be well structured. Proofread the presentation materials.
11.2.3 Content of Presentation
Content of presentation is an overview of the whole presentation, informing the audience what is to be expected or presented. Content outlines include:
a) Scientific Project 1
Title slide – title of proposal presentation, student and supervisor name
Introduction
Objectives - should be clearly stated
Literature study for the project
Experimental design and partial implementation of the project
Gantt Chart
References
Chapter 11: Assessment Guidelines
b) Scientific Project 2
Title slide – title of project presentation, student and supervisor name
Objectives - should be clearly stated
Literature review of research project
Research methodology and analysis
Results/ research findings of the project
Discussions that include detailed support /strong theoretical justifications such as comparison, problem, solution, argument and importance
Conclusion
Acknowledgement / References
11.2.4 Presentation Style
Oral presentation (proposal and viva-voce) is normally designed to measures student presentational skills, including questions related to the research project. It gives an opportunity for the student to defend the objectives, research analysis, findings and conclusions of the project.
For the oral presentation style:
Practice / rehearse presentation in advance. Measure presentation time. Make sure not exceed time limit.
Speak with good pace/speed and clear language so that the audience is able to listen and follow the presentation.
Stand straight, be confident and face the audience. Practice good eye contact to audience.
Try to emphasis: body language, gestures, pitch and expression to highlight important points.
Use a laser pointer on the screen. Don’t stand between the projector and the screen. The screen must be visible for assessment panel and audience.
11.2.5 Questions and Answers Session
During the question and answer session, the student should be able to answer in details, accurate and confidently. Try to communicate fluently to answer basic/fundamental questions within the areas/scopes of the project.
Chapter 11: Assessment Guidelines
Advises during the question and answer session:
Take some time to think of how to answer the questions rather than answering it immediately. Answer straight to the point.
Questions can be answered by simple English statements or with the use of visual aids.
Do not try to make-up an answer for a question. Please admit if unable to answer a particular question and move on.
Do some homework. Think, prepare and practice for questions that could be asked.
Chapter 11: Assessment Guidelines
Q: When can I start to find a scientific project title?
If you have met the requirements (2nd year student and taken Scientific Writing), you can start to find a project title around the end of Semester 2 (May/June).
Q: When can I start doing my scientific project?
You can start your scientific project only after you have registered scientific Project 1 in Semester 1.
Q: Can I write my thesis in English?
Yes you can. But before that you have to get the permission from both the supervisor and the Dean of Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA). You must also have MUET result at level 4 and above. Please refer to Panduan Penulisan Disertasi FSSA book.
Q: Where can I buy Panduan Penulisan Disertasi FSSA book?
You can buy the book at FSSA main office.
Q: Must my proposal / viva presentation be in English?
You are given a choice. You are required to present in English for project proposal, meanwhile for viva-voce presentation, it depends on the written language in the thesis.
Q: What must I present during my proposal / viva-voce presentations?
Please refer to ‘Content of Presentation’ in Chapter 11.
Q: How do I know who my examiner is?
The examiner list will be released around week 12 of the 1st semester in 3th year. You will be informed through email / Facebook and also on the program notice board. You can refer to Scientific Project Coordinator for more information.
Q: What are the marking criteria for scientific project?
Scientific project will be marked according to Table 1.1 (page 2).
Q: Who should I contact if I'm having problems with my scientific project?
The first person you should find when having problems is your supervisor. If you're having GENERAL