Welcome to SP3172
Integrated Science Project

Module introduction

As part of SPS’s vision of nurturing budding scientists, SP3172 gives students a head-start in research opportunities and a chance to plan, execute and analyse their research projects. SP3172 Integrated Science Project serves as a continuation from SP2171 Discovering Science where students translate insights from their literature review into research projects.

The main idea is for students (2-3 persons in a group) to develop a scientific hypothesis, plan and execute experiments to investigate this, and then analyse the experimental data with regards to the original scientific hypothesis. You are guided in this process by working in a research laboratory based in Singapore and the learning is facilitated by lab mentors and senior SPS mentors. You should analyse, explain and report their findings in a scientific manner.

Learning outcomes for SP3172

The module aims to develop students’ research skill by directly providing them with (1) first-hand experience in applying scientific methodology (from hypothesis, to experimental design, to experimentation, and data analysis) in real research environment, and (2) a platform to share, debate and defend their research findings in public setting (i.e. SPS Congress).

At the end of the module, the student should be able to:

1. Design, develop and implement a series of experiments to investigate a scientific question or hypothesis.
2. Able to critically analyse experimental data and present findings coherently.
3. Communicate and discuss experimental data through written and oral communication in a form of a scientific article and/or scientific conference presentation.
4. Develop critical thinking, troubleshooting and collaborative skills.

Formation of SP3172 Student Group

1. Students enrolled in SP3172 are required to form groups of strictly 2 or 3 students per project. The confirmation of the student grouping, SPS mentors and staff supervisor is due 2nd August 2021, 2359hrs. Individual student projects would be subjected to approval from the module coordinator.
2. As part of the module, students are asked to make contact with potential research labs to check if they will be interested in taking on the supervisor of the research project. SP3172 students may consult senior/graduate or even staff mentors for suggestions or recommendation if they are unsure.
3. Two SPS mentors will guide each group (comprising 1 senior and 1 graduate, 1 senior and 1 junior or 1 graduate mentor and 1 junior mentor).

Role of SP3172 SPS mentors

5. Mentors provide supervision, advice and suggestions to students
6. Mentors supervise weekly meetings and comment on the student learning reflections.
7. It is compulsory for all mentors to be present for the entire sessions on week 8 (poster grading session) and Week 13 (SP3172 Congress).
8. Either the senior or graduate mentors in each SP3172 group should be prepared to grade at least two reports. This would need to be communicated to the head mentors at the start of the semester.
9. Ask questions during SP3172 Congress to other groups and stimulate discussion.

Important dates for SP3172 (Sem 1 AY21/22) 

• Week 0 (2nd August 2021): Confirmation of student grouping, the PI that they will be working with and the SPS mentors for their group.
• Week 1 (10th August 2021 (Tue), via ZOOM, 6.30-7.30 pm): Beginning of semester briefing for both SP3172 students and mentors.
• Weekly or biweekly Updates/meeting with respective SPS mentors (documentation through the writing of learning reflections).
• Week 5: Scientific illustration tutorial
• Week 6: Mentor led session on scientific communication
• Week 8 (9th Oct 2021 (Sat), via ZOOM, 9.00am – 1.00pm): E-poster session via Zoom.
• Week 12 (1st Nov 2021 (Mon), 1200hr. Submission to LUMINUS): Submission of the final SPS3172 report.
• Week 12-13 (2nd to 12th November 2021): Oral examination (Viva) for SP3172
• Week 13 (13th Nov 2021 (Sat), via ZOOM, 9.00am- 1.00pm): SP3172 congress. If possible, this will be a face to face session with limited audience.

NOTE: Any form of non-adherence to deadlines (.eg. late submissions) will result in penalisation of grades.

Module coordinators for SP3172

1. SP3172 module staff coordinator: Dr Robert Lieu (dbslzz@nus.edu.sg)
2. SPS head mentor for AY21/22 (Headmentors@sps.nus.edu.sg)

Learning outcomes for SP3172

The student should demonstrate to their examiners that they have fulfilled the two learning outcomes.

1. Demonstrate the ability to critically and with scientific accuracy, identify and formulate hypotheses, to plan and, through the use of adequate methods and carry out research work.
2. Analyze science research and topics, and communicate effectively as a scientist with colleagues and lay audiences through written and oral communication.

Breakdown of the assessment components (AY21/22).

There would not be any schedule timetable slots for SP3172 module, However, there will be compulsory online sessions for some components for SP3172. Students are to take note of the dates and timing.

Plagiarism policy for SP3172.

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition. Plagiarism may be intentional or reckless, or unintentional. If any student is found to be plagiarising, a zero score will be awarded for the module and his/her offence will be reported to the SPS programme director for further disciplinary actions. SPS also reserve the rights to report your offence to the University and further disciplinary action may be taken.

Research Integrity Policy for SP3172

​​​​​​​Research conducted with integrity ensures that all research data generated by the researcher is beyond reproach. Research Integrity can be broadly defined as (1) practicing the use of honest and supported methods when performing and reporting research, (2) ensuring accuracy in reporting, (3) maintaining proper records of data generated and (4) adhering to statutory requirements.

Any dishonesty of any kind in academic research, be it plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation or a failure to properly attribute credit, erodes trust in the student researcher and his/her work. This is a serious offence. If any SPS student is found to have falsified data or have committed action related to academic fraud, a zero score will be awarded for the module and his/her offence will be reported to the SPS programme director for further disciplinary actions by the University.