The principal component of the 20 months Honours course is a research project conducted under supervision. In addition, students are expected to attend various workshops and seminars, write a Nature-style News and Views article and present seminars on their research work. The Honours course runs from early February to early November. In addition to meeting the entry requirements set by the College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, students must have the agreement of a member of the School's academic staff to supervise their project, and the agreement of the Head of Biology Teaching & Learning. Academic staff from the Research School Biology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, CSIRO and Canberra Hospital may be supervisors or co-supervisors. Students should discuss their intention to undertake an Honours project with potential supervisors and the Honours coordinator, several months before the proposed starting date. Note that several organisations award honours scholarships in September-December for the following year.

Specific learning outcomes will depend on the nature of the research project. In general, on satisfactory completion of the course students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. plan, and engage in, an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
2. systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
3. engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
4.record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate
5. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
6. understand and apply relevant laboratory techniques and methods

Assessment will be based on the honours thesis produced by the student, which is marked by two examiners; the final seminar; the submission of two written critiques; and a journal club presentation, with weightings as follows:

• Written thesis (75%; LO 1-6)
• Research Assessment mark (5%; LO 1-6)
• Written assignment (20%; LO 2, 3, 5)
• Literature survey (CRS: course requirement satisfied; LO 2, 3, 5)
• Seminar log book (CRS; LO 2, 3, 6)
• Journal club (CRS; LO 3, 5)