The principal component of the 10 months Honours course is a research project conducted under supervision. In addition, students are expected to attend a journal club program, various workshops and seminars, write a literature review and present seminars on their research work. The Honours course runs either from early February to late November or from mid July to late May. 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 academic staff to supervise their project, and the agreement of the Head of Biology Teaching and Learning. Academic staff from the Research School of Biology, Department of Psychology, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, and ANU Medical School may be 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 (70%; LO 1-6)
• Research Seminar mark (10%; LO 1-6)
• Written critiques and journal club presentation (20%; LO 2,3,5)
• Research Proposal (CRS; LO 1,2,3,5)
• Research Proposal Seminar (CRS; LO 1,2,3,5)
• Literature survey (CRS: course requirement satisfied; LO 2,3,5)

35 hours/week

BIOL3101 and/or BIOL 3112 or equivalents; 48 units relevant to neuroscience at 2nd and 3rd year level