This course offers eligible students the opportunity to acquire specialised training in research techniques, or to conduct independent research (laboratory, fieldwork, project, or library based) reflecting the current interest of the supervisor and student.  Interested students are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors in Biology. 

Entry to this course requires at least 96 units towards a degree with an average of 80% or above in relevant second and third year courses.  Enrolment in this course is dependent upon the availability of a suitable supervisor and must be approved by the course convener.

Many research areas are available, for example:  http://biology.anu.edu.au/ , http://cos.anu.edu.au/Plants , http://genetics.anu.edu.au/ , http://jcsmr.anu.edu.au

Note:  This is an Honours Pathway Course that involves material of a greater conceptual difficulty and research orientation than a typical 3000 level science course.

A quota may be placed on enrolment in this course.

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 supervised by an academic

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. understand and apply relevant laboratory or field techniques and methods

5. record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate

6. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally

Written report (80%; LO 1-6)

Seminar (20%; LO 1-6)

Where possible, assessment of the research project will include input from an expert assessor from another institution.  This provides the opportunity for cross-institutional benchmarking and exposes the student to expertise from a wider range of researchers.

Project is expected to involve 110 hours of laboratory, field or library work plus 150 hours of analysis and private study.

Completion of at least 96 units towards a degree with an average of 80% or above in relevant second and third year courses. 

Enrolment in this course is dependent upon the availability of a suitable supervisor and must be approved by the course convener.  A quota may be placed on enrolment in this course.