Research Honours in Science and Technology - Research Methodology (11875.1)

Please note these are the 2027 details for this unit
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Research Honours in Science and Technology - Research Methodology
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods Research
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.25 6 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
School Of Science Graduate Level Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit is designed to introduce students through a blend of self-directed study and facilitated workshops to the nature of research and provide the methodology framework for students to develop their research knowledge and skills which are crucial in carrying out a successful research project during their Honours candidature. This includes aspects related to effective retrieval and critical evaluation of literature and relevant theories, defining hypotheses and experimental design, research ethics, data collection and analysis techniques, with some aspects being more relevant than others depending on the specific project. The activities within the unit will provide the foundations to synthesise and critique the literature which is articulated through a literature review/critique and to defend the experimental design of the research project through a research proposal. Students will effectively communicate these contexts in a seminar at the completion of the unit. Within this unit there will be discipline specific workshop activities/streams, and the students will also commence research tasks associated with their specific Honours Research Project.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Recognise the nature of research and the methodology framework in which research is undertaken;
2. Critically evaluate and communicate existing literature and theories from a variety of sources relevant to the specific research project and identify specific gaps in knowledge to inform project aims and objectives which are relevant to a real-world scenario;
3. Formulate the appropriate research methods to utilise in the project to test hypotheses and meet the research objectives, and clearly articulate these through a research proposal;
4. Apply acquired knowledge and skills to commence research tasks within their Honours Research Project; and
5. Develop key professional skills in collaborative and ethical research work practices, communication, and project management which underpin their Honours Research Project.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2027 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 Research Dr Rod Ubrihien
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 Research Dr Rod Ubrihien
2027 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 15 February 2027 Research Dr Rod Ubrihien
2027 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 09 August 2027 Research Dr Rod Ubrihien
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

  • Guidelines for Candidates and Supervisors – 2026
  • Honours Contract 2026

These documents are available on the Research Honours in Science and Technology - Research Methodology Canvas site. As each individual's research topic is different please consult your supervisor for additional readings.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

The final mark for this subject will be calculated by an accumulation of marks from each assessment group. The total mark that can be achieved is 100% and is the weighted aggregate of all component marks.

  • The Workshop Portfolio, Literature Review and Research Proposal are subject to the late submission policy as outlined above
  • The Literature Review, Research Proposal, and Introductory Seminar will be assessed by the primary supervisor and the unit convenor.
  • The Workshop portfolio will be assessed by the unit convenor.

No extension of the due dates will be given except in the case of circumstances that are beyond the candidate's control. Should such circumstances arise, the candidate should complete an assignment extension form (link on the CANVAS site) and forward it to the Honours Convener (SciTech-HonoursScience@canberra.edu.au) with relevant documentation as soon as possible.

Artificial intelligence

Guided - Students will be guided in how GenAI must/may be used in completing the assessment as detailed in the unit outline and assessment instructions. More detailed information can be found at GenAI and Assessment at UC

Special assessment requirements

  • An aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the unit.
  • Completion of the Research Integrity module is required to pass the unit

The unit convener reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

As each research topic is different please discuss time commitments required to complete your research and associated assessment items with your supervisor. 

This unit is worth 6 credit points and the workload is spread across 1 semester. 

Participation requirements

Students are expected to actively participate in the research activities of their research group, area and Faculty. These activities should be identified in the Contract and will include, but not be limited to, seminars, meetings and journal clubs. 

Required IT skills

Familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), statistical packages (e.g. SPSS, R) and referencing software (e.g. Endnote) is necessary.

Work placement, internships or practicums

As each research topic is different please discuss with your supervisor any additional requirements relating to working at locations other than the University of Canberra.

Additional information

Students will be required to complete the inductions, ethics and safety training required by their research area.  Students should talk to their supervisors and laboratory manager to ensure these requirements are met before undertaking any field and/or laboratory work.

This unit involves research-led education. There are active researchers delivering this unit who are able to engage students in deep and active learning and transmit to students their passion for the research they are conducting.

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