Research Honours in Applied Science:FT (4773.7)

Please note these are the 2021 details for this unit
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Research Honours in Applied Science:FT
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.5 12 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Science Undergraduate Honours Level Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This single subject provides the core of the Research Honours in Applied Science course. Successful completion of a research project and submission of a well written thesis is the main outcome of the subject. Students will meet regularly with their supervisor(s); attend lectures and tutorials on scientific method, ethics and philosophy of science; study approaches to preparing research proposals; define or locate a problem, topic or theme, and decide on research methods to be used; accumulate relevant data and prepare a literature review; analyse information obtained and arrive at conclusions in the light of information or material analysed.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Conceive, plan and carry to completion a discrete piece of original research, in close association with a professional in the field;
2. Critically evaluate information from a range of sources, testing it for consistency with existing frameworks of understanding, to frame research questions in their field of study and to organise and conduct a critical literature review and to apply an holistic approach to problem solving;
3. Develop the ability to work independently, taking responsibility for substantial elements of the planning and implementation of an original piece of research and to take a leading role in exploring the implications of that research for the particular field of endeavour and in a broader context;
4. Develop an ability to express professional knowledge, understanding, ideas, argument and opinions with confidence and clarity; in both spoken and written form, with the effective use of communication aids;
5. Develop interpersonal and self-organisational skills including the ability to work within a research group and manage time, goals and priorities; and
6. Develop a knowledge of, and commitment to, the principles of scientific ethics and a professional attitude to their work, being independent and objective in their research and in giving professional advice.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
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
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
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 - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
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


Skills development

This is the final semester in which this unit is running. As such, only students enrolled in Honours in Applied Science (in previous semesters) should be enrolled in this unit.



Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

Enrolment / entry to Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Course.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

  • Guidelines for Candidates and Supervisors – 2022
  • Honours Contract 2022

These documents are available on the Research Honours in Applied Science Canvas site. As each research topic is different please consult your supervisor for additional readings.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

There are required assessment items that every student has to complete and optional assessment items that your supervisor may ask you to complete as being appropriate to the area of research. 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 assessment group of Literature review, research proposal and seminar (and optional items if chosen) is together worth 20 %. The Literature Review and Research Proposal are subject to the late submission policy as outlined above
  • Thesis is worth 75 % and is subject to the late submission policy outlined above
  • Honours workshop is worth 2.5 %
  • Supervisor report is worth 2.5 %

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 present their case in writing as soon as possible to the Honours Convener (SciTech-HonoursScience@canberra.edu.au), along with a statement of support from their supervisor.

Special assessment requirements

  • An aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the unit.
  • Participation in the Honours Workshop is a requirement to pass the unit.
  • Candidates must gain at least 85% in the Honours thesis component, as well at least 85% overall, to be awarded First Class Honours.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

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

This unit is worth 12 credit points and the notional workload is spread across 4.5 months (138 days), including the Honours workshop and Final Seminar. You should plan your research commitments accordingly, in consultation with your supervisor. 

Participation requirements

Students are expected to actively participate in the research activities of their research group, area and Faculty. This includes, but is not limited to, seminars, meetings and journal clubs. Students should discuss with their supervisors their specific participation requirements. Participation in the Honours Workshop is a required assessment item.

Required IT skills

Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as internet browsers, reference packages (e.g. Endnote) and statistical packages (e.g. SPSS, R) 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 carrying out.