Honours Project Part A
Overview
This unit aims to develop the ability to undertake original scientific research as part of a research group. The student will identify all important steps that must be completed to reach their overall research goal, undertake background reading and a literature review. At the completion of the unit the student will have demonstrated the ability to define a scientific question, and have made progress towards the investigation of that question.
Requisites
Rule
Admission to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) or Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critically analyse a challenging, complex or multi-faceted problem, identify research questions, design and plan a research project
- Generate innovative solutions and perspectives through the application of initiative, critical thinking, and judgement in understanding new concepts
- Develop tailored presentations to engage diverse audiences with clarity and coherence
- Execute a comprehensive and innovative research plan, demonstrating autonomy and preparedness for a higher research degree
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
Specified Activities |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
22.00 | 12 weeks | 264 |
| Online Learning Activities |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Total | 300 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Individual | 10 - 20 % | 1,2,3,4 |
| Presentation | Individual | 10 - 20 % | 1,2,3,4 |
| Report | Individual | 50 - 70 % | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
The unit is divided into five common self-paced learning modules to support the specific research project goals of each student.
- Literature search and evaluation: bibliographies, evaluation of research, referencing with EndNote, reviewing
- Critical thinking: abstract, creative, systematic and communicative thinking, inductive/deductive reasoning, principles of lateral thinking, decision-making
- Research design: the scientific method, formulation of a research problem
- Professional skills: OHS, research integrity, intellectual property, research funding
- Writing and presenting: organising and presenting research, conference abstracts, manuscripts, journals
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.