Students will be expected to research the scientific literature relevant to a given topic and construct a research proposal which addresses the background, aims, hypotheses and detailed experimental approach to extend the known information. Each student will have a neuroscience academic advisor relevant to their research proposal with whom they will meet regularly. The course will involve self-directed learning and independent research of the literature.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will demonstrate theoretical knowledge of common methodologies used in neuroscience; skills which enable them to interpret, synthesize and critically analyse the published literature; and the ability to apply the knowledge to new problems.

Research-Led Teaching

Academic supervisors will assist students with the planning and preparation of their proposal. All supervisory academics are research-active members of the Joint Colleges of Science and are experts in their research field.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given written feedback for the Research Proposal and Reading Record components of this course. Feedback for the Seminar Presentation will be given to the individual student following their presentation.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Weeks 1-12 Develop aims and write research proposal; Maintenance of reading record; Start seminar presentation.
2	Week 12 Submit Research Proposal and Reading Record	Research Proposal; Reading Record
3	During the end of Session Examination period (02/04/19 - 20/04/19) Complete and present seminar	Seminar Presentation

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research Proposal	50 %	25/03/2019	31/05/2019	1
Reading Record	10 %	25/03/2019	31/05/2019	1
Seminar Presentation	15 %	02/04/2019	31/05/2019	1
Supervisor's Mark	25 %	02/04/2019	31/05/2019	1

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to contact their supervisor and arrange regular meetings throughout the semester. The time frame is to be negotiated between the student and supervisor, with the suggested interval being once every 1-2 weeks.

Assessment Task 1

Research Proposal

Details of task: Submission of a detailed written research proposal on the chosen topic. This should include background, including a critical analysis of the relevant literature, hypotheses, aims, proposed experimental plan and a detailed explanation of the proposed experimental methodologies. The proposal should be divided into appropriate sections and subsections (e.g. Project Synopsis, Background, Hypotheses and Aims, Research Plan (including methodology), Outcomes and Significance), and should include full references.

Word limit: Suggested length of around 12000 words.

Presentation requirements: It is suggested that the format loosely follows that of research grant applications such as an NHMRC project grant Research Proposal or an ARC DECRA Project Description. Further guidance is available in the “Writing the Research Proposal” document on the Wattle page for this course.

Assessment Task 2

Reading Record

Details of task: Maintenance of a reading record in Endnote. 

Presentation requirements: All materials read should be entered and their relevance to the research proposal briefly summarised, with some brief critical evaluation for a selection of references, in the Research Notes field of an Endnote library. The Compressed Endnote Library (.enlx file; an option on the Endnote File menu) should be submitted along with the project essay via Wattle. Please select the “Without File Attachments” option to reduce file size.

Assessment Task 3

Seminar Presentation

Details of task: Presentation of a seminar describing the structure, predicted outcomes and significance of the proposed project. The duration should be 30 minutes, plus a few minutes question time. The PowerPoint file for the presentation should be submitted online using Wattle, by the published due date. The presentation will take place on a subsequent date during the exam period.

Assessment: Assessment will be based on both the content of the seminar and its presentation. The two are necessarily interrelated and include:

•     Background to the proposal and how well the proposal is introduced

•     Clear presentation of hypotheses, aims and experimental plans

•     Clear understanding of the methodologies.

•     Critical analysis of the pertinent literature.

•     Clear understanding of the limitations, potential pitfalls.

•     Presentation of the seminar

            - clarity of visual presentations

            - structure of the presentation, (logical flow)

            - judicious choice of material to be presented (not too much information; rather key points)

- informative answers to audience questions

Presentation requirements: The date for the presentation will closely follow the online submission date for the seminar presentation

Assessment Task 4

Supervisor's Mark

Twenty five percent of the assessment for this course will be in the form of a Supervisor’s Mark in which the following aspects of the student’s performance will be considered:

1. Work ethic/diligence
2. Input to the design and planning of the research project
3. Level of supervision required
4. Amount of proof-reading of drafts required
5. Difficulty of the project
6. Ability to overcome difficulties that may have arisen
7. Organisational skills

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is not permitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students