Students will work with an academic mentor to define a research essay topic and will produce a review essay, of the type that would be published in a neuroscience journal. The course involves developing a timely and cutting-edge inquiry topic, researching the scientific literature relevant to the topic and writing a detailed review article.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse and critically evaluate scientific literature in the field of study.
- Systemically identify relevant theory and concepts in the chosen field and relate these to appropriate methodology and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Apply knowledge to synthesise an original research thesis, which addresses a specific area of neuroscience.
- Present research findings, both orally and written, to an audience with a broad neuroscience background.
- Maintain professional relationships with senior colleagues in a research environment.
Research-Led Teaching
Academic supervisors will assist students with the planning and preparation of their essay. All supervisory academics are research-active members of the Joint Colleges of Science and are experts in their research field.
Recommended Resources
Recommended student system requirements
ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:
- video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
- two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
- email and other messaging tools for communication
- interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
- print and photo/scan for handwritten work
- home-based assessment.
To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:
- A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
- Webcam
- Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
- Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
- Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
- Printing, and photo/scanning equipment
For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements
Staff Feedback
Students will be given written feedback for the Essay 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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Other Information
Adjustments to delivery in 2020
Course delivery and assessment in 2020 was adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any information below that replaces what was published in the Class Summary for Semester 1, 2020 was approved by the Associate Dean Education (as is required after 10% commencement of a course). Where an activity or assessment is not referenced below, it remains unchanged.
Teaching Activities
- Meetings with supervisors were conducted remotely.
Assessment
Adjustments were made to assignment due dates; for details see the course Wattle site.
- Final seminars were done on Zoom.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Weeks 1-11Research field of inquiry and write essay;Maintenance of reading record;Start seminar presentation. | |
2 | Week 12Submit essay and reading record;Prepare final seminar. | Essay; Reading Record |
3 | During the end of Semester Examination period (30/05/24 - 15/06/24)Present seminar | Seminar Presentation |
Tutorial Registration
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Critical Review Essay | 50 % | 20/05/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 1 |
Reading Record | 10 % | 20/05/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 1 |
Seminar Presentation | 15 % | 30/05/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 1 |
Supervisor's Mark | 25 % | 30/05/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
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 Academic Skills 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
Learning Outcomes: 1
Critical Review Essay
Details of task: Submission of a detailed written review of the chosen topic. This should include a critical analysis of relevant literature and suggestions for future work in the area. The report should begin with a summary of the review, may be divided into appropriate sections and subsections, and should include full references. The Endnote library (Assessment task 2) should help with the report writing, especially the compilation of the references.
Word limit: Suggested length of around 6000 words.
Presentation requirements: Word document or pdf file. Guidance regarding content is available in the “Writing the Literature Review” document on the Wattle page for this course.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1
Reading Record
Details of task: Maintenance of a reading record in Endnote.
Presentation requirements: All materials that are referenced should be entered into an Endnote library, with brief critical evaluation (~200 words) for a selection of 20 key primary research references (not review articles), 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
Learning Outcomes: 1
Seminar Presentation
Details of task: Presentation of a seminar describing the background, findings and significance of the review. The duration should be 15 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 subject and how well the subject is introduced
• Clear presentation of main topics discussed
• Clear understanding of the methodologies.
• Critical analysis of the pertinent literature.
• Clear understanding of the limitations of previous studies.
• 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
Learning Outcomes: 1
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:
- Work ethic/diligence
- Input to the design and planning of the essay
- Level of supervision required
- Amount of proof-reading of drafts required
- Difficulty of the topic
- Ability to overcome difficulties that may have arisen
- Organisational skills
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
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
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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 Access 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
Convener
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Research InterestsCellular Neuroscience |
AsPr Brian Billups
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
AsPr Brian Billups
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