This course provides an introduction to the research methods relevant to Earth Sciences. Students learn key academic skills, and how to plan, manage, and present scientific research through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. Students also acquire vital research skills in computational methods, data acquisition and data analysis. It is fundamental preparation for EMSC8032 and EMSC8030.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Systematically identify and critique research strategies and concepts from literature, workshops and lectures.
- Explain the broader aspects of research mechanisms and how research is conducted in the Earth Sciences.
- Effectively communicate and debate research ideas both orally and written to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Evaluate and critique the principal features of a successful research proposal.
- Adapt and utilise contemporary research techniques to acquire and assess data of high quality and relevance.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course
Indicative Assessment
- Research Proposal Critique (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Poster and poster presentation on chosen research topic (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Lay description of chosen research topic (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Quizzes (10) [LO 1,5]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to-face component which may consist of 3 x 2 hour lectorials (lecture, seminars and tutorials) per week.
- Approximately 58 hours of self-directed study which will include substantial reading and preparation work required for engagement in face-to-face sessions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Planning and Managing Scientific Research: A guide for the beginning researcher (Author - Brian Kennett).
Preliminary Reading
Planning and Managing Scientific Research: A guide for the beginning researcher (Author - Brian Kennett).
Assumed Knowledge
An undergraduate-level background in Earth Sciences, or cognate subjects, such as Chemistry, Marine Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Physical Geography.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2718 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7701 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |