This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the principles and methods by which research projects in archaeological and evolutionary sciences are devised and executed. The course consists of two modules. The first half of the course covers quantitative analyses. In this module, students will learn about applying statistical analyses in archaeological and evolutionary sciences. Emphasis will be placed on conducting replicable analyses. The second half of the course covers research design. In this module, students will learn how to write a proposal for conducting research in archaeological and evolutionary sciences. Emphasis will be placed on developing a proposal with robust theoretical, methodological, analytical, and ethical underpinnings.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and explain the basic concepts that underlie quantitative analysis, including statistics and replicability;
- use a statistical software package to carry out statistical analyses;
- identify and convey an appropriate research problem; and
- develop a postgraduate-level research proposal with robust theoretical, methodological, analytical, and ethical underpinnings.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Take Home Test x2 (20% each) (40) [LO 1,2]
- Problem Statement (400 words) (10) [LO 3]
- Research Proposal (4000 words) (40) [LO 3,4]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
McDonald, J.H. 2014. Handbook of Biological Statistics (3rd ed.). Sparky House Publishing: Baltimore, Maryland. (Open access version available at http://www.biostathandbook.com/index.html)
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:
- 14
- 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 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7520 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
