This course provides students the opportunity to develop an original research proposal. Students will enhance their skills in interpreting, synthesising and critically analysing published literature and subsequently apply their knowledge to new questions in biology. Workshops will consist of discussing research ideas, learning strategies for robust experimental design and analyses, and peer-review activities designed to enhance writing and communication skills.
Your research proposal should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the background and proposed techniques of your project and emphasise the biological applications of your research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Design an original research project on a specific topic in biology;
- Interact with members of a biological research laboratory;
- Explain the broader aspects of research mechanisms and how research in biology is conducted;
- Integrate diverse methodologies and theories in research planning, including experimental design;
- Communicate research ideas, both orally and written, to a broader scientific audience;
- Effectively critique and analyse your own and others written work in the peer-review process.
Other Information
Please go to https://students.science.anu.edu.au/program-admin/requesting-permission-enrol to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Journal Club Presentation (10) [LO 3,5]
- Research Proposal Seminar (30) [LO 1,5]
- Research Proposal (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
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:
- One 2-4 hour workshop per week (12 week semester; a total of 48 hrs)
- Approximately 82 hours of self directed study, including, reading, writing and preparing for presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course.
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2621 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7616 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |