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.
Other Information
Agreement from a supervisor must be obtained before requesting permission to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Critical Review Essay (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Reading Record (10) [LO 1]
- Seminar Presentation (15) [LO 2,3,4]
- Supervisor Mark (25) [LO 1,2,3,5]
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 per 6 units of enrolment throughout the semester including:
- Meeting with supervisor, up to 1 hour per week.
- Approximately 118 hours of individual work per 6 units, which will include preparation of essay, presentation and reading record
Students are expected to actively participate in meetings and contribute towards discussions.
Attendance at host lab research meetings, divisional seminars and journal clubs is also strongly encouraged.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the John Curtin School of Medical Research to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
There are no specific reading materials required
Assumed Knowledge
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 to 12 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 |
7.00 | 0.14583 |
8.00 | 0.16667 |
9.00 | 0.18750 |
10.00 | 0.20833 |
11.00 | 0.22917 |
12.00 | 0.25000 |
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.
Summer Session
Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1148 | 01 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | In Person | N/A |
1149 | 01 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | In Person | N/A |
First Semester
Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2692 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
2693 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Autumn Session
Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5158 | 01 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |
5159 | 01 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Winter Session
Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6164 | 01 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | In Person | N/A |
6165 | 01 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 30 Sep 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7683 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |
7684 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Spring Session
Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9140 | 01 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | In Person | N/A |
9141 | 01 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | In Person | N/A |