The Honours Research Skills course provides instruction and experience in designing the Honours project, selecting appropriate research methods, placing the research in the appropriate disciplinary, inter- and/or multi- disciplinary context, and communicating research findings in effective ways through a range of formats. This includes providing guidance and experience in preparing (i) a research proposal and plan, (ii) a draft of the introduction, literature review and methodology and methods components of the thesis, and (iii) a critique of written research communication in the Honours thesis format. It also provides guidance and experience in the academic peer review process, which is a fundamental component of research. This compulsory component of the Honours program supports and extends the research training and guidance provided by the student’s primary supervisor and co-supervisor/s.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Effectively plan and communicate their own research design and approach in a variety of formats (e.g. oral and written) to a variety of audiences.
- Place their Honours research in the appropriate (disciplinary, inter- and/or multi-disciplinary) context.
- Critically and constructively assess written research communication in Honours thesis format.
- Effectively communicate their own original research findings to a variety of audiences in a variety of formats (e.g. oral and written).
- Act as a peer reviewer who can critically and constructively comment on draft research analysis and writing.
- Execute the Honours research in a safe and ethical manner.
Research-Led Teaching
The entire course is devoted to teaching and learning research skills and conducting original research for potential publication. Students will learn core knowledge about conducting research and will implement that.
Field Trips
Not applicable.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
Examination Material or equipment
Not applicable.
Recommended Resources
A series of resources will be available on the course Wattle site.
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 feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class and individuals
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.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The focus of ENVS4001 is on developing research skills through a series of tutorials which are held throughout your Honours year. The overall objective is to provide you with training in research skills which you can then apply to your project. These tutorials deal with approaches to research, methodological issues, and presentation skills. Experts from a range of fields will contribute to these seminars, with a focus on Honours. Students should consult the course Wattle site for a detailed schedule of topics. | This summary provides general information for a student enrolling in this course for the first time as a full-time student. It is expected that full-time Honours students will enrol in this course twice over consecutive semesters (6+6 units per semester, total 12 units) along with Honours thesis course (18+18 units per semester) that form part of the honours year to a total of 48 units in the full-year. |
Tutorial Registration
Not applicable.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Two options are available: either (i) Annotated Bibliography; or, (ii) Mock interview | 20 % | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Research Reflection | 40 % | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Final Seminar | 40 % | 1,2,3,4,5 |
* 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
There are a number of non-assessed items for ENVS4001 that are also compulsory. These include participation in workshop activities, peer feedback and research training (see Wattle for current details).
Examination(s)
Not applicable.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Two options are available: either (i) Annotated Bibliography; or, (ii) Mock interview
Option 1: Annotated Bibliography (due early in Term 2 of your program)
The purpose of this assessment is to assist with developing a strategic approach to reviewing literature. You will be required to present 20 citations, consisting of literature relevant to your research project including peer-reviewed literature, and government, industry, or NGO reports. You will present 5 citations in detail, including the full citation, and a summary, critical evaluation, and statement of relevance. The other 15 will need the full citation listed, and a brief statement of relevance. You will also need to include a brief context statement (<350 words) outlining the research objectives and overall aim of your annotated bibliography.
Option 2: Mock Interview (due early in Term 4 of your program)
The mock interviews are intended to provide some experiential practice at translating and communicating the personal development and learning outcomes you have achieved throughout your academic career into a work-ready context. You will be given a job application brief, and guidance about how to prepare, and will meet with a selection panel of two experts external to ANU.
Please refer to the FSES Honours Handbook and course WATTLE site to access the assessment start and end dates for your cohort (i.e. calendar year or mid-year, part time or full time).
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Research Reflection
This task will require you to plan your research year, with guidance and support from the course convenor, and then to provide regular updates on your progress - reflecting on achievements, as well as hurdles and strategies to deal with any setbacks etc. You will be required to submit short and informal 'progress reports' before each workshop, and will be provided with feedback. These progress updates will form the basis of your research reflection mark.
Please refer to the FSES Honours Handbook and course WATTLE site to access the assessment start and end dates for your cohort (i.e. calendar year or mid-year, part time or full time).
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Final Seminar
Your final seminar is completed after submission of your thesis. Further information is available via the course Wattle site.
Please refer to the FSES Honours Handbook and course WATTLE site to access the assessment start and end dates for your cohort (i.e. calendar year or mid-year, part time or full time).
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 permitted. 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.
Returning Assignments
Feedback will be provided in the form of written reports and/or verbally for oral assessments.
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 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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Dr Sara Beavis
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