The principal component of second year of the Biology and Neuroscience Master by Coursework programs is a research project conducted under supervision and embedded in a medical research laboratory. In addition, students present seminars on their research work, critically analyse a current paper in their field and prepare a thesis for examination. The research project runs from early February to early November or mid-July to mid-May. As a first step, students must find a supervisor from the John Curtin School of Medical Research to guide the project. The project and supervisor must then be approved by the convenor of this course and of the Master by coursework program. As this can take some time, students should discuss their intention to undertake a research project with potential supervisors and the Master by Coursework coordinator several months before the proposed starting date.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic to generate new knowledge in an area of medical research.
- Systematically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Demonstrate sufficient mastery to understand and apply relevant experimental techniques in medical research to collect original research data.
- Analyse and interpret original medical research data with statistical or other evaluative processes where appropriate.
- Communicate and justify complex concepts and results clearly and effectively to a high standard.
Indicative Assessment
- Research Thesis and Thesis Defence (75) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Journal Club (presentation and written materials) (15) [LO 2,5]
- Final Research Seminar (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Introductory Seminar (CRS) (null) [LO 1,2,5]
- Project proposal (CRS) (null) [LO 1,2,5]
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Workload
Full time or as determined by individual research project.
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
Preliminary Reading
Relevant peer reviewed journal articles and reviews. Will vary according to the research project topic.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:
- 12 to 24 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 |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
| 13.00 | 0.27083 |
| 14.00 | 0.29167 |
| 15.00 | 0.31250 |
| 16.00 | 0.33333 |
| 17.00 | 0.35417 |
| 18.00 | 0.37500 |
| 19.00 | 0.39583 |
| 20.00 | 0.41667 |
| 21.00 | 0.43750 |
| 22.00 | 0.45833 |
| 23.00 | 0.47917 |
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $930 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1240 per unit |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2531 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7530 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |