Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Students are informed of, and practise, library and database searching, the use of LaTeX and EndNote, professional scientific writing skills, referencing conventions appropriate to branches of physics and research ethics. Depending upon the specialisation, students are informed of, and practise, laboratory safety, radiation safety, laser safety, risk assessment, computational methods and theoretical methods.
This knowledge equips them with the tools to undertake research, and prepare a literature review of their research topic. Students are exposed to the practical tools and professional standards needed to develop a research project. They are trained in proper laboratory practice to ensure a safe workplace, and to recognise risks as insignificant or significant. The handling of hazardous materials, waste disposal, emergency procedures and reporting mechanisms are discussed.
Students acquire the ability to search databases of scientific literature to review and synthesise previous work and methodologies in the particular discipline or field of study relevant to their research project, and learn to store and manage this information. They also realise the current state of the art of a field of study by gaining skills in querying public repositories of scientific data that have been experimentally generated, and extracting data relevant to the research project. Students develop professional scientific writing skills, and are made aware of ethical issues in science, including acceptable scientific practice, standards and behaviour.
Students practice and perform oral and visual scientific presentations, teamwork, and working with industry experts. They also learn to interact effectively with audiences, and gain skills such as handling discussions.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate skills in document preparation, data collection, presentation and referencing; (2) independently apply research methods, including ethical considerations, to a specific research problem or topic; (3) analyse data by carrying out high-level exploratory data analysis and processing skills; and (4) communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately using written, oral and visual means in a range of contexts..
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research proposal;; (2) oral defence of research proposal; and; and (3) literature review;. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Contact hours
- 2 hours per week for 12 weeks. Students regularly meet with project supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress, contents of their research proposal, and literature review.
In addition, students attend weekly research group meetings to provide updates and discuss their research progress with academics and other students. - Texts
How to Write Reports and Proposals, By Forsyth, Patrick. London: Kogan Page Ltd., 3rd edition, 2013
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.