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

In this unit students establish necessary skills for the investigative process including rigorous definition of problems and questions; careful and appropriate design of experiments and selection of method; creative thinking; careful acquisition of data (from literature, field or laboratory work); rigorous but imaginative validation, manipulation and interpretation of data; and presentation of investigations both as written and verbal reports. Using these techniques, students carry out their own group projects to independently investigate the organisation of a specific issue arising from their studies in other Level 3 units in Anatomy and Human Biology. The flexible structure of the unit allows for reading, tutorials and practical project work in areas of particular interest to individuals or small groups of students. Some flexibility of scheduling is also possible, with the consultation and consent of the unit coordinator.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Human Science and Neuroscience major sequence
  • Level 3 option in the Anatomy and Human Biology major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) achieve an understanding of (a) the nature of the scientific method, including history and philosophy of science; (b) the basis for the ethics of experimentation, particularly that involving humans and other animals, and the procedures required for ethics approval at The University of Western Australia; (c) the underpinnings of rigorous definition of problems and questions, the careful and appropriate design of experiments, the critical importance of good controls, the selection of methods, and the power and limits of interpretation of results; (d) methods for careful acquisition of data from literature, survey, field or laboratory work; (e) methods for rigorous but imaginative validation, manipulation and interpretation of data; (f) methods for rigorous and critical approaches to experimental design and interpretation including techniques for establishing controls for extraneous variables in different forms of research; (g) methods for presenting data orally and report writing; and (h) methods of sourcing career opportunities; (2) perform the necessary skills for the investigative process including (a) effective teamwork; (b) specific investigative techniques including use of the library and databases, statistics, computers, image capture and analysis, data collection and organisation; (c) generic skills including scientific writing, compilation of ethics and grant applications; and (d) presentation of investigations both as written and verbal reports; and (3) apply (a) a creative and open approach to scientific knowledge and problems; (b) understanding of the need to communicate openly and share skills and knowledge; (c) an appreciation of the value of constructive criticism of one's own and others' work; (d) faith in the experimental approach to furthering knowledge; and (e) a desire to pursue further studies.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group project work; (2) statistics assessment; and (3) manuscript writing. 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 Peter Mark and Dr Christina Bojarski
Unit rules
Prerequisites
MJD-ANHBY Anatomy and Human Biology
or MJD-HSNEM Human Science and Neuroscience
Co-requisites
ANHB3321 Biological Anthropology: Genes and Society
or ANHB3323 Cells, Tissues and Development
Incompatibility
ANHB3320 Human Biology: Applications and Investigations II
Advisable prior study
some Level 2 Biological Science is assumed
Contact hours
lectures: 1 x 1 hour per week
tutorials: 1 x 2 hours per week
labs: 1 x 2 hours per week or equivalent spent on project work
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.