UWA Handbook 2026

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)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 option in the Anatomy and Human Biology major sequence
• Level 3 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method, including the history and philosophy of science, and its application to scientific investigation; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the ethical principles governing scientific research involving humans and animals, including ethics approval requirements and responsible research conduct; (3) design scientific investigations by developing research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, applying experimental controls, and recognising the strengths and limitations of different research approaches; (4) collect, analyse and interpret scientific data from a range of sources, including literature, laboratory, field and survey investigations, using appropriate analytical techniques; (5) communicate scientific information effectively through written reports, oral presentations, and the preparation of scientific and professional documents; and (6) apply critical thinking and professional scientific skills by working collaboratively, evaluating scientific evidence, responding constructively to feedback, and demonstrating a commitment to ethical practice and lifelong learning.

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 Yu Suk Choi and Dr Peter Mark

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

Major(s) MJD-ANHBY Anatomy and Human Biology (ID 1343)

Co-requisites

ANHB3315 Human Evolutionary Ecology
or ANHB3316 Human Reproduction
or ANHB3322 Human/Primate Social Organisation
or ANHB3331 Human Structure and Function - Limbs
or ANHB3330 Human Structure and Function - Head and Neck

Incompatibility

Unit(s) ANHB3310 Human Biology: Applications and Investigations I

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