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

The Scientific Communication research units HMSC4001 and HMSC4008 are taken over two successive semesters, and both must be completed to fulfil the requirements of the combined dissertation. Students commence the unit HMSC4001 in semester 1 and HMSC4008 in semester 2. Part 1 consists of supervisor-supported identification and reading of the literature relevant to the area of research, development of a critical review of the literature and, where appropriate, a specific set of aims and hypotheses. Students receive formal instruction in the practice of scientific writing and complete formative writing exercises prior to submission of a written research proposal encompassing a literature review, aims and hypotheses and experimental design. Part 2 consists of a series of instructional tutorials with the whole honours group, individual students, with the guidance of their supervisors, present a final seminar to the School. Students also complete an oral defence of the research dissertation. Participation in research group meetings, if available, and an appropriate formal research meeting such as SHS HDR Student Expo, SWAN or equivalent is also required.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1OnlineOnline timetabled
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours core unit in Anatomy and Human Biology; Neuroscience; Physiology [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) critically evaluate current knowledge within a specific area of human sciences; (2) recognise gaps in the knowledge of a field which could be addressed within a few months of research; (3) demonstrate the place of their research topic within the theoretical field and within the methodological spectrum; (4) communicate scientific ideas in written format; (5) identify key findings and choose relevant information for communication; (6) demonstrate intellectual 'ownership' of the piece of research completed; (7) orally communicate research findings; and (8) interpret scientific data.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: continuing assessment. 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)
Professor Shane Maloney and Associate Professor Cyril Grueter
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
or BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
or HON-PHYGY Physiology
or HON-NEURS Neuroscience
or HON-ANHBY Anatomy and Human Biology
Co-requisites
Enrolment in HMSC5004 Research Methods in Human Sciences and
APHB5514 Honours Dissertation Part 1
and APHB5515 Honours Dissertation Part 2
or Enrolment in
NEUR5514 Neuroscience Honours Dissertation Part 1
and NEUR5515 Neuroscience Honours Dissertation Part 2
Advisable prior study
Students are expected to have an undergraduate major in the field of biomedical or health sciences.
Students without this background should contact the unit coordinator before enrolling.
Contact hours
scheduled meetings with supervisors to plan, develop and review the research project and its scientific context: approximately 1 hour per week
formal research meetings: approximately 1 hour per week
tutorials to formally develop written and oral communication skills: approximately 1 hour per week
  • 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.