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)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2UWA (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
73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 53560 Master of Physics (specialisation in Medical Physics)
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.
  • 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.