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

This unit consists of a weekly seminar with an honours coordinator. Some of the seminar sessions examine major aspects of developing a research project (in this case the honours dissertation): formulating a research question in relation to existing knowledge; developing a formal research proposal; supporting claims; structuring the dissertation; and advanced academic style. Students have the opportunity early in the semester to receive feedback on their draft research proposal from their peers in a supportive environment.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 4 elective
  • Honours core unit in Anthropology; Archaeology; Asian Studies; Communication and Media Studies; Linguistics; Political Science and International Relations; Work and Employment Relations [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
  • Honours core unit in Human Resource Management; Management; Marketing [Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)]
  • Honours core unit in Science Communication [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
  • Honours option in Gender Studies; Philosophy, Politics and Economics [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the research process in its various phases; (2) apply strong conceptual skills; (3) critically evaluate and synthesise existing knowledge/theories; (4) identify appropriate research methods to address different research questions; (5) identify the requirements of ethical research; (6) locate resources in their field and demonstrate their skills in building bibliographies; (7) apply advanced skills in oral presentations and academic writing; and (8) demonstrate high levels of competency in independent research in preparation for possible postgraduate studies.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research proposal; (2) research outline and annotated bibliography; and (3) presentation and participation. 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 Benjamin Smith
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
any Honours Programme
or a Masters dissertation project.
Incompatibility
COMM4101 Concepts in Communication, COMM7481 Honours Seminar 1 (Communication Studies)
Advisable prior study
Students must choose a broad topic for their research project and contact their chosen discipline to confirm if suitable supervision for their research project by a UWA staff member is available prior to starting this unit.
Contact hours
seminars: 4 hours per week
Note
Students enrolled in a Social Sciences Honours Programme must take this unit in Semester 1 (March-April intensive). This unit is not available for Social Sciences Honours (Archaeology, Anthropology, Linguistics, Communication and Media Studies, Political Science and International Relations, or Asian Studies) students in Semester 2.

Students not enrolled in Social Sciences Honours Programme may take the unit in Semester 1 (March-April intensive) or in Semester 2. Students wishing to take this unit in Semester 2 should contact their Student Advising Office.
  • 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.