Key facts

UNE unit code: SCI495

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Year Long 1 - On Campus
  • Year Long 1 - Online
  • Year Long 2 - On Campus
  • Year Long 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 12

Unit information

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Equip yourself for lifelong, independent learning with this flexibly delivered unit. Designed to foster your development as a research professional, you will hone skills that will add value to your career.

Studying this unit, you will undertake a research project and present your findings via oral presentations and written reports, including a 9000-word thesis.

Guided by an experienced supervisor, the unit offers you a real sense of what advanced academic research involves and provides you with an opportunity to develop expertise in a scientific discipline that you are passionate about.

Successful completion of a research project is a clear sign to potential employers and academic supervisors of your capacity for critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, and excellent scientific communication.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Year Long 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Year Long 1Online
Year Long 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Year Long 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
(96cp with a GPA of 5.5 or better) or (candidature in a postgraduate award); and permission of head of school

Notes

Advanced standing cannot be granted for this unit.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Peter Lye
Peter LyeAssociate Professor of Chemistry - School of Science and Technology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate advanced knowledge in a detailed area of Science or Health Science;
  2. design and conduct a research project;
  3. present project findings in a professional manner; and
  4. critically assess scientific or health science research studies.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1 - Research preparationYes20%All offerings

Research preparation.

No. Words: 1000

Assessment 2 - Thesis - Assurance TaskYes60%All offerings

Thesis.  To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.

No. Words: 5000

Assessment 3 - Literature ReviewYes10%All offerings

Literature Review or Ethics Application.

No. Words: 1000

Assessment 4 - Presentation - Assurance TaskYes10%All offerings

20 minute presentation.  To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

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