Key facts
UNE unit code: SCI499
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 12
Unit information

Successful completion of a research project is a clear sign of your capacity for critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, and excellent scientific communication.
This unit is designed to foster your development as a research professional, honing skills that will add value to your career.
Guided by an experienced supervisor, you will undertake a research project, the topic of which you will choose in consultation with our academic staff and the discipline area that is relevant to your study or career goals.
The unit offers you a real sense of what advanced academic research involves, allowing you to develop expertise in an area that you are passionate about.
Your Graduate Diploma in Science thesis represents an opportunity to demonstrate your specialised knowledge and communicate your findings. It should not exceed 14,000 words, excluding tables, plates, figures.
Equip yourself for lifelong, independent learning. Contact the unit coordinator today to find out more.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
| Year Long 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Year Long 1 | Online |
| Year Long 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Year Long 2 | Online |
| Year Long 3 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Year Long 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Some projects cannot be undertaken online. Advanced standing cannot be granted for this unit. The Approval for Enrolment Form can be downloaded from the link. This form is to be completed and submitted to the school for approval. At the discretion of the course coordinator, the program of study may include this unit and involves a project and a project report. The project topic must be approved in advance by the course coordinator on the recommendation of the head of school. The project may take the form of a design, a management plan, a literature review, or a field or laboratory investigation. A student is not permitted to enrol in this unit until the appropriate course coordinator has approved a topic and one or more project supervisors. The principal supervisor must be a member of UNE staff, within the School, and as approved by the Head of School.
The thesis will be assessed by at least two independent examiners (excluding the supervisor).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in a discipline of science that has been studied;
- interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to others covering a scientific discipline;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement and responsibility in conducting and reporting original research; and
- analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information from their own research and the scientific literature.
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.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis - Assurance Task | Yes | 100% | All offerings | Scientific report. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 14,000 |
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.*
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