Key facts
UNE unit code: SCI500
*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
- 6
Unit information

Fine tune the high-level skills and knowledge you will need to pursue advanced scientific research in the topics that you are passionate about, with this research methods unit.
Guided by UNE’s experienced academic and research staff, you will prepare for a project - developing a study plan and exploring the stages of project development. You will conduct a literature review and project plan (including your proposed goals, methods, analysis, budget considerations and timeline), and present these orally.
Giving you a real sense of what life as a researcher involves, this unit will help you to hone skills in planning, methodology and scientific communication that are critical to successful research.
You will have opportunities to learn about proposal development, library research services, scientific experimentation, statistical analysis, seminar presentation, bibliographic and referencing systems, addressing thesis assessment criteria and thesis structure.
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 |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Candidates must consult the relevant course coordinator before enrolling for SCI500. Download the Approval for Enrolment Form to apply for enrolment in the unit.
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 specialist knowledge and technical research skills in the planning, design and execution of a research project in a specialist area of study;
- demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of, and critically reflect on, scientific research as it relates to the specialist area of study;
- critically evaluate and theorise on issues contributing to the professional and ethical standards of practice expected in the specialist area of study;
- apply communication skills to convey methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions resulting from the project to audiences ranging from experts to those with no knowledge of the specialist area of study;
- demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge to new developments in the specialist area of study; and
- demonstrate an ability to plan and deliver research seminars.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Research proposal - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Research proposal. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 - Literature Review | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Literature review. No. Words: 4000 |
| Assessment 3 - Oral presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Oral 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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