Key facts
UNE unit code: ERS502
*You are viewing the 2026 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
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Extend your capacity to generate solutions for today’s environmental and rural sciences problems and undertake an enriching intellectual opportunity with this guided research unit.
Working independently, with the support of a mentor, this unit allows you to consolidate and apply the research knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your academic career.
Tailored to your individual study goals, in this unit you will explore a research topic in a specialist area of study, chosen in consultation with our experienced teaching and research staff.
You will have the opportunity to clearly demonstrate your research capacity by planning and designing a research project.
Fine tuning your critical thinking, technical and communication skills, the unit involves an advanced literature review as part of a high-quality, professional research proposal and research seminar.
Add value to your career and prove your expertise in a topic that you are passionate about.
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 |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
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 research knowledge and technical skills in the planning, design and analysis of a research project in a specialist area of study;
- demonstrate a theoretical and conceptual knowledge of, and critically reflect on, scientific literature and research as it relates to the specialist area of study;
- critically evaluate issues contributing to the professional and ethical standards of practice expected in the specialist area of study;
- demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge to new developments in the specialist area of study and work efficiently under a mentor within a collaborative research environment;
- apply communication skills to convey literature, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions resulting from the research; and
- demonstrate an ability to plan and deliver research a seminar.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-trimester Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Research Seminar - Assurance Task and Mid-Trimester Exam – Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Proposal Scope | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
| Research Project Proposal | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
| Research Seminar - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Online viva: 15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A. The online viva will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum 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.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Writing Science: How to Write Papers that get Cited and Proposals that get Funded
ISBN: 9780199760237
Schimel, J., Oxford University Press 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
The Scientist's Guide to Writing: How to Write More Easily and Effectively throughout Your Scientific Career
ISBN: 9780691219189
Heard, S.B., Princeton University Press 2nd Edition 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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