This course allows a special topic of study for individuals or small groups of students who wish to gain particular or additional knowledge in a topic in earth science not covered in other courses taught in the School or elsewhere in the University.
The course will consist of an Earth Science research project relevant to a student's coursework. The details of the project will be negotiated between the student and the supervisor/s and be approved by the Research School of Earth Science Associate Director of Education.
The course is intended mainly for third-year students and can provide a useful introduction to self directed research and therefore a useful precursor to an Honours year.
Before permission is given to enrol, students are required to complete additional paperwork at the Research School of Earth Sciences. Please email Student.Admin.RSES@anu.edu.au or telephone 61258321 for guidance on this process.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen earth science research topic.
- Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Keep accurate and detailed records of work undertaken, including literature review, lab or field work.
- Work constructively with active researchers on real research problems.
- Critically evaluate their own work and results, as well as results reported in the literature.
- Communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
Indicative Assessment
- Written Proposal - due in week 6 (10% LO 1-6) (10) [LO null]
- Seminar/Oral Presentation — due in week 12 (20% LO 6) (20) [LO null]
- Written Report — due 5pm last day of semester (70% LO 1-6) (70) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Expected to be approximately 130 hours
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Earth Sciences to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Assumed Knowledge
EligibilityAt least 96 units towards the BSc degree and approval of the Associate Director - Education.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1187 | 01 Jan 2025 | 24 Jan 2025 | 24 Jan 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | In Person | N/A |
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2700 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5191 | 01 Apr 2025 | 02 May 2025 | 02 May 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6191 | 01 Jul 2025 | 18 Jul 2025 | 18 Jul 2025 | 30 Sep 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7681 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9178 | 01 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | In Person | N/A |