The "Research Topics Physics" course is designed to give students the opportunity to individually connect to active researchers/research groups at the ANU to participate in cutting edge physics activities through appropriately designed projects with a commitment at a level equivalent to that required for a 6 unit course. The students will learn approaches to 'real' physics problems, how to communicate results to their peers and develop an understanding how physics research works in an academic environment. Students are advised to contact the Academic Contact for information on available projects.
The Research Topics Physics course is offered as an Honours Pathway Course. It will enhance students research skills and prepare students well for the research component of the honours year.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic.
- Systematically identify relevant theoretical concepts and models, and relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence.
- Keep accurate and detailed records of work undertaken, including literature review, lab work or computational work.
- Engage constructively with researchers/research teams working on active scientific projects.
- Critically evaluate their own work and results, as well as results reported in the literature.
- Communicate research concepts, contexts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Indicative Assessment
- Formal written report (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Laboratory Performance/Logbook providing continuous evidence of the student's research efforts and conceptual development (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Oral Presentation (20) [LO 6]
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
Approximately 130 hours (per 6 units of enrolment) of total student learning time made up of independent student research, reading and writing. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor and attend all supervisory meetings.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Physics to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None
Assumed Knowledge
The project supervisor and course convenor will judge if the student’s background is sufficient for a successful implementation of the project.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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1150 | 01 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics Topic #1 | ||||||
| 2694 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| Physics Topic #2 | ||||||
| 2695 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| Physics Topic #3 | ||||||
| 2696 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics Topic #1 | ||||||
| 7686 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| Physics Topic #2 | ||||||
| 7687 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| Physics Topic #3 | ||||||
| 7688 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |