Outline

Overview

Honours students undertake a supervised research project in a health discipline area within the Faculty. Each student will contribute to designing and/or implementing an approved research project and submit a thesis describing the project and its implications. Students will work closely with two co-supervisors who will guide their research activities through regular meetings. Students will attend seminars and workshops that support the research process and thesis development, including classes on research methods and statistics, ethics, library skills, writing a literature review, and presentation skills. Students will engage regularly with their supervisors for individual academic and research supervision.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Health Sciences
Credit points	24
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sophie Lewis, sophie.lewis@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Research proposal rejoinder video Research proposal rejoinder video	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59	5-minute recorded video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Research methods test In class test on research methods.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2026 at 13:00 Closing date: 21 Apr 2026	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research proposal Written research proposal and plan for research	50%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	4000 words max	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: In semester research methods test (30% of final grade). Due Week 8

Assessment 2: Research proposal (50% of final grade). 4000 words max. Due Week 10

Assessment 3: Research proposal rejoinder video (20% of final grade). 5-minute recorded video. Due Week 15 Tuesday 9 June 2026.

Detailed information for each asssessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Exceptional standard of work, showing depth and sophistication
Distinction	75 - 84	A very high standard of work
Credit	65 - 74	A good standard of work
Pass	50 - 64	An acceptable standard of work
Fail	0 - 49	Not meeting the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Honours Overview: Orientation, Professionalism and Research Integrity	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Research Foundations and Concepts	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Preparing a Protocol I: Literature Review	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	Reviews, Experiments and Quasi-experimental studies	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Preparing a Protocol II: Sampling and Recruitment	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	Preparing a Protocol III: Data Collection	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	Preparing a Protocol V: Data Analysis	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 08	In-Semester Research Methods Test	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 09	Quantitative Analysis and Reporting I	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	Qualitative Analysis and Reporting I	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	Qualitative Analysis and Reporting II	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	Quantitative Analysis and Reporting II	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	Quantitative Analysis and Reporting III	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	Qualitative Analysis and Reporting III	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	Quantitative Analysis and Reporting IV	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	Qualitative Analysis and Reporting IV	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	Communicating Research	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to participate in discussions and activities. Attendance of less than 80% of the scheduled seminar classes must be supported by written documentation.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 24 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 480-600 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas for required and recommended readings.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. study and work independently and in teams
LO2. manage schedules and resources
LO3. propose research that will increase knowledge in the area of interest
LO4. know the ethical principles of research and adhere to them
LO5. understand quantitative and qualitative approaches to research
LO6. conduct a literature review and write it up
LO7. investigate a topic under supervision, including data collection and analysis
LO8. demonstrate the ability to orally present ideas and research findings and respond to questions.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is taught in conjunction with HSBH4101. Based on student feedback we have made changes to the timing and type of assessment. The unit content and assessment has been designed to support you to successfully complete your Honours research project, complementing the work that you will be doing on your Honours research project with your supervisors. We encourage you to take full advantage of the support provided. Please feel free to ask questions and seek assistance whenever needed. It's common to find the workload in Honours challenging. Staying organised and keeping pace with your studies is crucial. We also advise moderating any external work commitments to ensure a positive experience and successful completion of your project.

Additional information

This is an outgoing, 24-cp unit with joint classes with unit HSBH4101 (instead of having a separate timetable). Please make sure you have access to the HSBH4101/ BHSC4005 Canvas site.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BHSC4005: Honours Thesis A

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links