Outline

Overview

The goal of this unit of study is to provide students with an opportunity to pursue independent research in an area of their choosing. The project must involve a new piece of research. Material which has been submitted for assessment in any other unit of study may not form part of the project. Before enrolling in this unit of study, the student must formulate in writing the topic of the research project and a statement of methodology. The topic of the research project and the methodology must be approved in writing by a member of the teaching staff who agrees to act as supervisor and to be responsible for assessment of the research project. This approval will not be given if the topic of the research project falls within the scope of another unit of study being offered in the same semester. Students must have a WAM of 70% or higher to be eligible to enrol in this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS3031 or LAWS3115 or LAWS3030 or LAWS3260 or LAWS5315 or LAWS5330 or LAWS5331
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Grant Hooper, grant.hooper@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Human Ethics Module Students complete RSCH9002 Human Ethics Module - General via Canvas.	0%	-	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research Proposal/Plan Students prepare a research proposal and submit it to potential supervisor.	0%	Week 02 Due date: 09 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Mar 2025	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Independent Research Paper Students pursue advanced research in an area of their choosing.	100%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Jun 2025	7,500 words / 12 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

The Independent Research Project (IRP) offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced research in an area of their choosing.

Research Proposal/Plan (0%)

To enrol in LAWS5360, Students will prepare a research proposal and submit it to an academic staff member (the student’s potential supervisor). The proposal does not have a prescribed form but will include the following as applicable:

ELEMENT	DESCRIPTION
Title	The title of the research proposal should be concise, descriptive, and it should provide a clear indication of the research question that the proposal will address.
Introduction	The introduction presents a brief overview of the chosen research topic, highlighting its relevance and significance in the legal field. It should also explain the rationale behind choosing this specific area of law for research.
Research Question	The research question is a concise statement that outlines the specific issue or issues that the research will address. It guides the entire research process and should be carefully formulated to ensure it is clear, focused and answerable.
Literature Review	The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of existing scholarly work related to the research topic. It helps to identify gaps in the current knowledge that the research aims to fill.
Theoretical Framework	The theoretical framework outlines the theories or concepts that will guide the research and analysis. It also explains the relationships between different concepts and how these theories will be applied to the research problem.
Methodology	The methodology section details the research methods that will be used to answer the research question. It includes the research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques. It should justify why these methods are appropriate for the research question.
Ethical Considerations	If the research involves human subjects, the proposal should address any ethical considerations associated with the research, and how they will be managed.
Timeline	The timeline presents an estimated schedule for the completion of different stages of the research project. This helps to ensure that the research is feasible within the given timeframe.
Budget	If applicable, the budget outlines any anticipated costs associated with conducting the research, such as travel for fieldwork or access to databases, and it outlines how these costs will be covered.
Preliminary Bibliography	The preliminary bibliography lists the primary and secondary sources that the researcher plans to use. This demonstrates familiarity with the relevant legal scholarship and ensures there are sufficient resources to support the research.
Expected Outcomes	The expected outcomes section outlines the potential contributions of the research to the field of law. It might discuss potential theoretical implications, practical applications, or policy recommendations.

Students are required to work with their supervisor to adapt their proposal into a research plan they will follow for the remainder of the semester.

This must be submitted via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) no later than Sunday 9 March 2025 at 11.59PM, Sydney, Australia time.

Human Ethics Module (0%)

Students must complete RSCH9002 Human Ethics Module - General via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) prior to commencing research.

Research essay (100%)

Under the limited supervision of an academic staff member of Sydney Law School, students undertake a 7,500-word research paper. The Independent Research Project must involve original research and writing and must not include material that has been previously submitted for assessment in any other unit of study. Students must submit their research paper by the last day of the semester, Sunday 1 June 2025 at 11.59PM, Sydney, Australia time.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and acknowledgements of permissible assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Use of editors or proofreaders: Students may use spelling and grammar tools integrated with common word processing applications/suites eg. Microsoft Office 365. Otherwise use of editors, proof-readers and/or automated writing tools (including translation software, grammar checkers, reference generators and artificial intelligence) are only to be used after discussing with and obtaining the approval of the Student’s supervisor. If approval is not provided for any editor, proof-reader or automated writing tool then they cannot be used. If approval is provided the use of any editor, proof-reader and/or automated writing tool must be acknowledged and consistent with University policies and procedures including Academic Integrity Policy. Acknowledgment must be made in writing on the front of the work submitted for assessment, or in an appropriate footnote or other reference, and state the name of the person or software.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85-100	Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research. Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75-84	Achieves a sustained, critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65-74	Covers main issues fairly well. Contains no significant errors Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50-64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the issues. Superficial use of material and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment.
Fail	0-49	Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. For example, a submission after the due time but before the same time the following day will attract a 10% penalty.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Learning outcomes
Ongoing	Supervision of research project	Project (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Supervision: Supervisory guidance is designed to facilitate a student's exploration of their project’s methodology and the literature review, thus fostering your familiarity with the subject. As part of this advanced research endeavour, senior students should adopt a more 'independent' stance. Beyond this initial level of supervision, the supervisor's role will transition towards assessing the project upon its completion.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer, and a link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at https://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476376 

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council & Universities Australia (2007). The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (Updated 2018), Commonwealth of Australia,

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. Formulate and articulate a comprehensive research proposal in a chosen area of law, demonstrating advanced cognitive skills and mastery of relevant methodologies.
LO2. Responsibly and ethically apply research strategies to a specific area of law incorporating the evaluation of primary and secondary sources
LO3. Innovate and produce a substantial piece of original legal research, demonstrating the ability to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
LO4. Critically self-evaluate and effectively communicate the research findings and the knowledge and understanding gained during the project, demonstrating the exercise of high-level judgment and adaptability.

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.

No changes have been made to this unit of study.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS5360: Independent Research Project

Semester 1, 2025 [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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links