SCI3990 Science in action research project
The SCI3990 Science in action research project aims to immerse you in authentic scientific research, providing valuable insight into the methodology and execution of research endeavours. This unit offers you the opportunity to embark on an individual research project within your field of study, facilitating close collaboration with your supervisor who will serve as your mentor throughout the semester. Your supervisor will assist you in refining experimental designs, selecting appropriate research methodologies, interpreting results, as well as with composing the final assessments. These experiences will enhance your proficiency in preparation for advanced research pursuits or professional endeavours.
The project will take place within the teaching and research laboratories of the School of Science, supplemented by essential background readings. Your schedule will be decided between you and your supervisor. In addition to hands-on laboratory work, the Unit will cover compulsory formal topics such as occupational health and safety (OH&S), library workshops, oral presentations, and report submissions to enrich your academic and professional skill set.
This unit is offered every semester (Semester 1, 2 and Summer). The contact hours are approximately 12 hours per week. You must maintain regular contact with your supervisor and Unit Coordinator.
1. Submit the SCI3990 Expression of Interest form. EMO will check your eligibility to enrol into SCI3990. You will receive an outcome of the assessment via email in 3-5 working days.
- EOI form closing date: Semester 2, 2026: 6 July 2026 (3 weeks before Semester starts)
- Eligibility criteria: You must pass 24 credit points of second level studies with a distinction average including a minimum of 12 credit points in the discipline.
2. Find a supervisor and research project. After you receive the approval email, look through the SCI3990 projects on offer for the semester you are enrolling in. Once you identify a project you’re interested in, contact the supervisor to discuss the project and obtain their approval.
- Semester 2, 2026 Topics
Note: You are required to show a recent copy of your academic transcript to your supervisor.
3. Complete the Supervisor Approval Form. Download a copy of the supervisor approval form and complete it. Your supervisor needs to sign on the form.
4. Submit the enrolment amendment form in Student Online Forms (SORS). Go to Home > Enrol > Enrolment amendment form and key in SCI3990 in the “Added units” section. Attach the completed Supervisor Approval Form in “Attachment”.
- Deadline to submit enrolment amendment form: 13 July 2026 (2 weeks before semester starts)
Note: Enrolment amendment forms submitted without the Supervisor Approval Form will be rejected.
It is compulsory for SCI3990 students to attend the induction briefing before you can start the unit. The induction briefing will be held on 24 July 2026 (Friday of O-week) and you need to attend it in person. Remember to coordinate your travel arrangements to come back to campus in time for the briefing.
- Semester 1, 2026 Induction Briefing: 24 July 2026 (Friday of O-week), time and location TBA via Moodle.
Semester 2, 2026 teaching period will be from 27 July 2026 - 18 Nov 2026.
Coordinator: Dr. Irene Ling
Email address: ireneling@monash.edu
Office: Room 4-8-41 (Building 4, Level 8)
Info session details for
- Semester 2, 2026: to be updated soon.
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Students must pass 24 credit points of second level studies with a distinction average including a minimum of 12 credit points in the discipline directly relevant to the project.
Take the average of your best four Level 2 Science units (2 of the units need to be in the discipline directly relevant to the project you’re interested in). Your average needs to be higher than 70% to be eligible to enrol into SCI3990.
Step 2: Review the list of topics here for Semester 1, 2024.
Step 3: Email your potential supervisors to discuss your interest on the selected topics.
Step 4: Apply and seek approval from the Unit Coordinator through the Application for SCI3990 Science in action research unit form.
Step 5: You will receive a notification email from us on the outcome of your application within 5 working days after your submission. If your application is approved, follow the instructions in the email to enrol into SCI3990 by completing the Enrolment Amendment Form via the Student Online Request System (SORS).
Applications to enrol in SCI3990 will close 2 weeks before the start of the unit.
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