Research Skills & Academic Writing

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About Course

Course Code: AS04

Program: Academic Success Program

Course Overview: Research and academic writing enable students to investigate questions, evaluate evidence, develop reasoned arguments, and communicate ideas clearly. These capabilities are essential for assignments, research projects, presentations, and professional development.

This course equips students to conduct academic research, find and evaluate sources, organise evidence, write structured arguments, apply citations and referencing responsibly, uphold academic integrity, and communicate research findings effectively.

Learning Outcomes

  • Conduct effective academic research and evaluate sources critically
  • Develop structured, evidence-based academic arguments
  • Write clearly and professionally
  • Apply referencing, citation, and academic-integrity practices correctly
  • Present academic ideas and research findings effectively

Target Audience: University students completing assignments, research projects, reports, presentations, or other evidence-based academic work.

Learning Experience: Students engage through video overviews, audio deep dives, study guides, practical examples, reflection prompts, workbook activities, applied tasks, knowledge checks, and end-of-module quizzes. Activities support academic inquiry, source evaluation, evidence organisation, argument development, responsible citation, and clear research communication.

Course Structure: 5 modules / 20 lessons.

Special Feature: Every module concludes with a Putting It All Together audio deep dive that connects the key lessons and supports reflection and practical application.

Pathway Focus: Research critically. Write with evidence. Communicate academic ideas clearly.

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Course Content

Course Introduction

  • AS04 Research Skills & Academic Writing
    04:51

Research Foundations & Academic Inquiry
Module Overview: Research is a core part of university learning. Strong research skills help students investigate questions, evaluate information, develop evidence-based arguments, and contribute meaningfully to academic discussions. This module introduces the foundations of academic research and inquiry. Learning Focus: Understanding Academic Research Asking Research Questions The Research Process Inquiry, Curiosity & Evidence-Based Learning Lesson Sequence: Understanding Academic Research Asking Research Questions The Research Process Inquiry, Curiosity & Evidence-Based Learning

Finding & Evaluating Academic Sources
Module Overview: Strong academic work depends on the ability to locate reliable information, evaluate source credibility, and organize research materials effectively. University students must learn how to use academic databases, scholarly sources, and digital research tools responsibly. This module helps students develop practical academic source evaluation and research organization skills. Learning Focus: Finding Academic Sources Evaluating Source Credibility Scholarly vs Non-Scholarly Sources Organizing Research Materials & References Lesson Sequence: Finding Academic Sources Evaluating Source Credibility Scholarly vs Non-Scholarly Sources Organizing Research Materials & References

Academic Writing & Argument Development
Module Overview: Academic writing helps students communicate ideas clearly, present evidence effectively, and develop logical arguments. Strong writing skills are essential for assignments, research papers, reports, presentations, and professional communication. This module helps students build structured academic writing and argument-development skills. Learning Focus: Understanding Academic Writing Thesis Statements & Argument Development Paragraph Structure & Evidence Integration Academic Tone, Clarity & Writing Improvement Lesson Sequence: Understanding Academic Writing Thesis Statements & Argument Development Paragraph Structure & Evidence Integration Academic Tone, Clarity & Writing Improvement

Referencing, Citations & Academic Integrity
Module Overview: Academic integrity is a foundation of university learning and professional ethics. Students must learn how to acknowledge sources properly, avoid plagiarism, paraphrase effectively, and apply referencing systems correctly. This module helps students develop responsible academic writing and citation practices. Learning Focus: Understanding Academic Integrity Referencing & Citation Systems Paraphrasing, Summarizing & Avoiding Plagiarism Ethical Research & Responsible Academic Practice Lesson Sequence: Understanding Academic Integrity Referencing & Citation Systems Paraphrasing, Summarizing & Avoiding Plagiarism Ethical Research & Responsible Academic Practice

Research Projects & Academic Communication
Module Overview: Research is most valuable when students can communicate ideas clearly, present findings effectively, and collaborate professionally with others. Universities increasingly expect students to present research confidently through reports, presentations, discussions, and group projects. This module helps students strengthen academic communication, research presentation, and collaborative project skills. Learning Focus: Communicating Research Findings Academic Presentations & Public Speaking Collaborative Research & Group Projects Professional Academic Communication & Lifelong Research Skills Lesson Sequence: Communicating Research Findings Academic Presentations & Public Speaking Collaborative Research & Group Projects Professional Academic Communication & Lifelong Research Skills

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