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Introduction to Family History unit (HAA003)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Online

Introduction

Introduction to Family History is designed for people interested in their own family histories or genealogy in general. You will learn how to efficiently plan and accurately record your family history using family history research principles and practices. The unit will teach you how to critically evaluate a range of online family history resources for accuracy and reliability. You will also learn how to communicate your findings in clear writing that is accurately referenced. Online discussion forums will enable you to communicate with fellow students as you embark upon your research journey.

Summary

Unit name Introduction to Family History
Unit code HAA003
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline History and Classics
Coordinator Doctor Imogen Wegman
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Foundation or Enabling

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Term 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Term 1 1/2/2026 16/2/2026 11/3/2026 18/4/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of family history principles and planning
  • Locate and use major family history repositories and records
  • Critically evaluate sources for accuracy and reliability
  • Present your genealogical work clearly and cogently, taking into account the contexts within which your ancestors lived

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090305 $2,174.00 $1,020.00 not applicable $2,249.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Weekly online learning materials (e.g. short video lectures, discussions, readings, activities) (approx. 3 hours)

AssessmentResearch skills task (20%)|Online quizzes (40%)|Research report (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All learning materials for this unit, including required readings, are provided week by week in our MyLO site. You do not need to purchase a text book.

If you are looking for a general text about Australian family history research, we recommend:

Danny O’Neill (ed.), Family History for Beginners and Beyond, 16th edn, Heraldry & Genealogical Society of Canberra Inc., 2020.

Danielle Lautrec, The Good Genealogist: How To Improve the Quality of Your Family History Research, Society of Australian Genealogists, 2022.
Recommended

UTAS Family History provides a Reading List of optional and useful resources on a range of different topics relevant to your research.

You can find the Family History Program Reading List:

  • on the Reading Lists page on the University Library website (search for 'Family History Program')
  • under Content > Research Materials in the UTAS Family History Common Room on MyLO.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.