Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Scientific investigations by an individual or a group of individuals from Australian Institutions require in-depth knowledge of the field of research. Literature reviews are undertaken by all researchers prior to commencing, (and throughout), their research projects. This unit will provide postgraduate students with the skills and strategies required for writing a critical literature review that may potentially be submitted for publication in the relevant Journals in the field.

This unit is taken over one semester (full-time) and is a core component of the SC71 Graduate Diploma in Applied Science, SC80 Master of Applied Science comprising the literature review component of the course.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the strategies required for writing a substantial critical literature review.

Objectives

After successfully completing this unit you will have:

1. A basic understanding of the requirements for writing a good literature review
2. An understanding of the characteristics of high quality research reviews
3. Confidence in writing a literature review
4. The necessary skills and strategies to write a publishable review of the scientific literature
5. Demonstrate the application of improved information retrieval and communication skills

Content

The unit consists of a retrieval and evaluation of current and relevant key literature in a research area of interest to the graduate and includes training in the critical analysis of scientific literature and reporting the analysis as a publication to other scientists in a publishable format.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

You will be guided in your work by your designated supervisor in the laboratory in which you plan to work.The supervisor will discuss and explain accepted scientific practice and guide you in the method of critically analysing peer-reviewed literature.

This review encourages a thorough reading, summary and critical analysis of the background literature. It is expected to be between 5,000 and 10,000 words (15-20 pages) and may include diagrams and tables that aid in identifying the knowledge gaps in the field, which make your project significant.

Assessment

You will be graded in this unit on the basis of a written literature review describing the background and aims of a laboratory based investigation in this field of research following a critical review of relevant nd current literature in the field.Formative assessment is undertaken following submission of draft copies of your literature review to your supervisor(s), who are expected to provide timely feedback on quality and content. Other staff of the Cell and Molecular Biosciences Discipline may be approached for advice on particular aspects of the review, but detailed critiques as are to be expected from your supervisors are subject to negotiation with individual staff members. This is intended for individual students, and the class as a whole, to have continuous feedback on the progress of their proposal.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: FORMAT

The format of the literature review should be as follows:

Title

This should include the full title of the literature review, your full name and student number, the name(s) of your principal (and associate) supervisor(s) and the date.

Summary/Abstract

This should be no more than 1-2 pages

Introduction/Overview

This section should provide a brief overview of the broad nature of the literature review.

Critical analysis of the literature (10-15pp)

This section should

(a) comprise a critical analysis of the literature synthesising the information acquired from the all of the literature reviewed. It should NOT consist of a chronological catalogue of research from the field.
(b) cover all points with relevant citations where appropriate
(c) provide a detailed background to the project

Subsections are encouraged. Tables and Figures should be included where necessary.

Relevance of your project to the literature reviewed (1-2pp)

This section should address the following questions:

(a) How does your project fill any knowledge gaps in your research area?
(b) How does your project answer any current disparity of results?
(c) What are the aims and objectives of your project?

Other Sections

You may include, if you wish, a list of Abbreviations, a Table of Contents and Acknowledgements in your literature review.

Conclusions (150 words)

References

References in the test should be cited thus: two authors, Smith and Jones (1984) or (Smith and Jones, 1984); three or more authors, Smith et al. (1984) or (Smith et al., 1984). References to papers by the same author(s) in the same year should be distinguished in the text and the reference list by the letters a, b, etc. (eg. 1980a, or 1981a, b).

* 60 references maximum is suggested, but this is a guide only
* References must be in full title in the reference section i.e. Smith, RM, Roberts, GH, Jones, TY and Clinton WH (1997) Viruses as vectors.Journal of Virology. 34, 112-11
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam period

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

There are no formal textbooks for this unit. It is expected that your supervisor(s) will assist in directing you to appropriate material in the recent reviews, texts and journal articles. There may be some costs associated with copying certain reference material.

Risk assessment statement

This unit conducted entirely as a self-directed learning module, and no risks beyond the ordinary need to be considered.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 04-Aug-2011