Units
Research Methods
Unit code: UDB301
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Research Methods will introduce students to the range of methods and techniques that may be utilised in examining questions related to professional practice. A comprehensive overview of research methods will be provided in order that students are able to contribute to research as a part of their professional practice, and to enable them to critically analyse research findings and publications.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- UD40
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Skills in research methods are essential to development of professional competency in the fields associated with urban development. This unit functions as both an introduction to the skills of research design and analysis, and also as a precursor to the development of questions and techniques relevant to the completion of more advanced research projects and dissertations undertaken as part of subsequent components of your course structure.
For UD40 students, UDB301 must be completed before enrolment in BEB801 or BEB802.
Aims
The unit aims to develop your research skills that you can use as part of advanced research projects or dissertations in your future course of study or in your employment.
Objectives
1. Develop and formulate research questions and plans.
2. Demonstrate coherent practical and theoretical knowledge related to the conduct, communication and presentation of research.
3. Be able to select, use and defend appropriate methods for the conduct of research.
Content
1. Research design (formulating research questions, research plan).
2. Research methodology.
3. Data analysis and presentation.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode:
(Week 1-3, 8-10 and 13) Lecture: 2 hours
(Week 2-13) Tutorial: 1.5 hours
Learning Approaches:
In this unit we introduce you to the research process and methods, and how research can be used as a tool for problem solving in academic and workplace scenarios. Lectures will be held in the weeks indicated above with the purpose of introducing key concepts and identify areas of discussion and academic debate, and to develop critical inquiry and problem solving skills. Tutorials will be held in weeks 2-13 where you will be mentored through the poster and research proposal development.
Assessment
QUT's Assessment Policy is located at MOPP C/5.1.
Assessment will be based on the practical application of skills related to the development of research questions and objectives, the development of a research methodology, and the critical analysis of research publications. The research proposal and methodology completed as assessment for this unit are also of benefit to students considering completing more advanced research or a dissertation as a part of their studies.Continuous formative assessment in the form of assistance and feedback will be offered by teaching staff and tutors during the course of lectures and tutorials to assist your development, poster and research proposal.
Assessment name:
Poster Presentation
Description:
Topical Research Roadmap
You are required to develop a poster and make a 10 minutes in-class presentation on your chosen topic using the poster as the key resource.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 7
Assessment name:
Project (research)
Description:
Research Proposal
You will be required to prepare a written proposal identifying your research topic and its relevance, reviewing a selection of relevant literature and outlining your research methodology, and a timeline for implementing your project.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Recommended text:
Please refer to the unit Blackboard site: http://blackboard.qut.edu.au
Cite/Write website: http://www.citewrite.qut.edu.au
Risk assessment statement
Students in this unit will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no out of the ordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
Additional Costs:
There is a one-off printing cost associated with the poster development (assessment item 2).
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: 24-Jan-2013
