Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This 48 credit point project extends the range of applied research options for Master of Health Science students to undertake. The project is designed to be a workplace-based unit that enables students to undertake a concentrated applied research project in a specific area of interest in the workplace and to combine work requirements and study requirements. It enables students to concentrate on a specific area of interest and to apply intellectual rigour to that area to complete a project of work to a master's standard.

Aims

To undertake an applied research project in a specific area of interest in the workplace.

Objectives

The course aims and objectives are designed to accommodate a broad range of health professionals to undertake postgraduate study. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in a wide range of specialist areas as well as completing a range of research options. This unit extends the range of options available to students undertaking the research option by broadening the choice for 48 credit points to include a project. At the conclusion of the unit students should be able to:

1. Develop a detailed understanding of an applied research area in the workplace through the application of knowledge and skills to that problem;
   
2. Undertake an applied research strategy that enables the assimilation of information, a critical analysis of that information and the development of solutions to the issue;
   
3. Through critical analysis and problem solving develop a set of recommendations that draw to a conclusion the applied research and/or that recommend further activity or research.

Content

It is strongly recommended that students undertake at least one of the research units before commencing this project. The substance of this project should be undertaken with a Faculty of Health supervisor and a supervisor in the workplace. Whilst the project will concentrate on applied research skills it will be necessary for the student to complete all or most of the following aspects of research:

1. A literature review or at least an assimilate of relevant, up-to-date literature in the area of study and some application of that literature to the problem or issue being dealt with;
   
2. The development and application of an applied research methodology to the area under study;
   
3. A discussion of major points arising from the application of relevant methods; and
   
4. Drawing some conclusions and recommendations from the study.

Because the project will be undertaken in a variety of workplaces each student in consultation with the supervisor will need to consider the workplace health and safety issues relevant to the particular study and the individual workplace where the project will be undertaken.

This unit will develop applied research skills, written communication skills and negotiation and consultation skills through the process of identifying a topic area for study and the application of applied research skills to the area.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will foster critical enquiry, intellectual debate and a commitment to professionalism and ethical practice. Teaching and learning approaches will be self-directed and will foster and develop applied research skills, critical thinking and synthesis of information into a coherent whole.

Assessment name: Formative Assessment
Description: The formative assessment components will be based on completion of aspects of the research project and timely feedback from supervisors. It will be designed to provide the student with relevant feedback about aspects of the applied research from its initial development to the completion of the project. The time and number of formative assessment sessions will be related to the individual student and the particular applied research project being undertaken.
Relates to objectives: -
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continual

Assessment name: Summative Assessment
Description: Summative assessment will be undertaken at the conclusion of the project. This will entail a final written report, or two refereed journal articles submitted for publication or a series of smaller reports that in consultation with the supervisor are agreed upon at the commencement of the project and that combined add up to 100 %. Suggested word length is 15,000 words.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBC

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

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

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: 17-Oct-2012