Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit is designed to provide the basis for students to experience and develop skills in the primary components of research. The transition from undergraduate scholar to independent researcher requires both general and specific thinking and practical research skills, together with research strategies additional to those obtained in an undergraduate degree. As part of the training for a career in research this unit will include experience and training in cross-disciplinary and extra-disciplinary research skills and strategies.

Aims

The primary aim of this unit is to introduce and develop the intellectual and practical skills necessary to understand and apply the scientific method, to understand the scientific, ethical, social, and commercial implications of research, to assist in evaluating useful and pragmatic options in research, and to communicate research ideas and outcomes effectively.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should:
1) Be able to actively participate in critical discussions on research in the context of the scientific method.
2) Possess excellent information retrieval skills and have learned how to collect, critically analyse, and collate scientific literature.
3) Have acquired and developed skills in critical analysis of research methods and data, project design and conduct, and time management.
4) Have acquired and applied skills in the oral and written presentation of scientific information.
5) Be able to participate actively in forums aimed at developing a collaborative and interactive group approach in research.

Content

The unit content is comprised of topics of general and specific components of research strategies, and is formatted in teaching lectures and seminars, and student participation and seminars.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Formal contact time for the unit of two hours per week, at which attendance must be at least 80%, includes multiple approaches to teaching and learning. Specialists in specific areas (information retrieval, information technology, grant writing, authorship and publication, statistics, intellectual property) will present lectures or seminars on their topic followed by discussion periods. For other sessions, you will bring topics for discussion and debate, make short oral presentations, and participate in structured seminars. Certain sessions will require you to carry out literature data searches to gather information. You will also be expected to attend the external research seminars, and to participate actively in these sessions by asking questions. For your final oral (seminar) presentation, your supervisor(s) and other members of the research group, and possibly your fellow students, will provide comment during trial presentations. Arrangements will be made for at least one such trial for each student, but you may wish to arrange, independently, further such sessions with staff and students.

Assessment

The assessment for this unit is comprised of:
1) A Final seminar (50%)
2) A report from supervisor(s) on performance over the courseFeedback will be provided in oral or written form on progress during the unit classes and for each of the assessment items.

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: An oral seminar presented to staff, visiting scientists, and other students. Details of the requirements for this seminar are provided in the Honours Booklet. Assessment is based on scientific quality, logic and argument, clarity, use of illustrations, and answers to questions. Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Final month of unit

Assessment name: Student negotiated assessment
Description: A report from supervisor(s) on performance over the course. You are assessed for effort and efficiency, problem solving capacity, innovation, self motivation and direction, and amount of assistance in preparing assessment items.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Viva voce
Description: An interview with staff of the discipline area of 15 to 20 minutes duration involving discussion of the research project and of written feedback and comments provided by reviewers on the written paper (Assessment item 1). This is an opportunity for consideration of circumstances affecting performance during the year, and for moderation of grades as necessary.
Relates to objectives: 1, 4, 5
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

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

There are no formal texts set for this unit, but individual supervisors will be able to direct you to where to begin your searches for information about your specialised area of investigation. Copies of requirements for the unit are provided in the Honours Booklet available from the Unit Coordinator. Facilities for preparation of presentations are available within the university. Other materials will be supplied as required during the formal sessions.

Risk assessment statement

This unit is conducted entirely in traditional lecture or seminar room settings, 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: 13-Sep-2012