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

INN401, INN402, INN403, INN404 is a 48 credit point project-based unit that can be studied over a number of semesters. Each semester students can enrol in one or more of its four 12 credit point sub-units. Assessment items are submitted and a final grade awarded only at the end of the final sub-unit ITN194.

The Honours course aims to introduce students to research; to understand what research is and to develop basic research skills. Research is best learned through doing. This unit provides you with an opportunity to learn about research by conducting a small research project together with an experienced researcher who acts as both supervisor and mentor. The unit is part of the compulsory core of the Science and Engineering Faculty Honours Courses (IT28 and IT29).

Aims

Research is about contributing to scientific knowledge. You will be expected to make such a contribution in your honours dissertation, although the size of that contribution will probably be relatively small as this is likely to be your first research project. The principle aim, however, is to provide you with basic research skills that you will be able to apply again in the future in other contexts, be they in a higher research degree, or applied to real-world problems in an industry setting. You will learn the types of processes, creativity and analytical thinking that leads to such scientific advances and how to communicate such findings in a rigorous scientific manner.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Understand and follow scientific processes in designing and implementing research projects (GC1).


2. Employ creative and analytical thinking to contribute to scientific knowledge (GC2).


3. Critically review scientific literature in a specialist field (GC4).


4. Effectively communicate results in both written and oral modes in a rigorous scientific manner (GC3).


5. Appreciate and respect the codes of conduct and ethics relating to conducting research (CG6)

Key Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

Your supervisor will lead you through the process of conducting a research project. This will include: formulating a research problem and later formalizing it into a research hypothesis; reviewing the scientific literature in the field; selecting and following an accepted research methodology; planning and carrying out the project; rigorously validating your research hypothesis and finally communicating your findings in a rigorous scientific manner.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The process of learning research is similar to that of an apprenticeship. You will work closely with a mentor who will share with you their research knowledge and experience as you work with them throughout the project. You will likely also have an associate supervisor who will often provide complementary advice and experience from what your supervisor can offer. You may also have the opportunity to work within a team of researchers, including PhD students and in some cases researchers from outside of QUT. You will be expected to present your work at seminars and you may be encouraged to try to publish your findings at scientific conferences or in scientific journals.

Assessment

You should meet at least weekly with your supervisor(s) to discuss your progress. You should also give a practice oral presentation prior to your official public seminar so that your supervisor(s) and others present can provide you with advice and feedback. You should also provide your supervisor(s) with drafts of your dissertation well prior to its final submission to again allow for feedback. Your dissertation will ultimately be assessed by two independent examiners who will provide you with written feedback on your final dissertation.Feedback will be made available on your progress.

Assessment name: Seminar & Poster
Description: 20-25 minute public seminar and A3 colour Poster
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: N/A

Assessment name: Written Report
Description: Written report (typically 50-100 pages). Worth: 70%
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9
Weight: 70%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: N/A

Assessment name: Research Process
Description: Supervisor's assessment of the research processes followed
Relates to objectives: 1, 6, 8 and 9
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: N/A

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

QUT Writing Theses and Dissertations web page

QUT Research Ethics web page (http://www.research.qut.edu.au/ethics)

Risk assessment statement

The health and safety risk in this unit will depend on the nature of the research project that you undertake. You should discuss these risks with your supervisor at the commencement of the project. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas and laboratories.

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: 12-Sep-2012