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 unit is aimed at students undertaking a major research project (see above concurrent enrolment requirements). In order to pursue such a project, you must have some insight into the range of possible approaches to research available. Before commencing the research proper, it is necessary to review related literature in depth and prepare a detailed proposal outlining the research question, design and project plan. Quality control and good project management must be exercised throughout the research project. Main items of assessment pertain to each student's unique, research project being pursued in parallel.

Aims

This unit aims to give you insight into the range of possible approaches to research, to develop the skills needed to prepare your literature review and research proposal and to assist you in planning and managing time and resources.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Recognise the variety of IT research and the scientific processes necessary for designing and implementing research projects (GC1);
2. Critically evaluate research reports and proposals (GC2) (GC3);
3. Produce a well formulated annotated bibliography (GC2) (GC3);
4. Produce a well formulated literature review (GC2) (GC3);
5. Produce a well formulated research proposal and project plan (GC2) (GC3);
6. Document research issues in the form of a Decision Resolution (CG2) (CG4)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
CG4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

In this unit you are introduced to the research process, research quality control, research project management and research design. You will examine how to source relevant literature, critique results, manage a research project, and how to write a research proposal.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The content of the unit is delivered through lectures, guest sessions, self-study, formal individual meetings, development of research project deliverables, formal presentations.

Assessment

Study Groups form week 4, commence week 5, and run through week 12. Each student will present once at Study Group and thereafter submit a Decision Resolution as email attachment (see separate Week 1 Document). All main written assessment is submitted through Assignment Minder. It is mandatory that all enrolled students present their proposal during the final week of semester. ALL assessment pertains to the student's own, unique research project.Feedback is given through timely return of assignments with comments, individual meetings, project clinics, consultation and ongoing ready access to the lecturer or tutor throughout.

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Participate in class and in study groups and report on presentations at study groups; oral presentation of student's own proposal that typically will include visual materials (e.g. Powerpoint slides)
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Interim Working Documents (Annotated Bibliography & Literature Review)
Annotated Bibliography - A list of relevant literature on your research topic; each entry includes a brief description of its relevance to the topic. Literature Review - written paper based on systematic and explicit identification, evaluation and interpretation of existing bodies of work as they pertain to your research topic. Note that while the Annotated Bibliography is recommended, only the Literature Review is handed in and assessed.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, and 6
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Wk10 (calendar wk10)

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: Written paper that integrates the research question(s), literature and method(s) in a feasible research plan.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, and 5
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

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

Nil

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Except in unusual circumstances, students in this subject should have a project in mind and have organised a supervisor. IF you (1) are NOT associated with a research group; (2) DON'T have a supervisor; and (3) DON'T have a topic, THEN you are seriously disadvantaged as compared with those students who do. IF you have all of the above and are intending to produce a serious piece of research, then you would be producing ALL of the assessment required of INN700 regardless of whether you are doing this subject or not, and THUS it is expected to facilitate rather than distract from your research goals. IF HOWEVER, you are NOT producing these deliverables, THEN the subject can be onerous.

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: 20-Mar-2013