Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

All research students need an appreciation of a wide variety of potential approaches to conducting research and an understanding of the key issues that bear on such approaches. INN701 is an advanced unit aimed at research students who are soon to complete a detailed, rigorous and defensible design of their intended research project (e.g. Stage 2). Research students, coursework masters students and honours students intending undertaking a major research project should pursue INN701 either subsequent to, or in parallel with INN700.

This is an advanced unit designed for postgraduate research students who are involved in a substantive research project, or invited, advanced high-performing undergrads who are interested in gaining some exposure to research (for whom the INN700 co-requisite is waived). The unit is distinctive in that:
- it in many ways mirrors an advanced seminar series;
- it assumes that students are self-motivated and conscientious;
- it seeks to 'involve' students and anticipates that each student will have a very personal experience of their involvement (not something examinable);
- it does not aim to test knowledge, learning or understanding, but rather employs assessment to motivate student preparation and participation;
- it is designed for postgraduate research students and advanced high-performing undergrads (min 96cp and GPA>=6.0).
- it aims to be as flexible as possible.

Aims

This unit aims to expose you to advanced research topics building on the fundamental concepts covered in 'Introduction to Research' (INN700). The unit intends to offer students a range and choice of topics that are either directly relevant to and facilitate their research project, or which usefully broaden your understanding of research and the research process, thereby better equipping you for a possible research career. The unit too intends to offer research groups and individual staff a vehicle for addressing a variety of advanced topics felt to be of value to researchers in the faculty (students and staff). The unit is designed to be minimally demanding of volunteer module-leaders and students alike. It is intended to produce a stimulating environment in which students and the module-leader interact extensively.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate sound knowledge of a range of advanced research topics (e.g. case study, action research, quantitative analysis, experimentation, survey and philosophy of science - as the unit offers choice, and the topics available will vary, these are examples only) (GC1);
   
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically assess and evaluate alternative research perspectives and paradigms. (GC2);
   
3. Demonstrate the ability to design and critically evaluate alternative techniques and approaches (GC2);
   
4. Demonstrate the ability to select and execute advanced research techniques and approaches. (GC2);
   
5. Communicate effectively to present well-reasoned arguments in a logical and coherent manner (GC3) (GC2).

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

This unit includes a range of advanced research topics that vary each semester.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

In order to best facilitate intensive exposure, each topic will be addressed at a single, 6hr workshop. The sessions will typically involve highly interactive morning lectures and afternoon hands-on sessions and possibly paper critiques (though approach can vary). Each session will be conducted by a staff with deep knowledge of and direct experience of the session topic. The sessions are modular, and each stands alone individually. Students are encouraged to attend six modules in a single semester, but may, due to time conflicts and with approval, spread attendance across two semesters.

Assessment

There are two kinds of assessment in the Unit: (1) Mini-quizzes, and (2) Discussion. It is essential that readings are done in advance of sessions. Mini-quizzes normally run at the beginning of each main module (not for the Overview) and test that students have undertaken assigned readings for that session, the main objective being to insure attendees have completed the readings and are prepared for class discussion. The module Mini-quizzes will pertain only to 'Required' readings. NB: Module Leaders have latitude to design and administer the mini-quiz in the way they deem most effective. Variations from the standard approach are documented in the Week 1 Document on Blackboard. The unit is intended to be highly interactive and flexible, and content emphasis will be allowed to shift during the sessions in line with your interests and needs. At the end of each session, the module leader will score you on your classroom participation. Discussion has a weight of 10% per module. Your overall mark in the unit will be based on the best 5 of 6 participation/pre-test marks.The class size will be small. Feedback is given in class and at individual meetings and during consultation.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Response to a finite number of questions, usually multiple choice, short answer or a combination of both, with no invigilation
Relates to objectives: 1 and 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Participate in discussion throughout each module
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout 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.

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: 04-Jul-2012