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 provides an opportunity to identify a relevant nutrition area for further investigation and to undertake a research project or literature review, under the supervision of a qualified dietitian/nutritionist-practitioner or researcher.

Aims

To gain valuable skills in dietetic research and an opportunity to be involved in an original and independent research project or part thereof.

Objectives

At the end of this unit you should be able to:
1. design a research question and/ or specific project objectives;
2. critically appraise relevant literature and study designs;
3. utilise appropriate research strategies under the guidance of your supervisor to achieve specific project objectives;
4. produce a written research report of a professionally acceptable format and quality.

Content

The content will vary according to your interest and the expertise of your supervisor, subject to negotiation between yourself and your supervisor. You are expected to work independently on the project during the 13 week semester for approximately 24 hours per week, or part time equivalent.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is available for internal study. You are required to meet regularly with your supervisor while undertaking your research project/ literature review. Individual mentoring will form the major teaching approach. In this process, you are encouraged to work relatively independently and develop a critical questioning approach to learning.
Where appropriate, you are encouraged to attend the Advanced Information Retrieval Skills workshop organised through QUT Library.

Assessment

There are two assessments to be completed throughout the semester.Informal formative feedback will be provided by regular meetings (or communication) with your supervisor to outline progress and ensure objectives are met.
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit.
Participation in at least two Nutrition and Dietetic Research Seminars in the semester is required. This relates to learning outcome 1.

Assessment name: Oral Presentation
Description: You will be required to present an individual oral presentation of the results of your project.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Report
Description: You will be required to complete a written report of, 5000 - 7000 words. This report could be a research summary report or based on a journal article for an identified journal.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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 is no prescribed text.

Risk assessment statement

This unit may involve a workplace-based assignment. You should be aware of and abide by the health and safety requirements of the workplace and you are expected to undergo any induction or other training provided in the workplace for employees or visitors to the workplace as appropriate. In addition, substantial computer-based work will be required. You should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students.

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