Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The purpose of this unit is to enable you to carry out an independent enquiry within a professionally related area. An introduction to the research process is important preparation for future postgraduate studies.

Aims

This full year 12 CP unit will assist you to develop skills in researching information and reporting writing as independent learners. The aim is to develop your skills as a consumer of research.

Semester one will provide you with the knowledge of how research is carried out, and presented. During semester two you will prepare a report and poster on your chosen topic.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Develop skills in teamwork and manage and organise the time required for this study.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design a research topic.
3. Exhibit skills of information or data collection.
4. Organise, analyse and interpret evidence to reach a meaningful conclusion.
5. Report research findings in writing and through other methods.

Content

Research Guidelines: types of research, primary/secondary; quantitative/qualitative.
Ethical Considerations: research ethics, historical perspectives.
Codes for ethical research practices.
Information Retrieval Skills.use of databases, e-journals; accessing reliable sources.
Experimental Design; designing a research question; developing a research plan.
Survey Methodology: secondary research via literature reviewVexperimental design.
Statistics: basic statistical analysis sensitivity;specificity;p values;tests.
Research Proposal: developing a proposal and writing a plan.
Report Writing: scientific report writing; synthesis; analysis; critical thought; presentation.
Poster Presentation: preparing an e-poster using ppt: appropriate content /illustration choices.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

An introductory lecture will be given, as well as on-line learning resources provided on Blackboard to give you an introduction to the research process. A discussion board on Blackboard will enable you to communicate with students and staff with any queries. A staff supervisor will be assigned to your project and will provide assistance/suggestions as required.

Assessment

All assessment will contribute to your grade for this unit.You will receive feedback on your project submission and on-line tutorial exercises during semester 1. During semester 2 this will continue through your contact with your assigned supervisor during the data collection and writing up phases.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: SEMESTER 1: (Formative and summative) - On-line exercises in research fundamentals and statistical analysis.
Relates to objectives: 1, 4 and 5.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During Semester

Assessment name: Project proposal (applied)
Description: SEMESTER 1: (Formative and summative) - Joint submission outlining the research plan, timeline and discussion of key references.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Approx Week 5

Assessment name: Report
Description: SEMESTER 2: Summative - A 6,000 word scientific report.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4 and 5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During Semester

Assessment name: Poster Presentation
Description: SEMESTER 2: Summative - A joint Poster presentation on research project topic.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 6.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: During 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

Texts:
1. QUT Cite/Write
2. Ramlaul,A., (2010) Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research - Skills and Strategies Elsevier

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary 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: 21-Sep-2012