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

Employment as a researcher in government departments and justice agencies and the successful undertaking of higher degree study requires an ability to independently design and execute complex research projects.

The Honours year is often the first time that students have been required to research independently. An integral part of good research is the establishment of parameters within which their research should proceed. Knowledge of the literature in and around the chosen topic is vital to establishing the basis of a good research project. This unit will provide students with an opportunity to become thoroughly familiar with the bibliography of specialised literature relevant to their nominated field of research and to conduct a comprehensive research project on a topic from a list to be advised by the Unit Coordinator.

Aims

The aims of this unit are three fold. First to introduce students to the techniques of project management relevant to the creation of a research project in their nominated field of research. Second to guide students in the development of a research question and hypothesis. Third to assist students understanding of the process of academic research.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a thorough grasp of research project management techniques relating to your research area and demonstrate the graduate attribute of research and time management;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the research question and hypothesis in a research project and demonstrate the graduate attribute of research and written communication;
3. Present the research in an appropriate academic format and demonstrate the graduate attribute of written communication and ethical orientation;
4. Critically evaluate the ideas, assumptions and beliefs underlying your research topic and demonstrate the graduate attribute of critical thinking;
5. Use effective oral communication skills in presenting your research projects and in engaging and critiquing those projects of your peers and demonstrate the graduate attributes of oral communication and interpersonal interaction.

Content

Research ideas and concept maps
Sructure of the thesis
Developing a project plan
Reviewing the literature
Methodology
Preparing the colloquium paper

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Regular meetings will be held with the Unit Coordinator in a group discussion format. Meeting times will be negotiated with students but will usually be two hours in duration and at least each fortnight. You will meet with other students and the Unit Coordinator to learn about and discuss research management processes for the first four weeks or so. The remaining sessions will involve developing your research project and discussing concerns and issues with the rest of the group.

Assessment name: Concept Map
Description: Concept Map, Project Plan and Timeline. 3-5 pages.
Relates to objectives: Relates to unit objectives.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Thesis Proposal Paper
Description: Thesis proposal paper. 5000-6000 words.
Relates to objectives: Relates to unit objectives.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: Colloquium presentation - 20 minutes.
Relates to objectives: Relates to unit objectives.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

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

Library databases.
Unit materials available on the Course Materials Database via QUT Blackboard.
JSB415 Unit Information Guide and Study Guide will be available via QUT Blackboard.

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: 03-Oct-2012