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

In the course of their study, Justice students may discover an area that is of particular interest to them, or which has specific relevance to their intended professional orientation. This unit gives you the opportunity to extend aspects of your coursework or professional interests in more depth as well as to continue the process of refining and developing research skills.

Aims

The independent study represents an individual piece of research completed under the guidance of an academic supervisor. It may be a research study, which makes a contribution to the body of knowledge in your discipline area or professional background, or a study in which you critically analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and produces observations and conclusions of relevance to the particular field of study.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.Clarify an area of research worthy of in-depth analysis or further research and demonstrate the relational skill of independent work and ethical orientation;
2.Formalise a series of research questions or hypotheses and demonstrate the cognitive skill of research;
3.Demonstrate research skills and/or the ability to critically analyse and demonstrate further the cognitive skill of research and critical thinking;
4.Indicate the capacity to complete a research project or study, drawing appropriate conclusions and indicating areas of further research and demonstrate the cognitive skill of problem solving and develop further the relational skill of independent work and written communication skills.

Content

This will be determined by you in consultation with your academic supervisor.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is taught in external mode. Students should contact the unit coordinator before the commencement of the semester to discuss their proposed topic. Students will then work independently under the supervision of an appointed academic supervisor. Regular meetings will occur between the student and the academic supervisor. The schedule of meetings are to be determined at the start of the project. Meetings can be face-to-face, by phone or other alternative means. Students will submit an outline of their proposed research to their academic supervisor by week 4 for approval and further guidance. It is expected that students would speak or meet with their academic supervisor at least 3 times during the semester.

Assessment

There are two assessment items in this unit. The first item is designed to guidance and feedback on the proposed research. The second item allows students to demonstrate the research, critical thinking and communication skills that they have developed.Written feedback will be provided to students on their submitted assessment. Oral feedback will also be provided during meetings with the academic supervisor.

Assessment name: Research Outline
Description: Short paper of 1 to 2 pages that provides an outline of the proposed research. It may include a clear statement of the proposed research question as well the key concepts and/or theoretical perspectives. It will be marked by your academic supervisor.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 4

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Research paper of 5,000 words, which will be marked by your academic supervisor. Topic and structure is determined in consutlation with your academic supervisor.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 80%
Internal or external: External
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

In consultation with your supervisor.

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: 30-Oct-2012