Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This unit is designed to provide an understanding of the relationships between research and clinical practice in the development of evidence based practice for a growing profession. Current clinical issues of significance will also be reviewed.

Aims

This unit aims to further the understanding of the concepts and skills required to undertake and critique research as it relates to informing clinical practice. This unit thus continues the initial research base developed in the previous research themed units. The unit also aims to provide an understanding of current clinical developments and further develop critical analysis and thinking skills as a foundation for life-long development as a health care professional.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate optometry, ophthalmology and visual science literature for relevance to informing practice.
2. Apply new and developing knowledge to the practice of optometry.
3. Collect, analyse, interpret and discuss experimental data based on the OPN 264 Research project.
4. Develop a research paper, in a format consistent with the optometric and vision science literature, from the research project undertaken in OPN264 Research project.

Postgraduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

Advanced knowledge and understanding in a specialised field
Professional knowledge and skills in a specialist area of practice

Additionally the undergraduate capabilities reinforced in this postgraduate unit are:
critical and analytical thinking and the ability to critique current paradigms
effective communication skills
the ability to work independently
development of skills for life-long learning through researching and
critically evaluating information

Content

This unit discusses how research informs and improves clinical practice by discussing the concepts of evidence based practice and how to critically assess evidence: levels of evidence, experimental design, clinical trials, and applied statistical inference. You will also critically assess clinical practice by discussing what and where is the evidence for clinical investigation and management philosophies, and how the implications and applications of research can be incorporated into clinical practice.

Your advanced clinical care and decision making skills and differential diagnosis and management skills will be enhanced through a series of seminars and case discussions

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Learning approaches within this unit are seminars and tutorials from QUT staff and visiting lecturers. Students will also present and critique case summaries, and will critically analyze and debate selected topics from the literature.

Assessment

Summative assessment in this unit consists of 3 components, on a continual basis.Your learning development will be supported by interactive discussion during tutorials and seminars. Examples of case analysis reports will be discussed and explained during tutorials and seminars to inform your development of these.

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: You will be required to present for discussion and debate case study examples of patients that you have examined and managed.

The due date will be different for each individual, sometime between week 7 and week 10.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 7-10 (TBA)

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: You will prepare a written case report in a format suitable for publication, analyzing and critiquing the investigation and management of patients with reference to current literature. The selection of cases should be different to that included in Assessment No 1.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 11

Assessment name: Report
Description: This is a written report, in the form of a submission for publication, of the research project which was commenced in OPN164 and continued in OPN264.
Relates to objectives: 1,3,4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
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

Print and electronic copies of relevant optometry, ophthalmology and vision science periodicals, as advised by lecturing staff.

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: 22-Feb-2013