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 rapidly changing technological environment of medical physics, medical imaging and medical ultrasound it is essential that students develop basic research skills, data interpretation skills and written communication skills. Students require these skills in order to be able to evaluate and appraise the value of research reports as well as prepare their own written research reports.

Students also require knowledge of the professional, basic management, legal and ethical issues involved in their particular speciality area. In order to keep abreast of changes in professional issues, students need a good background comprehension of the professional environment.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with an understanding of the processes involved in conducting various forms of research, basic data analysis and interpretation, and research writing and presentation skills. You will also learn about the professional framework in which your specialty exists by considering issues such as legal, ethical and basic management issues.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Retrieve and collate information from a wide variety of sources.
2. Perform basic computerised data analysis techniques and interpret the results.
3. Evaluate and synthesise information and data analysis to produce a written report.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the major issues, including ethical & legal issues, confronting the profession within your area of expertise.

Content

The unit covers the following topic areas:

Introduction to research methodology.
The research process.
Data collection and analysis techniques.
Writing and evaluating research reports.
The role and purpose of professional bodies.
Professional communication, legal and ethical issues.
Basic professional management techniques and issues.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit combines lectures, computer-based discussion groups and Blackboard materials for self-paced problem solving exercises. A small element of research is included that will involve researching the literature. Lectures will be delivered via the Blackboard site.

Assessment

Note: You must achieve a satisfactory result in each item of assessment in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better in this unit.Throughout the semester short data analysis examples will be available on the Blackboard site that will provide you with feedback on your level of understanding and progress. Written feedback will be provided on assignments and on the Blackboard site for problem solving exercises.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative) - End of semester examination.
Relates to objectives: 1, 4, 7 and 8.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Professional Plans
Description: (Formative and summative) - A conceptual plan or proposal relating to your particular area of professional expertise.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 5.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative and summative) - A series of problem-solving exercises presented as self-paced modules on the Blackboard site.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4 and 6.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

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

1. Polgar S & Thomas SA (1988) Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, New York: Churchill Livingstone

2. Robbins P, Bergman R, Stagg I & Coulter M (2003) Management, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall

Risk assessment statement

Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. 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: 25-Sep-2012