HLH403-1 Research Project for Honours


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:HLH403-1
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:Completion of 288 credit points including HLH401 or HLB401 or SWH401
Equivalent:HLB403-1
Coordinator:Julie King | j.macknight-king@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

The research project is the culmination of your Honours degree in your chosen discipline area. It scaffolds your synthesis of knowledge and skills to develop independently as a researcher with guidance from selected mentors, and apply these to answer a research question at an advanced level.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply advanced knowledge of research design, methodologies and principles to a discipline specific practice question;
  2. Critically appraise relevant literature and study designs independently;
  3. Collect, analyse, and evaluate research data and formulate justified conclusions;
  4. Apply clear, coherent verbal and written communication skills to present your project to peers and professionals;
  5. Develop attributes of a professional and a researcher, including leadership through collaboration and the generation of new ideas.

Content

The content of your research project will be determined mostly by your research question. You have completed a literature review and research proposal during the unit Advanced Research Methods (HLB401), in collaboration with your supervisor.
Your research project in this unit will continue to build on that research proposal. You will execute the research project as detailed in that proposal, analyse the data, and present the results both verbally and in writing. You will be required to negotiate the timing of the contact with your supervisor, as well as issues around publications and ongoing work in the area.
Additionally, workshops to assist you with these tasks will be provided. These include:

  • Scientific publications
  • The peer review process
  • Bias in research
  • Pitching your research
  • Scientific writing
  • Scientific presenting

Learning Approaches

You are required to meet regularly with your supervisor while undertaking your research project/literature review. The major teaching approaches in your research project are formed by individual mentoring, peer review and workshops. In this process, you are encouraged to work relatively independently, while at the same time seeking external ideas to generate solutions. A critical questioning approach to learning is a key outcome of this learning strategy. Workshops will be provided and you will be required to attend research seminars throughout the year to receive critical support in advanced research skills.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Informal feedback is provided progressively and formally by your supervisor and during the workshops. Feedback will be provided on an individual basis by your supervisor. You may also seek feedback from your school coordinator/mentor. Any frequently asked questions will be posted in a shared online forum for student discussion. Peer review and feedback will be strongly encouraged.
Formative and written feedback will be provided on the assessment items following the Criteria Reference Assessment forms.

Assessment

Overview

Formal assessment of your research project consists of three items. You will complete the 3 minute thesis during the semester you are enrolled in HLH403-1. You are required to demonstrate satisfactory performance in this assessment to pass HLH403-1 and progress to HLH403-2. Your performance in the 3 minute thesis will also contribute to your overall grade calculated in HLH403-2. The other two assessments (conference presentation and thesis) will be due during your semester of enrolment in HLH403-2.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale and S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: 3 Minute Thesis

You will present your project using the 3 minute thesis guidelines (http://threeminutethesis.org/). Your advanced knowledge and application of research design principles, and your ability to articulate your knowledge informing the research question will be assessed. These will be presented in person or videotaped and uploaded to allow peer, supervisor and mentor review.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Threshold Assessment:

You are required to pass this assessment to pass the unit to progress to HLH403-2.

Weight: 20
Length: 3 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 10-13 in semester enrolled in HLH403-1
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Assessment: Conference Presentation

You will be required to present your work in a conference format in front of peers, mentors, supervisors and other staff. You will be assessed on your presentation and ability to answer questions about your research.

Weight: 30
Length: 15 mins plus 5 mins questions
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): HLH403-2 week 6-8
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Thesis

You will be required to produce a thesis of your work of between 7000-10000 words. This thesis takes the form of a paper that can be submitted for publication (3000-4000 words), with additional appendices to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the work undertaken (4000-6000 words). Your thesis will include an introduction ending in the research question and objectives, the methodology used, analysis of data and modes of analysis, discussion and conclusions.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 50
Length: 7000-10000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): HLH403-2 Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Students will be required to source their own resource materials. Supportive statistics materials and other information related to methodology and analysis will be posted on the Canvas site.

This list of resource materials will be made available on QUT Readings.

Barnard S., & St. James D. (2012). Listen, write, present: the elements for communicating science and technology. New Haven [Conn.]: Yale University Press.
Duarte N. (2008). Slide:ology: the art and science of creating great presentations. Sebastopol, Calif: O'Reilly Media.
Greenhalgh T. (2014). How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine. Bmj Publishing Group.
Hall G. M. (2013). How to write a paper. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, BMJ Books. Retrieved from
Kapterev A. (2010). Presentation Secrets: Do What You Never Thought Possible with Your Presentations. John Wiley & Sons.
Lang T. A. (2010). How to write, publish, & present in the health sciences: a guide for clinicians & laboratory researchers. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians.
Strunk W. (2014). The Elements of Style: The Original Edition. Stellar Editions.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Students are recommended to take regular breaks if engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

CS50 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (Honours)

  1. Principles and application of radiation therapy
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  2. Research principles, planning and methods
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  3. Critical thinking (analyse, interpret, evaluate, synthesise)
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  4. Problem solving as independent health practitioners
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  5. Interpersonal, intrapersonal and professional communication
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  6. Interdisciplinary collaboration
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  7. Reflective, ethical practitioner
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  8. Creative thinking to develop new knowledge through independent inquiry
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  9. Contribution to evidence-based practice
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  10. Apply research methods, design and process
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  11. Disseminate research findings
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis

SW05 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

  1. Critically evaluate theoretical, practical and contextually relevant social work knowledge, skills and values and, as a change facilitator, meet diverse client and community needs that promote social justice
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  2. Formulate and implement strategies using advanced knowledge and research skills to analyse, consolidate and synthesise social and practice evidence to generate solutions and to inform professional practice and decision-making
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  3. Develop advanced knowledge, skills and values, to inform culturally safe communication and effective intra- and inter-professional collaboration and with a wide range of audiences and contexts, including accessing, evaluating and utlising digital health information.
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  4. Construct and implement strategies for practising collaboratively and independently, focused on socially progressive, anti-oppressive, culturally safe and ethical practice, integral to the standards of professional social work practice
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis
  5. Access, evaluate and utilise social work information to advocate for a socially just society and the promotion of human dignity and worth that reflect different social, political, cultural and historical circumstances, on the beliefs, values and aspirations of various groups, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations
    Relates to: 3 Minute Thesis, Conference Presentation, Thesis