OPN164 Vision and Eye Research 1
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| Unit code: | OPN164 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,432 |
| International unit fee | $4,620 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | OPN164 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Steve Vincent | sj.vincent@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Optometrists and vision scientists need experience in research methods and statistical procedures and so that statistical techniques used in the optometric and vision science literature may be critically evaluated in the development of the evidence base of the profession. This unit will introduce the research methodologies and statistical approaches used in vision and eye research. This unit provides the foundation research skills for the further research units: OPN264 Vision and Eye Research 2 and OPN361 Evidence Based Optometry.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply principles of vision and eye research to synthesise and propose a research plan addressing a research question in optometry and vision science.
- Critique research methods in ophthalmic literature.
- Apply commonly used statistical procedures in optometry and vision science to analyse sample data sets specific to vision and eye research for evaluating hypotheses.
- Work collaboratively with others in a research setting.
Content
This unit addresses statistical procedures used in vision and eye research: describing data: graphs and summary statistics; ordinal, nominal, interval scales; probability and distributions; sampling: estimation of population means and proportions - confidence intervals, normal and t- distributions; basic ophthalmic epidemiology indices, study types, odds and risks, randomised controlled trials.
Hypothesis testing will be discussed in relation to vision and eye research: Introduction to hypothesis tests, t-tests; analysis of variance, repeated measures; associations - correlation and regression; non-parametric methods.
Methods of comparing procedures and agreement between procedures will be described in relation to vision and eye research examples. You will learn to perform these procedures through lectures and tutorials using optometry epidemiological and clinical examples, and you will analyse and critique applications of statistical processes in the optometry and vision literature.
Applied aspects of research methods specific to optometry and vision science will be discussed: Measurement error; precision and reliability in clinical measurements; clinical screening - sensitivity, specificity, ROC analysis; psychophysical method; and research proposal and report writing as would be done in vision and eye research journals.
Learning Approaches
This unit is presented as a series of lectures and tutorials reviewing statistical methods applied in ophthalmic literature. There will be a 2 hour lecture (face-to-face) scheduled weekly and a 2 hour tutorial session (online and/or face-to-face) scheduled throughout the semester. You will learn how to perform statistical procedures using optometry and vision science data sets, and you will develop, write and present a proposal for a research project. You will receive additional training from the QUT Library with searching and referencing skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative assessments performed within tutorial sessions will allow you to evaluate your own learning progress.
You will receive written and verbal feedback from academics on summative assessments.
The unit coordinator will be available when not teaching or conducting research, via e-mail to answer your questions.
Assessment
Overview
There are 3 summative assessment items in this unit.
Formative assessment will include class discussions of statistical analyses and real research data. Tutorials will be organised around the development of research protocols to allow self- evaluation of progress and a group presentation of a research project proposal.
Satisfactory performance in the project proposal and presentation assessment items is a condition for passing this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Critique (written)
You will submit a written critical analysis and review of the methodological and statistical approach in a journal article or series of articles closely related to your research project.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Statistical Analyses
There will be four online assessments including short answer questions completed during the online tutorials. You will undertake the role of a vision researcher, where you are required to conduct a computational based analysis to test your research hypotheses. These datasets will be provided, and simulate real-world vision and eye research scenarios you would encounter as a vision researcher.
Assessment: Project Proposal and Presentation
You will submit an individual written research project proposal report (50%) and provide a group oral presentation (10%).
The research proposal development and presentation conducted in a collaborative environment will provide an opportunity to learn the research process commonly encountered in a real-world vision and eye research setting.
The research project proposal component of this assessment is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Threshold Assessment:
Satisfactory performance in this assessment item is a condition for passing the unit, in accordance with the Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry which requires ability to appraise and analyse research to apply evidence-based practice. You will be eligible for one resubmission at the minimum pass level, only when your achieved mark is within 40-49% of the pass level. You are advised to seek feedback on your performance from the unit coordinator prior to the resubmission. You will not be eligible for a reattempt if your overall grade in the unit is a failing grade.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry 2014
1: Professional Responsibilities
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.OP85 Master of Optometry
- Synthesise complex optometric knowledge, cognitive, clinical and technical skills and research methodology in vision science.
Relates to: Critique (written), Statistical Analyses, Project Proposal and Presentation - Communicate complex information effectively using oral, written and digital formats responsive to the clinical and cultural needs of diverse patients, other health professionals and community.
Relates to: Project Proposal and Presentation