OPN264 Research Project
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 code: | OPN264 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | OPN164 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,180 |
| International unit fee | $4,284 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | OPN264 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | OPN164 |
| Coordinators: | Michael Collins | m.collins@qut.edu.au Alex Black | aa.black@qut.edu.au Joanne Wood | j.wood@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The unit provides the theory and practical skills in the use of research methods and statistical procedures to undertake research. This includes developing research skills in data management, statistical techniques and data presentation, as used in the optometric and vision science literature. These skills are important to complete the research projects commenced in OPN164 Research Methods in Optometry and Vision Science. The skills and knowledge developed in this unit will form the basis for the critical evaluation, interpretation and application of research in basic science and clinical research relevant to optometry and vision science, and provides the real-world skills used by optometrists to guide their life-long learning.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Undertake a research project, including participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis and scientific writing;
- Demonstrate the ability to undertake a range of statistical approaches and techniques relevant to optometry and vision science research;
- Analyse, interpret and present research data, and discuss experimental results in the context of current literature.
Content
In this unit students will conduct an experimental research project in a topic relevant to optometry or vision science. Students will be required to run the experiment and collect, collate and analyse the experimental data supported by tutorials on research analysis and statistical approaches and will provide an oral presentation of the statistical approach to analysis of their own data. The final research project will be presented orally and in a written scientific report. Students will also have regular meetings with their project supervisor and document their progress in the experiment in a logbook.
The unit is the second of the research themed units: OPN164 Research Methods in Optometry and Vision Science, OPN264 Research Project and OPN361 Evidence Based Optometry. These span the development, implementation and finalisation of an experimental research project across the first 2 semesters of the MOptometry program, and then students also apply these research skills to evidence based practice in the third and fourth semester. In addition to aligning the MOptometry program with the requirements of a Level 9 program in the Australian Qualifications Framework, the three research themed units lead to the Optometry entry-level competency standard elements 1.1 Maintains, develops and audits optometric knowledge, clinical expertise and skills, and 1.2 Adopts an evidence-based practice approach as the foundation for making clinical decisions, and the competency standard performance criteria that sit within these competency elements (Kiely and Slater 2015).
Learning Approaches
The development of the research project in this unit will be facilitated through a series of tutorial meetings (at least 6 meetings throughout the semester) attended by the project group members and their project supervisor, and supported by tutorials on research analysis and statistical approaches. Learning approaches within this unit will also include lectures and tutorials from QUT staff and visiting lecturers where appropriate.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in the unit will be provided in the following ways:
General feedback regarding your progress in the unit will be provided in tutorials and in group meetings with project supervisors.
Written comments/feedback will be provided regarding the summative assessment in the unit .
Assessment
Overview
There are 3 components of Summative assessment in this unit, including tutorial based activities, a data analysis oral presentation, and a written final project report and oral presentation on your research project outcomes.
Satisfactory performance in each of the assessment items is a condition for passing this unit. The Faculty of Health Threshold Assessment Policy will apply where student performance in an assessment item is unsatisfactory.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Tutorial-based Activities
This will include completion of a classroom-based computer data analysis (20%) as well as completion of a logbook outlining project activities undertaken during the semester (10%).
Due date: Classroom-based analysis (week 7); Logbook (week 13).
Assessment: Research Presentations
This will include a series of group presentations by students in class describing the experimental results and statistical analysis (10%, Week 10/11), as well as the final research presentation (10%, Week 13).
Assessment: Final Report
Final Written Scientific Report (individual) describing the research project, outcomes and interpretation.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
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
Resource Materials
Other
Journal resources:(not an exclusive list):
Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science
Optometry and Vision Science
Ophthalmology
American Journal of Ophthalmology
Survey of Ophthalmology
British Journal of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit will involve measurement techniques from optometry and vision science on research participants. High standards of hygiene and safe practices will be required. You will be informed of relevant Standard Operating Procedures of the School of Optometry as they pertain to this unit.
Blue card
The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000) requires that students undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a blue card by the Commission prior to undertaking field experience in a school or centre, or undertaking activities in any unit which may involve contact with children. You will require a blue card for clinical placement/practicum in this unit. You should apply for a blue card at least 12 weeks before any clinical placement/practicum. Current blue card holders must register their card with QUT. More information is available online.
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
Relates to: Tutorial-based Activities, Research Presentations, Final Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.OP85 Master of Optometry
- Theoretical optometric knowledge, cognitive, clinical and technical skills and research methodology in vision science
Relates to: Tutorial-based Activities, Research Presentations, Final Report