OPN264 Vision and Eye Research 2

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

The unit provides you with 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 vision and eye research literature. These skills are important to complete the research projects commenced in OPN164 Vision and Eye Research 1. 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 vision and eye researchers.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Collect, analyse, and evaluate research data and formulate justified conclusions;
2. Apply appropriate statistical procedures in vision and eye research to analyse datasets.
3. Use effective verbal and written communication skills to present your project to peers and professionals;
4. Work collaboratively with others in a research setting.

Content

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 statistical analysis tasks, group research presentations, and a written final project report on your research project outcomes.

Satisfactory performance in the final report and logbook assessment is a condition for passing this unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Data Analysis

Assessment: Group Research Presentations

Your research group will present the findings of your research project to your colleagues and researchers in the Centre for Vision and Eye Research. This assessment reflects the activities you would undertake as a vision and eye researcher.

Assessment: Final Report and Logbook

You are required to submit a written scientific report which presents the work undertaken as part of your research project. Your final research report should contain the following headings, as would be seen in a standard journal article: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions and References.

You are also required to submit a research logbook, which is an essential part of the research process, which documents the research undertaken, including any notes from meetings. The logbook should be record your research project, written at the time of the event so it is a working document prepared in real time.

This assessment reflects the work you would undertake as a vision and eye researcher.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Threshold Assessment:

Satisfactory performance in this assessment items is a condition for passing this unit. For professional accreditation, ability to appraise and analyse research literature to inform clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, consistent with the Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry, is required. 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.

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.

Requirements to Study

Blue Card

A blue card is required to complete this unit. A blue card confirms that you have passed a screening of your criminal history (the Working with Children Check) and have been approved to work with children and young people. For more information on the blue card and how to apply please visit the QUT website.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

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.

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

1. 
   Relates to: Data Analysis, Group Research Presentations, Final Report and Logbook

Course Learning Outcomes

OP85 Master of Optometry

1. Synthesise complex optometric knowledge, cognitive, clinical and technical skills and research methodology in vision science.
   Relates to: Data Analysis, Group Research Presentations, Final Report and Logbook
2. Reflect and apply critical thinking and researchable questions to generate solutions to complex conditions in clinical and research settings.
   Relates to: Final Report and Logbook
3. 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: Group Research Presentations, Final Report and Logbook