Students
MEDI861 – Research Thesis
2017 – SM5 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Mary Simons
Catherine Dean
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| Credit points |
Credit points
32
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(MASP801 and MASP802 and MASP803 and MASP804 and MASP805 and MASP806) or (MAMP801 and MAMP802 and MAMP803 and MAMP804 and MAMP805 and MAMP806)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit involves the conduct of research appropriate to the subspecialisation of the student. Students are required to submit one to two original articles of a standard suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals based on research undertaken during the candidate’s enrolment at Macquarie University. This collection will also include a written plan as well as introductory and concluding documents that situate the paper(s) within the wider context of the research discipline and clinical practice. Through this unit the student will gain essential research skills to support an academic career.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Demonstrate ability to write in relevant academic genres, including the preparation of articles for publication
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
General Assessment Information
Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Grading Policy, which is available in Schedule 1 of the Assessment policy available at http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes.
Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn including marking rubrics.
Penalties for late submissions
Late submissions will be penalised unless special consideration is granted by the unit convenor. The penalty is 10% per day or part thereof.
MEDI861 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
The internal assessment tasks for MEDI 861 are listed below. In addition as this is the final unit in a professional doctoral program the scholar is required to pass a final examination.
FINAL EXAMINATION OF MEDI 861
Scholars must submit their work for internal review and formative feedback prior to final submission of the research thesis. Both the written thesis (submission due 12th Feb 2018) as well as an oral defence (19th April 2018) will be assessed to make the final determination of a grade for the MEDI 861. The final grade will be based on the recommendation of an examination panel comprising:
a. The Executive Dean (or nominee) - Chair
b. External Examiner 1
c. External Examiner 2
External examiners will have an international standing in the field of research, relevant clinical specialist qualifications and be independent of Macquarie University.
Information about the final examination procedure will be available to Scholars on the iLearn site
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Plan | 20% | No | Aug 2017 |
| Oral Presentation | 20% | No | Jan 2018 |
| Research Thesis | 60% | No | 12 Feb 2018 |
Research Plan
Due: Aug 2017
Weighting: 20%
In consultation with your clinical supervisor write a research plan or proposal that clearly sets out title, aims, hypothesis, background, literature review (brief), methodology, outcome measures, analysis, time line, budget and ethical considerations, reference list. Include an Appendix containing a framework for an ethics application or grant application, whichever is most appropriate to the topic. This work will be submitted through Turnitin (iLearn). Length: 2000 words
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Demonstrate ability to write in relevant academic genres, including the preparation of articles for publication
Oral Presentation
Due: Jan 2018
Weighting: 20%
Prepare and present a 20-minute talk on your research project that includes context, question, summary of methodology and results, significance of results, conclusion and relevance to clinical practice.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
Research Thesis
Due: 12 Feb 2018
Weighting: 60%
Produce a research thesis from research conducted across the period of enrolment in the degree, particularly in the final year. The thesis should have a total word count of no more than 15,000 words.
The submitted thesis can be in the format of a traditional thesis or a thesis by publication:
Traditional Thesis Format:
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- References
Thesis by Publication Format:
- Introduction
- 1-2 manuscripts of a standard suitable for submission to a nominated peer-reviewed journal
- Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Research and Clinical Practice
- References
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Demonstrate ability to write in relevant academic genres, including the preparation of articles for publication
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
Delivery and Resources
This unit will be conducted over two sessions. Please liaise with your clinical supervisor about your one-to-one research supervision.
Recommended textbook:
Hofmann, A. H. (2014). Scientific writing and communication : papers, proposals, and presentations / Angelika H. Hofmann, Ph. D., Yale University, New York Oxford University Press. In Library: Q223 .H63 2014 )
Unit Schedule
There are no scheduled lectures or tutorials, except for the presentation seminars (Assessment 2) on 4th August. The time and venue will be communicated.
There will be an initial meeting with the unit convenor to discuss the aims, outcomes and progress required throughout this unit.
Each student will maintain regular communication with their clinical supervisor and unit convenor to ensure progress is satisfactory and milestones are being met.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Faculty Clinical Librarians can assist with searching strategies, finding resources, using EndNote, referencing styles: http://libguides.mq.edu.au/clinical-medicine
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
Assessment tasks
- Research Plan
- Oral Presentation
- Research Thesis
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Demonstrate ability to write in relevant academic genres, including the preparation of articles for publication
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
Assessment tasks
- Research Plan
- Oral Presentation
- Research Thesis
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Demonstrate ability to write in relevant academic genres, including the preparation of articles for publication
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
Assessment tasks
- Research Plan
- Oral Presentation
- Research Thesis
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Evaluate the research process to enhance future research strategies and clinical practice
Assessment tasks
- Research Plan
- Oral Presentation
- Research Thesis
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
- Demonstrate competence in researching in chosen field and methodology
- Demonstrate ability to write in relevant academic genres, including the preparation of articles for publication
Assessment tasks
- Research Plan
- Oral Presentation
- Research Thesis
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply to clinical practice, a substantial body of knowledge which is relevant to and at the forefront of the medical/surgical specialties
- Plan and conduct an original research project, including reviews of relevant literature
- Integrate analysis and synthesis of literature into project design and execution
Assessment tasks
- Research Plan
- Oral Presentation
- Research Thesis
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 15/11/2017 | Final external examination date set. |
| 03/11/2017 | Addition of oral defence of thesis has been included as an assessment task. |
| 22/09/2017 | Minor amendment to the description of an approved assessment task to enable flexibility in format of thesis submission. |