Students
CHIR8201 – Postgraduate Advanced Research I
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Simon French
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(CHIR8503 or CHIR918) and (CHIR8504 or CHIR919)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit, together with CHIR8202, develops a student's ability to critique, evaluate and synthesise biomedical research. These skills are crucial for life-long learning and are essential in evidence-informed clinical practice. In this unit, students will work in groups to develop and execute a medium term, capstone research project to answer a specific research question/s. |
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:
- ULO1: Critically appraise research literature on a specific clinically relevant topic and identify areas requiring further research
- ULO2: Apply knowledge in research methods to analyse, interpret and assess research findings
- ULO3: Effectively communicate the design of a research protocol to your peers and experienced academics using verbal and written methods
- ULO4: Demonstrate knowledge of research methods by designing a research protocol to answer a specific research question in a clinically relevant area
General Assessment Information
Students will choose one of two group assessment options:
Option 1) There will be a limited number of research projects available. These projects will be nominated by academics in the Department of Chiropractic. These projects will involve four students working together on the project for this unit and for CHIR8202 in S2. In CHIR8201 students will develop the research protocol, and in CHIR8202 students will carry out the research.
Option 2) Students will select one of their patients in the student clinic and write a detailed case report to inform their management. These projects will involve two students working together on the project. This case report will include a comprehensive evaluation of the literature related to the patient’s clinical condition.
In-class exam #1
Multiple choice questions that evaluate student learning of lecture and tutorial material. The assessment will be held in the scheduled lecture time.
In-class exam #2
Multiple choice questions that evaluate student learning of lecture and tutorial material. The assessment will be held in the scheduled lecture time.
Research Plan Presentation
Option 1) In class, oral research presentation about the research protocol and some initial results (where available). Each student will present the research protocol for their research project: 8 minute presentation, 2 minute question time.
Option 2) In class, oral research presentation about the literature that informs the care of the student’s patient: 8 minute presentation, 2 minute question time.
Research Plan Written Report
Option 1) The research protocol will be written up in the format of a journal article (approximately 2000 words), ready for submission for publication in a peer reviewed journal. One research protocol report will be submitted per group, with contributions from each student.
Option 2) The case report will be written up in the format of a journal article (approximately 2000 words), ready for submission for publication in a peer reviewed journal. One research protocol report will be submitted per group, with contributions from each student.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online quiz #1 | 20% | No | Week 7, 22 April 2021, 8AM |
| Online quiz #2 | 20% | No | Week 13, 3 June 2021, 8AM |
| Research plan/Case study presentation | 30% | No | Week 12 and Week 13, during tutorial times |
| Research Plan Written Report | 30% | No | 10 June 2021, 5PM |
Online quiz #1
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: Week 7, 22 April 2021, 8AM
Weighting: 20%
Multiple choice questions that evaluate student learning of lecture and tutorial material. The assessment will be held in the scheduled lecture time.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise research literature on a specific clinically relevant topic and identify areas requiring further research
- Apply knowledge in research methods to analyse, interpret and assess research findings
Online quiz #2
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: Week 13, 3 June 2021, 8AM
Weighting: 20%
Multiple choice questions that evaluate student learning of lecture and tutorial material. The assessment will be held in the scheduled lecture time.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise research literature on a specific clinically relevant topic and identify areas requiring further research
- Apply knowledge in research methods to analyse, interpret and assess research findings
Research plan/Case study presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12 and Week 13, during tutorial times
Weighting: 30%
In class, oral research presentation about the research protocol/case study; 8 minute presentation, 2 minute question time.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise research literature on a specific clinically relevant topic and identify areas requiring further research
- Effectively communicate the design of a research protocol to your peers and experienced academics using verbal and written methods
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methods by designing a research protocol to answer a specific research question in a clinically relevant area
Research Plan Written Report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 10 June 2021, 5PM
Weighting: 30%
The student research protocol/case study will be written up in the format of a journal article (approximately 2000 words), ready for submission for publication in a peer reviewed journal. One research protocol/case study report will be submitted per group, with contributions from each student.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise research literature on a specific clinically relevant topic and identify areas requiring further research
- Effectively communicate the design of a research protocol to your peers and experienced academics using verbal and written methods
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methods by designing a research protocol to answer a specific research question in a clinically relevant area
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Delivery mode
Students should approach the content of this unit through self-directed learning. Some students in this unit will be assigned to a research project group. Each research project is linked to an academic advisor who will provide mentorship and guidance on completing the research protocol and project over the entire year, continuing into CHIR8202. Learning in this aspect of the unit occurs via student/supervisor engagement. Other students working on the group case report will need to select a patient from the student clinic to write up into an evidence-based case report.
Lectures will provide a high-level overview of research skills taught throughout the chiropractic programs, in addition to more advanced topics that aim to help you develop your research protocol or case report. These lectures will review the main clinical research methods relevant to chiropractic practice, providing relevant material for the unit’s substantial research project or case report.
Students will be allocated to a 2-hour tutorial group. In these tutorials students will work on activities related to the topic covered in that week’s lecture, meet with their supervisor, or participate in presentations of the research groups’ protocol or case report as both a presenter and audience participant. Tutorial attendance and participation is required.
Attendance and participation requirements
You must attend the tutorial in which you are enrolled, and you are required to attend and participate in 80% of tutorials. If you miss your assigned workshop in any week, you may request attendance at an alternative session, through email request and appropriate documentation to the unit convenor.
Further details on class time and locations for this unit can be found at:
https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2020/
If you are part of a research project group, you are also required to meet with your project supervisor (face to face, or via Skype/Zoom) a minimum of four times during the Session. The research plan report must include the meeting schedule and minutes of these meetings as an Appendix. Some tutorial time will be made available for you to meet with your supervisor, but other meeting times will be necessary.
Unit Web Page
You can log in to iLearn learning system using the link below:
Recommended text book
Foundations of clinical research : applications to evidence-based practice, Portney, Leslie Gross, author.; EBSCO Publishing (Firm), Fourth edition. Philadelphia, PA : F.A. Davis Company 2020
Available online via Macquarie University library
Other relevant text books
Herbert R, Jamtvedt G, Hagen KB, Mead J (2012). Practical evidence-based physiotherapy. 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingston
Adams J, et al (2007). Researching Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Abingdon, Oxon; New York: Routledge
Unit Schedule
See unit iLearn page for Unit Schedule
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook