This unit comprises teaching materials on advanced research methods, plus the execution and write up of a substantial group research project or group research protocol. For those students undertaking the research project, this is based on the research protocol that was conceptualised and designed in the prerequisite unit in the previous semester (CHIR8201). For those students who undertook a case study in CHIR8201, in this unit they will develop a research protocol to address a major research gap they identified in their case study.

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 127-8).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.

For example:

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Students should approach the content of this unit through self-directed learning.

Students undertaking the research project have previously been assigned to a research project group in CHIR8201. Each research project is linked to an academic advisor who will provide mentorship and guidance on completing the substantial research project (research presentation and journal article). Learning in this aspect of the unit occurs via student/supervisor engagement.

For those students who completed a case study in CHIR8201, the Unit Convenor will provide mentorship and guidance during the tutorial times about completing the group research protocol (research presentation and journal article).

Lectures

In weeks 1 to 5, there will be five 1-hour online lectures. Lectures will provide advanced research methods, building on the content from CHIR8201. These lectures will provide relevant material for the unit’s research project/protocol.

Tutorials

See the unit iLearn page for the tutorial schedule. The tutorials will be a mix of either structured tutorials or dedicated time to meet with the group’s academic advisor or Unit Convenor. In the structured tutorials, the teaching material covered in the lectures will be discussed in more depth and students will undertake small group activities to enhance learning of the materials. When there are no structured tutorials scheduled, students will be expected to meet with their academic advisor, or attend the tutorial to consult with the Unit Convenor for advice about their research project/protocol.

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.