Students
FOAR8060 – Research Project
2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-infrequent, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor and Course Director: Graduate Diploma of Research
Kirstin Mills
Contact via Email
Room 752, Level 7, 25B Wally's Walk (Arts Precinct)
By appointment (please email to set up a time to meet on campus or online)
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
20
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to Graduate Diploma of Research OR Bachelor of Philosophy.
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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 provides students with an opportunity to design, plan, and complete a pilot research project resulting in a fully developed research proposal and a literature review. This project may serve as the basis for a Master of Research thesis, allowing early planning and preparation for this degree, or it may propose an independent but equivalent-length project. Through a combination of student-led reading groups and independent study, students will encounter and critically evaluate a broad range of relevant literature in their field, and will develop key research skills, including independent learning, project management, collaboration, and judgement, adaptability, and accountability. |
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 evaluate an advanced body of knowledge in your discipline.
- ULO2: Develop a research proposal using advanced knowledge, theories and methods required to conduct research in your discipline.
- ULO3: Demonstrate awareness of the scope and limitations that shape research projects.
- ULO4: Demonstrate well-developed judgement, adaptability and accountability in your professional practice as a researcher.
- ULO5: Communicate relevant research concepts and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
General Assessment Information
Timeline for working on assessments
This 20-credit-point unit is structured around the development of a Research Proposal and Literature Review over the course of the semester. Students are expected to devote appropriate time each week to working towards these research outputs.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
University Assessment Policy is as follows:
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 mark of‚ 0 (zero) 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 issue.
This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 50% | No | 09/11/2025 |
| Literature Review | 50% | No | 09/11/2025 |
Research Proposal
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 60 hours
Due: 09/11/2025
Weighting: 50%
Students will write a research proposal for their potential MRes research project or equivalent-length project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate an advanced body of knowledge in your discipline.
- Develop a research proposal using advanced knowledge, theories and methods required to conduct research in your discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and limitations that shape research projects.
- Demonstrate well-developed judgement, adaptability and accountability in your professional practice as a researcher.
- Communicate relevant research concepts and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Literature Review
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 60 hours
Due: 09/11/2025
Weighting: 50%
Students will write a literature review for their proposed MRes research project or equivalent-length project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate an advanced body of knowledge in your discipline.
- Develop a research proposal using advanced knowledge, theories and methods required to conduct research in your discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and limitations that shape research projects.
- Demonstrate well-developed judgement, adaptability and accountability in your professional practice as a researcher.
- Communicate relevant research concepts and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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
Classes in this unit are either on campus or online (via Zoom) depending on which mode you are enrolled in. This unit is worth 20 credit points and affords students an opporunity to undertake independent research and produce a pilot research project resulting in a Research Proposal and Literature Review. Independent reading and writing is supported by in-class reading and peer discussion groups at strategic points throughout the session.
All class times, dates and class resources are available via the iLearn site.
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 2025.02 of the Handbook