Description: Competence in professional ethics includes understanding how legal and ethical principles apply to data collection. This task involves the completion of the Research Ethics Application Form (human ethics) available from:  http://www.research.mq.edu.au/researchers/ethics/human_ethics. Be aware that if some project details are unclear or subject to change, this can be flagged in an application, and amendments can be submitted to a full application whether or not it was originally accepted.  

Requirements: Students undertaking research must be compliant with ethical procedures, and must have their plans evaluated by a designated ethics committee. As this process can be slow, students are expected to begin preparing their ethics application early in Semester 1. This exercise requires the submission of three documents:

Part 1: Application. You must submit        •    One PDF copy of submitted ethics application       •    One PDF copy of an email from the ethics committee indicating the application has been received

Part 2: Approval. You must submit       •    One PDF copy of an email from the ethics committee confirming the application has been approved

If any document cannot be provided by the due dates (e.g. the application is incomplete, or no receipt email has been received, or the application has not been approved), you must notify the unit convenor before the due date. 

Standards:  Applications are evaluated by the appropriate university research committee. 

Feedback: Feedback will be provided by the appropriate university research committee.

Description:  Researchers have to be able to communicate their work to others, and not just in writing. This task is based on the PhD student competition called the three minute thesis (3MT). Founded by UQ in 2008, 3MT has become an international event that promotes good oral communication of student research. This assessment task therefore, involves students giving a short, prepared presentation that captures the essence of their research projects. 

Requirements: Students have three minutes to formally present the most important aspects of the background, design, and contribution of their research projects. 

Rules include: •    A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration. •    No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted. •    No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, equipment) permitted. •    Presenters will be cut off at the 3 minute mark. Try to finish in under 3 minutes. •    Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs). •    Presentations are to commence from the stage/podium area. •    Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.

Standards:  Presentations are evaluated against two criteria.

Comprehension & Content: •    Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance? •    Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence? •    Were the thesis topic and research significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience? •    Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points? •    Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement & Communication: •    Did the oration make the audience want to know more? •    Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research? •    Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research? •    Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention? •    Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance? •    Did the PPT slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?

Feedback: Feedback will be provided on the day of presentations.

Description:  This assessment task involves the development of a research proposal for an industry audience. Researchers must be able to plan how to manage and execute their research projects. Beyond this, research competency includes the ability to understand the scope and context of a research question, how a research study contributes to the literature, and what potential the findings have to influence practice. Researchers must be able to persuade others of the importance of their work, given the resource and opportunity costs associated with research projects. 

Requirements: The proposal would generally include a background, research question, brief literature review, proposed methodology, proposed analysis, expected outcomes, timeline, and estimates of the costs involved. You are encouraged to discuss the structure of your proposal with your supervisor, in case elements need to be tailored to your specific industrial or organisational setting.

Standards:  Proposals are evaluated in terms of understanding, clarity, and completeness in relation to: clarity and logic of the background, research question, and brief literature review; proposed methodology; proposed analysis and analysis rationale; expected outcomes; and timeline and cost estimates. Importantly, proposals are expected to be written for an industry audience familiar with the research process.

Feedback: Feedback will be provided within two weeks of the due date (on-time submissions only).