96039 Research Project 2

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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health (GEM)
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 96035 Research Project 1
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject provides an opportunity for students to use the research skills developed in Research Project 1 and apply them to conduct a supervised research project in an area related to orthoptic practice. Some students may carry out an individual project supervised by a member of academic staff, with the subject coordinator's approval. Understanding of the principles of ethical research is further explored through discussion of ethical issues. Students identify relevant background information for the project by performing a review of the scientific literature pertaining to the research question, as well as the data necessary to answer the question and relevant research methodology is discussed. Under supervision, students participate in the collection of data and use current technology to perform statistical analysis to interpret the information gained. Students gain experience in writing in a concise academic style and learn how to present the results of their analysis by independently writing a dissertation, setting out the results of their project in the context of the original research question and their literature review. This is presented in the format of a systematic review or research publication.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

39.1.	Justify research questions and discuss project findings within the context of current evidence through the application of evidence-based inquiry skills to critically evaluate scholarly literature.
39.2.	Apply a sound understanding of the ethical principles related to the conduct of research in humans to their own behaviour and conduct in carrying out the collection and management of data for a research project.
39.3.	Interpret statistical analyses and project data with consideration of the limitations of specific research designs and analyses, and present research project results in appropriate scientific format.
39.4.	Demonstrate high-level written communication through the construction of a dissertation which justifies the research question in relation to existing scholarly literature, accurately articulates the research methodology used, clearly presents project results and logically discusses findings and draws evidence-based conclusions.
39.5.	Reflect on knowledge and skills acquired across the course and the importance of emerging evidence to ensuring best practice, to appreciate the importance of lifelong learning as a health practitioner.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:

Reflect on knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired for the evaluation and integration of emerging evidence into practice, promoting the growth of personal and professional learning and the education of others. (.02)
Analyse and synthesise knowledge of health sciences concepts and theory, and apply skills of scientific research and clinical reasoning to support decision-making in orthoptic practice. (.03)
Be an advocate for their patient, demonstrating sound, ethical, compassionate and respectful patient-focused care while acknowledging responsibility for personal health and wellbeing. (.05)
Effectively and accurately communicate to patients, their families, carers and members of the healthcare team and contributing to the wider role of health education and its promotion, acknowledging and adapting communication to address cultural and linguistic diversity. (.06)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

• Lifelong Learning

• Professional Capacity

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is taught in block mode to facilitate student participation in clinical placement for 96075 Professional Practice 3. All teaching material will be delivered via a combination of face-to-face, pre-recorded media, online activities and online workshops (weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 of Calendar B). Students are expected to continue their research project and assignment work outside of these weeks and will be able to communicate with the staff via email and the Canvas site.

Project-based Learning: Learning in this subject is through participation in conducting a research project, the analysis and interpretation of the data collected and the writing of a dissertation in the form of a journal paper that could be submitted for publication. This active participation in a research project is designed to engage students in the research process and facilitate learning of research methods through practicing and refining research skills. Some supportive material and activities will also be provided on Canvas.

Research-integrated Learning: Research is a core skill for orthoptic practitioners who are often engaged in clinical research and are consumers of research to support evidence-based practice. In this subject students actively engage with the process of research and inquiry to develop critical thinking and research skills.

Active Lectures and workshops: Research projects are supported by lectures, online activities, and workshops to guide the development and conduct of the project and scientific writing. Students are active participants in these classes and are encouraged to critically discuss, question and evaluate the project methods and results and the research process in general. Benchmarking activities of exemplar assignments, small group discussion, critical evaluation of published work and hands-on statistical analysis and writing are some examples of activities conducted throughout the subject.

Collaborative Learning: As health professionals, teamwork is an essential skill to ensure patients are managed appropriately within interdisciplinary teams of health professionals. Teamwork skills are developed through collaboration and discussion with peers in active lectures and workshops and providing and receiving peer feedback.

Ongoing Feedback: Student learning is supported by formative assessment strategy where students receive both formal and informal lecturer and peer feedback to improve their work and learn valuable skills in scientific writing. Students are provided with immediate feedback relating to the project they are undertaking by staff facilitating workshops. Small group and individual feedback sessions are conducted at relevant times throughout the subject. Opportunities for more structured feedback on assignments are given upon submission of each assignment prior to final submission.

Reflective Learning: Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their learning throughout the subject to identify areas where they may improve their performance and to assist in the development of lifelong learning skills. Specific activities where reflective learning is encouraged are: benchmarking activities using exemplars and asking students to engage with marking criteria, individual and structured feedback on each submitted assignment, and reflection of their own work through peer evaluation of another student's work and receiving peer feedback.

Content (topics)

Research Project 2 builds on knowledge about the research process, ethics in research and evidence-based practice, first introduced in 96030 Introduction to Professional Practice and expanded in 96035 Research Project 1. In Research Project 2 students employ research skills they have learnt throughout the course and acquire further skill in data management, statistical analysis and interpretation and research writing through conducting a research project and contributing to the current literature in the form of a dissertation.

Topics covered in this subject include; a review of the current literature, designing project methodology, determining data collection procedures, development of questionnaires, the peer review process, formulating a peer review to provide considered and constructive feedback, data entry and handling, data analysis and interpreting statistics as well as, scientific writing and presentation for publication.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Formative Submissions

Intent:	The formative submissions provide an opportunity for students to complete each section of their dissertation throughout the semester and be provided feedback on how these sections may be improved for the final submission of their dissertation. A formative initial reflection is also required to provide an opportunity for critical reflection and feedback throughout the semester.
Objective(s):	This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 39.1, 39.2, 39.3, 39.4 and 39.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .02, .03, .05 and .06
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Length:	Maximum word count for each section includes Initial Reflection: 250 Introduction: 800 Methods: 500 Results: 250
Criteria:	The formative dissertation, you will be assessed on: The selection of appropriate and valid scholarly literature to provide context for the research project. Your ability to critically appraise the literature to provide a justification of the importance of the current research project. The clarity and logic in which, the methodology for the project is described and the provision of sufficient detail for the study to be replicated. Accuracy in describing and demonstrated understanding of the ethical requirements for the current project. The demonstrated understanding of the statistics used in the project and your ability to correctly interpret and present these in the format of a scientific research paper. Creativity, accuracy and scientific rigor demonstrated in the presentation of the descriptive statistics for the project results. Your scientific writing skill including written expression, spelling and grammar, referencing and construction of a manuscript. Details of the results provided including the appropriateness of the tables and figures presented

Assessment task 2: Peer Review

Intent:	Peer review of another student’s dissertation will give students an appreciation of the peer review process and it is anticipated that students will be able to learn from each other and view their own work more critically through this process.
Objective(s):	This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 39.1, 39.2, 39.3 and 39.4 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .02, .03 and .06
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Length:	Peer review: 2 pages
Criteria:	The peer review will be assessed on: Your ability to critically reflect on a peer’s written work and identify areas for improvement and revision. Your ability to provide constructive feedback to a peer in a scholarly way using appropriate language and tone. The scientific rigor and understanding of research demonstrated in your approach to peer review. See detailed criteria provided in class and on Canvas for further information.

Assessment task 3: Final Submission of Research Dissertation

Intent:	It is anticipated that as a health professional you will make a contribution to the evidence-base for your professional practice. It is also expected that you will be able to critically evaluate scientific/medical literature pertaining to your practice including the appraisal of information that may accompany the introduction of new technologies and therapeutic interventions. The preparation of this dissertation, written in the form an article suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal will allow you to exercise all the necessary skills and understanding to competently perform these activities.
Objective(s):	This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 39.1, 39.2, 39.3, 39.4 and 39.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .02, .03, .05 and .06
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	50%
Length:	Final Dissertation: 3000 words
Criteria:	For your final dissertation, you will be assessed on: The selection of appropriate and valid scholarly literature to comprehensively set the context for the research project. The clarity and logic in which, the methodology for the project is described and the provision of sufficient detail for the study to be replicated. Your scientific writing skill including; written expression, spelling and grammar, referencing and construction of a manuscript. The demonstrated understanding of the statistics used in the project and your ability to correctly interpret and present these in the format of a scientific research paper. The appropriateness of conclusions drawn, founded in a logical summary of the main project findings and the identification of strengths and limitations of the current project. Your ability to contextualise the findings of the current project and the impact of these, based on the current evidence available and the limitations of this evidence. The identification of important areas for further research to extend on current work and address limitations and gaps remaining in the literature. See detailed criteria provided in class and on Canvas for further information.

Assessment task 4: Final Reflection

Intent:	This assessment provides an opportunity for students to reflect and document their development and learning experiences over the course of the subject. This is designed to prompt reflection on learning and changes in perspective about research, as well as identify the knowledge and skills gained, and how these may be translated into professional orthoptic practice for professional development and career enhancement.
Objective(s):	This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 39.2 and 39.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .02 and .03
Type:	Reflection
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	10%
Length:	Total 750 words
Criteria:	For your final reflection, you will be assessed on: Your ability to constructively and critically reflect on the personal learning experiences and/or challenges over the course of the semester Provide evidence of meaningful and critical reflection with more than one perspective considered, showing degrees of creativity and originality Reflect on your personal learning experiences in a clear and logical manner

Minimum requirements

Students are required to attend 90% of scheduled lectures and workshops and must achieve a minimum of 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

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Coursework Assessments Procedures

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