60106 Research Proposal Writing
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 2 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Recommended studies:
68109 Advanced Communication Skills in Science
Description
One of the key skills of a research scientist is the ability to write an effective research proposal to secure funding. There are some similarities to writing a scientific report or manuscript, but research proposal writing is its own genre. Securing funding for research can be extremely time-consuming and can make or break a scientific career, no matter how original or innovative the ideas are. Additionally, it is difficult for young scientists to compete on equal footing with established researchers who have experience with preparing proposals and the benefits that come with age, career stage and a recognised name. Researchers who understand the structure and purpose of these applications and can learn to address the common problems made in funding applications, then stand a better chance of receiving a favourable review.
The aim of this subject is to develop written communication skills, specifically those involved in preparing research proposals. This subject develops and enhances students' ability to prepare a clear and compelling argument for funding.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Consider and explain the importance of writing as a professional skill for all scientists. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Translate scientific information effectively to a range of audiences in a variety of written formats. |
| 3. | Demonstrate clear and effective written communication using correct academic referencing. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Assess, argue for, and conduct independent research and solving complex problems by applying a research methodology to address a research need in a relevant professional context. (2.1)
- Develop, prepare, and engage, at times collaboratively, in safe, ethical, organised and transparent work practices that mitigate risk and contribute to solving global health problems in the context of science and medical biotechnology. (3.1)
- Reflectively discover, create, and evaluate processes used to determine the value, integrity, and relevance of multiple sources of information to derive innovative solutions to complex science and medical biotechnology problems. (4.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS.
This subject is intended to assess the following attributes:
Graduate Attribute 2 - Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Preparing a mock research proposal involves a deep understanding of the scientific method of knowledge acquisition. You will develop your critical thinking and analysis attributes and pitch your ability to discover new understandings.
Graduate Attribute 3 - Professional, ethical and social responsibility
The learning activities in this subject will enable you to practice applying a number of generic professional skills that are important in the workplace .You will be evaluated on effective and consistent contribution to these over the course of the session. You will learn when to use different modes of written communication in different professional settings, and how to effectively identify the relevant audiences. Plagiarism is unacceptable at any level of science communication and it must not be committed by an ethical scientist. The ethical attitude in your professional roles is strongly emphasised in this subject.
Graduate Attribute 4 - Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
Preparing a mock research proposal will help you design creative solutions to contemporary complex Medical Biotechnology related issues using reflective practices and self-directed learning.
Graduate Attribute 5 - Communication
To enhance your written communication skills as a postgraduate student in science you will examine a range of styles and modes used in professional scientific writing. You will also explore the various forms of communication delivered by peers, supervisors and other professionals and the reporting of science in the media, and those commonly found in professional science workplaces. Your assessment tasks focus on practising the various communication modes. Online exercises will also build your competence in academic English expression appropriate for a professional scientist so that you write clearly, grammatically correctly and effectively for the target reader or audience. In addition, as a professional scientist you are expected to be interested in and to keep up to date with current science news. To help you develop this, you will be expected to contribute comments to the discussed articles and written documents on Canvas. You will practise how to paraphrase and summarise texts without committing inadvertent plagiarism and will have an opportunity to check your writing using turnitin software that detects plagiarism.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will be delivered online and you will be able to work at your own pace through the content.
All of the material will be delivered to you using the online learning platform Canvas. The subject is designed to engage you using active learning and will feature videos, quizzes and other interactive actitivites to allow you to further broaden your knowledge of the topic.
You will be provided with relevant and current examples of research proposals and be encouraged to use these to assist you with the preparation of your mock research proposal.
The content will be delivered in four content areas which will each focus on a different aspect of the grant application process. You will be assessed by a quiz at the end of each content area and will receive instant feedback to allow you to further hone your skills before completing the final assessment.
Content (topics)
One of the key skills of a research scientist is the ability to write an effective research proposal.
There are some similarities to writing a scientific report or manuscript, but research proposal writing is its own genre. Chasing funding for your research will take up a large chunk of your time and can make or break a scientific career, no matter how original or innovative your ideas are. If you understand the structure and purpose of these applications and can learn to address the common problems made in funding applications, then you stand a better chance of receiving a favourable review.
The aim of this subject is to develop your written communication skills, specifically those involved in preparing research proposals. This subject will develop and enhance your ability to prepare a clear and compelling argument for funding.
The program moves through four on-line modules:
1. The landscape of research funding
2. Preparing to write a research proposal
3. The elements of a successful research proposal
4. Practical advice on writing grant proposals
For more details, please consult Canvas.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assessment Task 1 Quizzes (3 at 15% each)
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
| Length: | 30 minutes each. |
| Criteria: | Criteria: Correct responses to multiple choice questions and demonstration of comprehension and critical thinking in short answer responses. |
Assessment task 2: Assessment Task 2 Mock research proposal and biosketch
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 55% |
| Length: | No more than five A4 pages. |
| Criteria: | Your mock research proposal and biosketch will be assessed on content, format, grammar, sentence structure and referencing and application of correct structure and style of writing. A rubric will be provided to you in Canvas. Your proposal will be no more than five A4 pages. |
Minimum requirements
Students must receive 50% of all available marks in order to pass this subject.
Recommended texts
All reading materials required for this subject are provided via Canvas and the UTS Library.