University of Technology Sydney

81549 Honours Thesis

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

UTS: Transdisciplinary Innovation
Credit points: 24 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This is the second of two subjects in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (Honours) program. It is dedicated to the further iterative refinement and development of the initial research proposal – with active input from the community of practice – derived from the first Honours subject, with the final aim of producing an individual Honours thesis. The thesis must include a substantial written component and, where relevant, may also include non-traditional research outputs. Students work closely with their Honours supervisor(s) in this subject, with further support provided through participation in Honours seminars, to obtain and provide peer feedback on their evolving work, share research challenges, strategies, methods, and insights, as well as identify nascent HDR research and funding opportunities for potential academic careers.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Articulate and independently draw upon the theoretical foundations, principles, skills, and methods of transdisciplinary research;
2. Carry out further desk and empirical research, as relevant to their individual research topic;
3. Systematically and meticulously document and collate data from their ongoing research;
4. Analyse data obtained from their research using appropriate methods and tools to generate insights;
5. Synthesise outcomes of their research to support the aims of their individual transdisciplinary research project;
6. Provide and receive critical and constructive peer feedback on peers' oral presentations and written drafts, and employ this feedback to refine their own work;

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject contributes specifically to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

  • Identify and evaluate complex challenges by analysing system dynamics, constraints, and potential leverage points, using disciplinary perspectives, evidence, and diverse viewpoints. (1.1)
  • Independently identify and trial novel research and discovery practices to elicit transdisciplinary insights. (2.1)
  • Articulate and justify research design to demonstrate rigour in creative and critical thinking. (3.1)
  • Synthesise and persuasively communicate novel transdisciplinary ideas with depth and clarity, using appropriate modalities. (3.2)
  • Develop reflexive connection with an evolving self, demonstrating ethical and intellectual positions that reflect well-considered values that enable greater purpose and inclusivity. (4.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Your experiences as a student in this subject will support you to develop the following graduate attributes:

GA1 – Holistic analysis

GA2 – Transformative creativity

GA3 – Action orientation and TD experimentation

GA4 – Contextual and self-awareness

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject builds on students' Assessment 4 from the previous subject 81548 Research Methods and Proposal; it involves iterative cycles of peer review and supervisory feedback on oral and written versions of their work, supported by a program of research seminars with the transdisciplinary community of practice, with strong emphasis on supervised autonomous research-based learning.

Assessments 1, 2, and 3 are both formative and summative. While Assessment 3 is completed individually, Assessments 1 and 2 involve a component of group-work given that they are peer feedback exercises.

Content (topics)

Transdisciplinary Communities of Practice

Advanced Desk Research Skills

Empirical Research: Gathering, Storage, and Analysis of Data

Synthesis of Research Findings

Advanced Communication Skills

Navigating Pragmatic and Ethical Challenges with Integrity

Individual Agency in Planning and Conducting Research

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Peer Feedback on one 81548 Research Proposal

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

3.1 and 4.1

Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 10%

Assessment task 2: Peer Feedback on Another Student's Early Draft

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

3.1 and 4.1

Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 10%

Assessment task 3: Honours Thesis

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 4 and 5

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

1.1, 2.1 and 3.2

Type: Thesis
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 80%

Minimum requirements

Students must attempt each assessment task and achieve an overall pass mark in order to pass this subject.

Late penalties apply to all assessment tasks as outlined in the TD School Student Guide. Please consult this booklet for other useful information including Special Consideration, Plagiarism, Extension, and Student Support Services.

A minimum of 80% of attendance of classes (as outlined in the timetable) is required.