96020 Pharmacy Research Project A

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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

Description

In this subject students undertake a short research investigation under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Students contribute, in collaboration with their UTS supervisor and where appropriate an industry or external co-supervisor, to formulate the scope of the research project, including planning the research work. Students are responsible for writing the proposal, carrying out the work, including appropriate and critical analysis of the data or information obtained, and writing up the findings as a draft manuscript which may be eligible for publication. The draft manuscript typically includes an introduction to the project, a description of the methods used, a description of the results obtained plus any analysis undertaken and a discussion of the results in the context of the relevant literature.

Due to supervisory and infrastructure constraints, places in this subject are limited and it can only be undertaken with school approval. Students should approach potential supervisors about project availability in the first instance and then complete and submit a Research Project Application form for consideration. A project proposal and the final draft manuscript is assessed by school members external to the project. Where the project involves laboratory or fieldwork, a completed risk assessment form must also be provided with the approval request. Ethics approval is required for certain projects.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:

• Reflect on knowledge, skills and attributes required for the evaluation and integration of emerging evidence into practice, promoting the growth of personal and professional learning and the education of others (01.02)
• Analyse and synthesise knowledge of health science concepts and theory, and apply skills of scientific research and clinical reasoning to support decision-making in pharmacy practice. (01.03)
• Engage in team undertakings adopting a range of roles in diverse teams, building cohesion and maximising team contributions. (02.04)
• Demonstrate sound ethical, compassionate and respectful patient-focused care, taking responsibility for personal health and wellbeing. (02.05)
• Capably communicate to patients, their families, carers and members of the healthcare team; contribute to wider health education and promotion, choosing and adapting communication modes to address cultural and linguistic diversity. (02.06)
• Integrate into daily practice knowledge of health systems and concerns in national and global communities, with awareness of the social and cultural contexts of health to meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities. (03.07)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This Subject contributes to student achievement of the following UTS:Pharmacy Graduate Attributes:

Lifelong learning

Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy are lifelong learners, committed to and capable of reflection and inquiry in their quest for personal development and excellence in professional practice.

Professional capacity

Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy are client-focussed, ethical practitioners with the understanding and proficiency to be leaders in their profession, capable of effectively researching and communicating solutions in a global context.

Global citizenship

Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy contribute to society, resolving to undertake those actions and responsibilities that will enhance their role in local, national and global communities.

Teaching and learning strategies

This is a research-based subject. Learning experiences from subjects in the first year of the Master of Pharmacy are applied in the development of an individual research project.

Students have the opportunity to select a research project at the start of the calendar B session and do a comprehensive literature review and work in the lab/hospital/community setting during the session. Learning is supported by feedback from academic supervisor at relevant times during the session.

Collaborative Learning: Pharmacists work within a multi-disciplinary team environment and often collaborate with other health professionals to provide optimal patient care. Through research project, students have the opportunity to work within these collaborative teams and develop both general teamwork skills and specific clinical/laboratory skills. Students also collaborate closely with peers and other pharmacy/hospital/laboratory and academic staff throughout their research project.

Self-directed Learning: Students are encouraged to review the literature and communicate their progress regularly to their academic supervisors for additional formative feedback. These draft manuscripts are not assessable, and it is optional for students to complete these for feedback.

Ongoing Feedback: Students are provided with feedback on the draft manuscript and on understanding of key concepts by academic supervisors. Formal feedback about a student’s performance on the research project is provided via supervisor assessment and sign off form. Formal written feedback is provided for the submitted manuscript at the end of the semester.

Content (topics)

This is an elective subject in the Master of Pharmacy degree provides students with first-hand research experience. It extends the research skills gained in year 1 and facilitates an in-depth understanding in a specific area of through a research project. Students hoping to undertake further postgraduate research degrees are encouraged to complete Research Projects A & B.

This subject follows the process of conceiving and designing a research project. The topics of focus are the initial steps required before starting a project, including formulating a research question, methodology, research design, risk assessment, and ethical considerations. Analysis and reporting are also addressed.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Oral Presentation

Assessment task 2: Manuscript

Assessment task 3: Supervisor assessment and sign off

Minimum requirements

Students are required to attend supervisor meetings, as advised.

To pass this Subject students must achieve a minimum grade of 50%.

Note: there is a must-pass assessment in this Subject. Please check assessment descriptions for details.

Required texts

Coursework Assessments Policy

Coursework Assessments Procedures

Graduate School of Health Policy, Guidelines and Procedures (login required)