Course Title: Research Methods

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Research Methods

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL1070

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

BIOL1070

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024

BIOL1070

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Internet

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020

BIOL2149

Bundoora Campus

Research

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014

BIOL2411

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Prof. Aidyn Mouradov

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7144

Course Coordinator Email: aidyn.mouradov@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora West campus, 223-1-73

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

Background knowledge of subject matter of specialisation and of scientific methodology, and completion of a degree in the sciences or related discipline, eg engineering.


Course Description

This course develops the knowledge and skills required by Honours and Masters students to successfully design and implement a scientific research project. You will access online information in order to achieve a systematic approach to literature searching and an awareness of information sources, which in turn will be applied in designing a research project.  You will develop skills in quantitative data treatment in order to practice the interpretation of scientific data.  Finally, the course will provide important information relating to lab and field work safety, research ethics, intellectual property and patenting. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following School of Science Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

  • PLO-1.1   You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice
  • PLO-2.3   You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methodology appropriate to your discipline
  • PLO-3.2   You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project
  • PLO-5.3   You will work responsibly, safely and ethically.


On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:  

  1. Employ advanced information retrieval techniques to search the literature, utilising RMIT's library facilities.
  2. Formulate a comprehensive research project outline, encompassing hypothesis formation and method development.
  3. Proficiently analyse results and present data in a scholarly manner.
  4. Apply the requisite laboratory safety procedures at an advanced level. 


Overview of Learning Activities

This course will provide students with a working knowledge of methods of accessing, interpreting and communicating scientific information. Experience in accessing online information will provide a systematic approach to literature searching and an awareness of information sources. Data treatment sessions will assist students in the interpretation of scientific data. Project planning techniques will be presented to provide the basis for systematic project planning. Training session on IP will examine areas of Intellectual Property, including copyright, patents, designs, trademarks and confidential information. It will explain the structure of the Australian intellectual property system and its economic and social rationales and help students to learn how to apply the IP protection laws in Australia. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Risk Assessment 
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLO 4 

Assessment Task 2: Literature Exercise
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLO 1 

Assessment Task 3: Statistical Treatment Exercise
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2 & 3 

Assessment Task 4: Project Overview
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 - 4 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.