Course Title: Research Procedures

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Research Procedures

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

GEOM2124

City Campus

Undergraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

GEOM2124

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

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

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Karin Reinke

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0422

Course Coordinator Email: karin.reinke@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 012.12.026

Course Coordinator Availability: Mon, Tue (2-5pm), Wed and Thu


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course introduces you to the concepts and procedures necessary to conduct scientific research. Topics covered include: research methodology types; research ethics and integrity; finding, evaluating, storing and synthesising literature; and designing research proposals. Underpinning these topics are principles of critical thinking, effective graphical and written communication and presentation of scientific ideas and information. There is a strong expectation that you will seek to improve your ability to develop and express a logical argument through written and verbal communication.

Please note that if you take this course for a bachelor honours program, your overall mark in this course will be one of the course marks that will be used to calculate the weighted average mark (WAM) that will determine your award level. (This applies to students who commence enrolment in a bachelor honours program from 1 January 2016 onwards. See the WAM information web page for more information.)


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the practices of different research methodologies and be able to place your own work within these methodologies.
  2. Describe the components of a research project and apply these to design a program of research which includes hypothesis, aims, methods and significance.
  3. Review and critically analyse existing research related literature, using advanced information retrieval and storage techniques.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in both written dissertation and oral form.
  5. Formulate and respond appropriately to critical questions about your own research and the research of other scientists.
  6. Discuss the ethical conduct and responsibilities of a professional scientist.


This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BH116 Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) (Honours) and BH117 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science):

1.1 Describe the fundamental and applied scientific knowledge that underpins the geospatial sciences.
1.3 Understand specialist bodies of knowledge in geospatial science.
1.5 Discern research directions and advances within geospatial science.
3.3 Apply critical and analytical skills in a scientific and professional manner.
5.2 Demonstrate a clear understanding of professional expectations and ethical requirements.
6.3 Professionally manage and use information.


Overview of Learning Activities

In this course you will be actively engaged in a series of weekly sessions, which include a mix of lectorials, library and self-directed work, class discussions and student presentations.
 


Overview of Learning Resources

As a student enrolled in this course you will have access to extensive learning resources provided in the school and the RMIT Library, in addition to course-specific resources such as specific library books, journal articles, videos, and web resources. The course is supported by the Canvas learning management system.

A library subject guide is available at: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course will be by written assignment and oral presentation.

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes on research conduct, ethics, and research methods
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1, 2, 6

Assessment Task 2: Written report on reliability, creditability, and referencing of information
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 3, 4, 6

Assessment Task 3: Short-essay comparing and contrasting two research papers
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 3, 4, 5

Assessment Task 4: Design and development of a research proposal
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5