Course Title: Thesis 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Thesis 1

Credit Points: 24.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BESC1425

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

BESC1425

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

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

BESC1426

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr Russell Conduit

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6658

Course Coordinator Email: russell.conduit@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.03.007


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

The practice of psychology is based on the science-practitioner model, and thus practice should be grounded in research. This course is the first of two courses that teaches you how to plan and conduct an individual research project in the field of psychology by directly engaging you in the research process. The course has been structured so that it mimics the real-world research process as closely as possible and it will equip you with the skills required to undertake the preparation necessary for conducting a research project.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the Program Learning Outcomes:

  • PLO 2: Demonstrate a capacity to employ a variety of approaches and procedures to research to permit judgements and decisions to be supported by appropriate evidence that places practice within a global and local context.
  • PLO 3:  Applies knowledge to diagnose and solve problems in a wide range of diverse situations, with an ability to work independently or with others and incorporate the analysis of evidence based scientific literature to solve psychological problems.
  • PLO 4: Engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people and communicate in a broad range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) to meet the circumstances of the situation and the capabilities of the audience.
  • PLO 5: Maintains tolerance and respect for individuals and  groups from diverse backgrounds, holding diverse values, adhering to professional expectations and demonstrating  ethical behaviour.


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

  1. Develop a research question into a clearly elucidated and costed proposal.
  2. Present information to an audience in a clear, concise, interesting and informative manner.
  3. Describe the ethical issues associated with human research and fulfil/complete relevant ethical requirements.
  4. Critically evaluate a body of scientific literature within the field of Psychology.


Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning activities associated with the requirements of this course reflect the requirements associated with undertaking independent research in a supported academic environment. You will be required to attend and participate in research colloquia as well as regular weekly meetings with your thesis supervisor. You will be expected to undertake the requirements of the course in a self-directed manner under supervision.


Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include targeted readings taken from multi-media, text book, reference and online material and a range of secondary sources. Relevant resources particular to your area of research activity may be directed by your thesis supervisor. Material may be digitally available to you. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment associated with this course reflects the development of your research thesis. In the formative assessment period you will be expected to develop a research proposal reflective of your research aims and objectives. To support this you will be required to prepare an application for ethical review and to develop a budget to support the potential costs associated with your research topic.  Your summative assessment will require you to undertake a literature review related to your research topic. To support the development of your research skills you are required to attend weekly research colloquia and present abstracts for each one.

For information on grades used in RMIT courses see: www.rmit.edu.au/students/grading/highered

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 the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

This course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced, at: www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment