Course Title: Doing Research for Sciences

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Doing Research for Sciences

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Professor Mary Tolcos

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: mary.tolcos@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: By appointment

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The course aims to develop your core research knowledge about the what, why and how of research while developing and refining a research proposal in preparation for Confirmation of Candidature. The course includes an introduction to the ethos of research for impact.  

The course incorporates both cross-disciplinary and disciplinary specific content. 

Topics to be covered include: 

What is Research?​ For example, the roles and purposes of research in society and how knowledges are developed and contested in the research process. 

Why do Research? ​For example, the role of research in addressing pressing, real-world problems. 

Being a Researcher​. For example, your values and responsibilities as a researcher. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

  


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

  1. Debate what knowledge is and how it is generated and contested through the research process.   
  2. Critically evaluate the role and impact of research in society today.
  3. Analyse the range of research methodologies which apply in the research field and the considerations that need to be made when choosing specific procedures and techniques. 
  4. Articulate and critically justify the key conceptual elements of the research plan, including the choice of research topic and questions, and the rationale for the methodology and analytic framework that is adopted.
  5. Incorporate key principles of research impact, ethics, integrity and respect into the conceptualisation, design and conduct of a research project, including its dissemination through publication and other means.  
 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


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

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes. Specific assessment tasks may include: 

  • Draft Research Proposal and/or documentation for CoC which may include a presentation 
  • Successful completion of the RMIT Research Integrity Training and Education (RITE) and Respectful Research Training for Candidates modules 

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. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures.