Graduate School of The Environment
GSE898 Research Management (for HDR Students)
About this Unit
Semester 2, 2011
Convenor: Dr Frank Thomalla
Prerequisite/Corequisite: N/A
Credit points: incorporated in full-time research points
Unit Description
Welcome to GSE898. This unit provides advice on managing a research project for HDR students.
Learning Objectives
The unit prepares students for higher degree research by examining the context in which postgraduate student research is conducted and the methodologies appropriate to research, especially research that might cross disciplinary boundaries. The principal objective is for students to complete a research proposal for a research project that meets the examination requirements of a higher degree and can be completed in the normal period of candidature, ie:
- For PhD – 3 years of full-time study
- Know how knowledge is advanced and see themselves as members of the community of scholars
- Present a program to manage their research project that will satisfy rigorous scrutiny
- Have made a much faster start than they expected
- Confidently proceed to produce a high quality thesis
- A literature review
- A detailed research proposal following the guidelines in document Q4
- A seminar on their research proposal
Learning Outcomes
On completing the unit, students should be able to:
The basic purpose of the unit is to help you make more progress on your research than would occur without doing the unit. Comments by past students support this claim. Further information on learning outcomes are contained in an attachment, which is a form I use to report on student outcomes to the GSE in addition to marks and grades for the unit.
Teaching Staff
Dr Frank Thomalla
Phone: 9850 9670
Email: frank.thomalla@mq.edu.au
Classes
Please contact Dr Thomalla for information on time tabling.
Attendance Requirements
Your questions and contributions benefit others in the unit as well as yourself. Attendance at all sessions is therefore expected. Failure to attend without prior consultation removes all grounds for sympathy in regard to requirements of the unit including re-assessment.
Technology Used and Required
No special requirements for equipment or technology apply.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Download MGSM 2010 session notes (612Kb)
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Assessment Requirements
To complete this unit, students must submit and pass wach of the following assignments:
1. A literature review
2. A detailed research proposal following the guidelines in document Q4
3. A seminar on their research proposal
Several other assignments, designed to develop the candidate's research proposal are obligatory.
Grades
A numerical mark and grade will be given for this unit. the literature review will account for 33% of marks and the research proposal (Q4) 67%. the seminar will be used to make marginal adjustments to marks. Note: final passing grades will not be reviewed nor subject to resubmissions for the purposes of increasing marks for scholarship purposes. it is important to notes that High Distinctions are usually achieved by a minority of students but it is expected that most students are able to obtain a distinction.
Questionnaires
Though ungraded, the questionnaires are designed to help you develop our research proposal and they will form the basis of discussion in some classes.
Literature review
The research proposal (Q4) requires a brief account of the literature upon which the research will be based. Before that is prepared a literature review is required. The literature review should be a free standing document which reveals a capacity to critically assess the literature and use it to justify your research topic or an aspect of it. That includes engaging with alternative perspectives on your topic. It should draw upon 30-50 items from a range of sources most of which are peer reviewed. The review should arrange this material in an argument that outlines the current state of knowledge, the main areas of debate and the apparent gaps in knowledge. It should work toward justifying the topic chosen for the thesis. The review should also reveal a capacity to assess the claims and methodologies employed by researchers. It should be tightly written and confined to 6 pages or about 3000 words. It is due by 18 October 2010. Being limited to 3000 words, it needs to be a comprehensive review, but may focus upon one issue or aspect, including a methodological issue.
Research proposal
Requirements for completion of the research proposal are specified in document Q4. A presentation of this proposal will occur during the research students seminars scheduled for 17 and 18 November 2010. The audience will be students and staff of GSE. The final proposal is due on 11 December 2010.
Assignment Submission
Submission of assignments by email is preferred.
Students who fail an assignment are entitled to resubmit their work but regardless of its quality the maximum mark for a resubmitted assignment will be 55%. This privilege is subject to the attendance requirements.
Extensions and Penalties
If assignment deadlines cannot be met please talk to me beforehand.
Examination Conditions
None.
Requirements to Complete this Unit Satisfactorily
To complete this unit, students must submit and pass each of the following assignments:
Several other assignments, designed to develop the candidate's research proposal are obligatory.
Required and Recommended Texts/Materials
Pursue the reading that you find most helpful.
Listed below are several sources that should be particularly helpful. They are written by people who empathise with the student's perspective. Students most value the first one understandably. Collis and Hussey is a useful introduction. Later editions of some of the books may exist.
Booth W C, Colomb G, Williams J 2003 The craft of research, Chicago University Press, Chicago
Burton S & Steane P 2004 (eds) "Surviving your Thesis" Routledge, London
Collis J and Hussey R 2003 Business Research, a practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students, Palgrave Macmillan, 2nd edition
Crotty M 1998 Foundations of Social Research, Sage UK
Denholm C and Evans T 2006 Doctorates Downunder, keys to successful doctoral study in Australia and New Zealand, Acer Press Victoria
Mullins G & Kiley M 2002 'It's a PhD, not a Nobel Prize': how experienced examiners assess research theses. Studies in Higher Education 27(4):369-386
Phillips E M & Pugh D S 2000 How to get a PhD, Open University Press, 3rd edPolicies
Approved polices and associated guidelines and procedures can be found at Macquarie University Policy Central: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/
Plagerism is taboo: assignments exhibiting plagerism may lead to failure in the unit. Macquarie University's policy on plagerism can be found at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Academic Honesty
The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty. Academic honesty is an integral part of the core values and principles contained in the Macquarie University Ethics Statement. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:
- all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
- all academic collaborations are acknowledged
- academic work is not falsified in any way
- when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.
All academic and professional staff involved in learning, teaching and research are expected to display leadership in this area.
One of the University's objectives is to produce ethically and socially aware graduates, capable of applying the skills and knowledge they have developed at University to all aspects of their lives, as well as to their academic work. Academic dishonesty undermines the integrity of the University's academic awards and assessment processes, and damages the University's reputation. It also reduces the effectiveness of a student's time at the University.
All students should familiarise themselves with Macquarie University's Academic Honesty Policy.
The GSE recommends that students familiarise themselves with the information contained on the Georgetown University Honor Council website which discusses plagiarism in an easy to understand and comprehensive manner.
All assignments will be screened with "Turnitin" anti-plagiarism software
University Policy on Assessment
Please visit Policy Central for an explanation of the University’s policy on assessment.
The rights and responsibilities of students with regard to assessment are outlined in the University’s assessment code of practice.
Grading System
An explanation of the the university's grading policy and grading system is available at Policy Central
Special Consideration Policy
The University is committed to equity and fairness in all aspects of its learning and teaching. In stating this commitment, the University recognises that there may be circumstances where a student is prevented by unavoidable disruption from performing in accordance with their ability.
The Special Consideration Policy is instituted to support students who experience serious and unavoidable disruption such that they do not reach their usual demonstrated performance level.
Student Support Services
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. The Study Skills Support Unit in the Dean of Students Office aims to offer academic support as well as a range of literacy study skills to assist students in acquiring a successful learning experience in MQ.
Current services include Study Skills Workshops and Individual Consultations. Students will also find a collection of useful Online Resources relating to different aspects of learning enhancement as well as other interesting topics on Study Skills Development on the Dean of Students website. The University is also offering free Academic Writing Programs for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
For International Students at MQ, there is a resource library that could assist with developing the skills and confidence to achieve a smooth and successful adjustment.
Whether you're a student or staff member, Campus Experience exists to provide you with a convenient, engaging, healthy and supportive environment during your time at Macquarie University.
Advice for Students with Disabilities/Health Conditions
The Disability Support Unit is one of the services provided by Campus Wellbeing. Staff from the Disability Support Unit work with students who have a permanent or temporary disability and/or health condition to get the services they need to have an equal opportunity to flourish at Macquarie University. Students can contact or register with the Disability Support Unit at any time before or during their studies at Macquarie. Contact the Disability Support Unit to learn more about the services that may be available to you to enable you to flourish in your studies.