Course coordinator
Professor Shuang Liu
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course equips you with the knowledge and skills you will need to undertake academic research in the broad area of communication. It explores the paradigmatic assumptions and theoretical perspectives behind the many different ways of conducting research in communication, and by extension, the broad area of humanities and social sciences where communication plays a central role. We provide practical examples and guidance as to how communication research should be planned and implemented.
COMU7292 equips you with theﾠability to critically evaluate researchﾠinformation and professionallyﾠdesignﾠacademic research projects. The course covers knowledge and skills in both qualitative and quantitative research design, including literature review, research question formation, choice of appropriate methods, data collection, data analysis, and research ethics. Various practical examples are used to illustrate how to apply research knowledge and skills in desiging valid research projects to examine authentic research problems that you can relate to. This course builds a solid foundation for you to progress to the thesisﾠcourses later in your postgraduateﾠprogram of study. Going beyond the university, this course builds your capability to be a critical consumer and knowledgeable producer of research information.
Course requirements
Assumed background
COMU7292 assumes that students taking this course are equipped with critical thinking, academic writing and referencing skills. In this course, you will learnﾠthe fundamental knowledge and skills for designing and conductingﾠacademic research in the broad area of communication, and by extension, social science.ﾠ
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
JOUR7292
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Shuang Liu
Tutor
Dr Moya Baldry
Dr Doreen Busolo
Dr Meron Reda
Dr Meng Zhang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
COMU7292 aims to provide you with essentialﾠknowledge and skillsﾠfor designing and conducting academic research. The course covers various theoretical, methodological, cultural, and ethical issues that youﾠneed to consider when designing and conductingﾠa research project. You will learn how to searchﾠand critically reviewﾠliterature, form research questions, design and conduct a study, and analyse data in a valid manner to address your research questions. The course also enhances your cultural sensitivity and ethicalﾠawareness when you researchﾠinﾠdiverse cultural contexts.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Build a solid knowledge base of the theoretical assumptions underlying different approaches to research.
LO2.
Critically review literature relevant to your project and use it to form a conceptual framework for your project.
LO3.
Apply knowledge and skills to design a valid research project and choose appropriate methods to address your project aims and research questions.
LO4.
Evaluate cultural and ethical issues related to research processes and design strategies to properly address them.
LO5.
Use clear and concise language suitable to the conventions of academic writing in presenting your research project.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Problem Statement & Research Plan | 15% 500 words |
25/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Literature Review and Research Questions | 40% 1500 words |
29/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Project | Research Proposal | 45% 2000 words |
10/06/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Problem Statement & Research Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 15% 500 words
- Due date
25/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
Assignment 1 (Problem Statement and Research Plan) aims to get you started on selecting a research topic and planning for your project. This assignment prepares you for the literature review, which is Assignment 2. I encourage you to select a research problem for your project that you can relate to, which facilitates your utilisation of your prior knowledge and experiences. You should frame the problem into a researchable one and outline your plan to address it. You may use bullet points in your research plan section. You need to cite at least 5 academic references from academic journals or books. In addition, you may cite from non-academic sources (e.g., government reports, internet sources), where necessary. Please do not use Wikipedia as academic references for your research project. The required referencing style for your in-text citation and references list at the end of your assignment is APA 7th edition referencing style. The UQ Library website has APA 7th edition referencing style guide, which also has information on how to cite non-English references, lecture notes, and power points. The word limit (500 words) is suggestive. No penalties will apply based on the sole reason that your assignment goes above or under the suggested word limit. More details of this assignment will be provided in class sessions.
Note:
- This assignment is to be submitted via Turnitin. Submission of assignment as email attachment will NOT be accepted.
- Your assignment is assessed according to the marking criteria specified in this course, NOT assessed with reference to the achievement of other students or your performance in other courses.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Literature Review and Research Questions
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40% 1500 words
- Due date
29/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Assignment 2 (Literature Review and Research Questions) aims to assess your ability to critically review and synthesise previous research, demonstrate how the literature you have reviewed functions to form a conceptual framework for your own project, state specific research questions that your project will address, and justify the significance of your study. This assignment is expected to be informed by and developed from your Assignment 1. However, you are allowed to choose a project different from that of your Assignment 1, if you wish to. To accomplish Assignment 2, you are required to search for literature that informs your understanding of the research problem you identified. Your literature review should be a critical synthesis of theories and previous studies, not a serial summary of the cited references. The literature review should conclude with your specific research questions for your project. This assignment informs your choice of research methods in Assignment 3. You should cite at least 15 academic references from academic journals or books as scholarly support. You may include the academic references cited for Assignment 1 and they count towards the minimum 15 academic references required for Assignment 2. In addition, you may cite from non-academic sources, where necessary. Please do not cite Wikipedia as academic references for your project. The required referencing style for your in-text citation and references list at the end of your assignment is APA 7th edition referencing style. The UQ Library website has APA 7th edition referencing style guide, which also has information on how to cite non-English references, lecture notes, and power points. The word limit (1500) is suggestive. No penalties will apply based on the sole reason that your assignment goes above or under the suggested word limit. More details of this assignment will be provided in class sessions.
Note:
- This assignment is to be submitted via Turnitin. Submission of assignment as email attachment will NOT be accepted.
- Your assignment is assessed according to the marking criteria specified in this course, NOT assessed with reference to the achievement of other students or your performance in other courses.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 45% 2000 words
- Due date
10/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This final assignment (Research proposal) aims to assess your ability to be a critical consumer and a knowledgeable producer of research. Your research proposal consists of three sections: 1) An Introduction to the project, which states the purpose and significance of your study; 2) Research questions; 3) Methodology, which explains the design of your study, the specific methods chosen appropriate to the research topic and research questions, data collection strategies, and data analysis techniques. You are required to justify decisions made at each step of the research process. You also need to explain how cultural and ethical issues, if applicable, are addressed. This final assignment is expected to be informed by and developed from the previous two assignments. However, you are allowed to work on a project for Assignment 3, which is different from that of your previous two assignments, if you wish to. You may include a brief literature review in the Introduction, but it must be concise. You are not required to include extensive literature review, which is the focus of Assignment 2. Please note that the research methodology section forms a core component of Assignment 3 (see the marking criteria). You should cite at least 20 academic references from academic journals or books as scholarly support. You may include the academic references cited for Assignments 1 & 2 and they count towards the minimum 20 academic references required for Assignment 3. In addition, you may cite from non-academic sources, where necessary. Please do not cite Wikipedia as academic references for your project. The required referencing style for your in-text citation and the references list at the end of your assignment is APA 7th edition referencing style. The UQ Library website has APA 7th edition style guide, which also has information on how to cite non-English references, lecture notes and power points. The word limit (2000) is suggestive. No penalties will apply for the sole reason that your assignment goes above or under the suggested word limit. Further information on this assignment will be provided in class sessions.
Note:
- This assignment is to be submitted via Turnitin. Submission of assignment as email attachment will NOT be accepted.
- Your assignment is assessed according to the marking criteria specified in this course, NOT assessed with reference to the achievement of other students or your performance in other courses.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy most of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course. Submitted assignments lack appropriate references and relevance, lack understanding of basic concepts and theories in research,ﾠlack appropriate coherence andﾠorganisation. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic requirements of the course. Submitted assignments demonstrate ability to use fundamental concepts, synthesise literature, elaborate ideas and arguments; demonstrates sufficient quality in submitted work to be considered satisfactory or adequate with respect to explaining the significance and implications of the research project. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and theories to research design; good ability to go beyond mere replication of ideas from source materials to show understanding of key concepts, awareness of their relevance to your own study; very good ability to draw implications and conclusions. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understandingﾠof challenges and debatesﾠinﾠthe research area; very good ability to apply concepts and theories to resolving problems in communication research; and demonstrates very good ability to offer insightful implications and conclusions. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates originality in research design; outstanding ability in applying knowledge and skills creatively and innovatively in meeting all the learning objectives for the course; demonstrates ability to evaluate new challenges and to suggest ways to meet those challenges in research. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The Blackboard course site contains important learning materials including lecture and tutorial notes, powerpoint slides, readings, assessment requirements, and course updates. Please ensure that you access Blackboard course site daily on weekdays.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Introduction to the Course This first lecture provides an overview of the course structure, learning objectives, activities, requirements, assessments and other important course related matters. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2. |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Turning Ideas into Research Projects This lecture discusses how to turn ideas into research as well as identifies various challenges that you may encounter when planning for a research project. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Choosing a Research Topic This tutorial discusses what you need to consider when choosing your research topic area. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Building Conceptual Framework This lecture focuses on searching for literature, critically reviewing previous studies, and form research questions for your project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Refining your Research Topic Area This tutorial discusses refining your project area including what you can do if you find too many or two few academic references in your research topic area. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Understanding Mixed Methods Design This lecture explores how qualitative and quantitative approaches can complement each other in mixed methods design. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Enhancing Trustworthiness of your Research This tutorial discusses how you can enhance the trustworthiness of your research design and findings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Knowing Research Ethics This lecture introduces ethical principles for conducting academic research, including ethical issues related to data collection, data analysis, data storage, and data reporting. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Applying Ethical Principles in Research This tutorial discusses the ethical issues you need to consider in designing and conducting your research project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Researching on People - Survey This lecture introduces survey methods in collecting data from people. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: Collecting Data Using Survey This tutorial discusses various issues that you may need to consider when you collect data using survey method. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Researching on People - Interview This lecture discusses using interview method to collect data from people. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Collecting Data using Interview This tutorial discusses various issues that you may need to consider when you collect data using interview method. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: NO LECTURE This week is self-directed learning. No lecture this week. You may use this time to work on your Assignment 2. |
Tutorial |
Week 8: NO TUTORIAL This week is self-directed learning. No tutorial this week. You may use this time to work on your Assignment 2. |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break Mid-Semester Break. No lecture and tutorials. Have a nice Mid-Semester Break! |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Researching on Texts This lecture focuses on discussing methods applied to collect and analyse data in words. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Managing Data in Words This tutorial discusses issues related to managing data in the form of words. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Researching on Images This lecture focuses on methods that are used to study images including how images can complement data in the form of words. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial: Collecting Data from Images This tutorial discusses issues related to using images as research data. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Researching on the Internet This lecture discusses research on the internet, particularly social media websites. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Collecting Digital Data This tutorial discusses how to address challenges of collecting data from online sources. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Putting the Research Proposal Together This final lecture discusses the structure and content of a research proposal as well as criteria for evaluating a research proposal. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Questions and Answers This final tutorial is a Q&A drop-in session to address questions you may have about Assignment 3. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: NO LECTURE This week is self-directed learning. No lecture this week. You may use this time to work on your Assignment 3. |
Tutorial |
Week 13: NO TUTORIAL This week is self-directed learning. No tutorial this week. You may use this time to work on your Assignment 3. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.