Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - )
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 12
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
A research thesis which makes a major contribution to the Honours program in the field of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. Students taking the course over a full year starting in semester 1 enrol in HMST6001. Students taking the course over a full year starting in semester 2 enrol in HMST6002.
The Honours research thesis comprises a significant component of the Honours degree. The course is undertaken in addition to research skills (HMST6846) and Directed Study A (HMST6965). Note, if a student has already undertaken the research skills course at an undergraduate level (HMST3846) then they will do Directed Study B (HMST6903) instead. Students undertaking the research thesis are assessed as to their comprehension of the chosen field, their written expression and structure, the methods and techniques used to address the research questions and their analysis and interpretation of the data. Note that while the Directed Study A (and Directed Study B if relevant) may be a projectﾠrelated to the research thesis, any assessed work must be clearly distinct and separate.
Course requirements
Restrictions
Approval by Head of School
Course contact
Course staff
Program director
Professor Genevieve Healy
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is to allow students to develop research skills and experience by undertaking a significant research project related to human movement and/or nutrition science.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Search and synthesise scientific literature to identify and justify the planned research project
LO2.
Identify and clearly state a testable research question that addresses a gap in current knowledge in the field of human movement and/or nutrition science
LO3.
Identify and describe appropriate methodologies for the research question(s), including consideration of ethics, timelines and funding
LO4.
Execute a research project to address identified research question(s) using appropriate methodologies
LO5.
Analyse and critically interpret, report and discuss research data and findings
LO6.
Demonstrate effective communication skills for multiple audiences
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project, Thesis |
Research Plan
|
Pass/Fail |
28/08/2024 3:00 pm |
| Project, Thesis |
Mid-Honours Review
|
Pass/Fail |
4/11/2024 - 15/11/2024
Student is to book a meeting in with the course co-ordinator to discuss the project. Documents to be submitted to the course co-ordinator at least two working days prior to the meeting. |
| Thesis | Honours Research Thesis | 90% |
28/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Project | Knowledge translation | 10% |
9/06/2025 3:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Research Plan
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project, Thesis
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
28/08/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Prior to undertaking your project, you need to develop your research ideas and discuss and agree with your supervisor what the project will entail and also develop a rough timeline for your project. For a 12 unit thesis, you should be spending approximately 720 hours of the year undertaking your research. This equates to approximately 240 hours in the first semester (if you have also undertaken 4 units in other courses such as Research Skills or Directed Studies) and 480 hours in the second semester (almost 40 hours per week).
Please submit a brief outline to the course co-ordinator with the following information.
Project Details - Student name, adviser name/s, project title.
Project Outline - A rough outline of the project including aims and basic methodology is to be provided (250 words)
Project Timeline - A full timeline including time devoted to developing the project, literature search and background writing, upskilling/training, data collection, data analysis, thesis writing should be provided. This should satisfy the co-ordinator that the project is neither too big or small for the requirements of the course.
The purpose of this milestone is to ensure that:
· the project is suitable in scope for an honours thesis
· the timeline is reasonable and there is a plan for undertaking any training required
· the student and advisor(s) have an opportunity to raise and discuss any concerns or issues related to the research project that may impact successful completion.
Hurdle requirements
Student must pass this to progress. However, multiple attempts are allowed as this is intended to ensure the suitability of the scope of the project.Submission guidelines
Upload on Blackboard via Turnitin and notify course co-ordinator.
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
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Mid-Honours Review
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project, Thesis
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
4/11/2024 - 15/11/2024
Student is to book a meeting in with the course co-ordinator to discuss the project. Documents to be submitted to the course co-ordinator at least two working days prior to the meeting.
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
This is a pass/fail assessment item consisting of a written research reflection, as well as a meeting between the student advisor(s) and course co-ordinator. If the course co-ordinator does not believe the research project is on track for completion, the student will be required to re-submit their research reflection and proposed research timetable. The re-submission item will need to directly address issues raised by the course co-ordinator, outlining a plan to ensure timely completion of the project.
The mid-thesis review provides an opportunity for the student to reflect on their progress at the half-way point of the Honours program. The student will write a brief research reflection, progress log and up to date timetable for project completion (2 pages maximum). A meeting will be held between the student, advisor(s) and course co-ordinator to discuss the submitted document and any other matters relating to the Mid-Honours Review.
The purpose of this milestone is to ensure that:
· the project is on track for completion within the course timeline
· the candidate's research and other professional skills are developing appropriately, and
· the student and advisor(s) have an opportunity to raise and discuss any concerns or issues related to the research project that may impact successful completion.
Hurdle requirements
This is a pass/fail assessment with re-submission available. This hurdle is to ensure the student and the team is on track for the student to be able to complete a suitable honours-level thesis. The student is required to pass this assessment to pass the hurdle.Submission guidelines
Submit to the course co-ordinator via email at least two working days before the meeting.
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
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Honours Research Thesis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 90%
- Due date
28/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Your honours dissertation is intended to provide a comprehensive description of the research project undertaken for the course.
This may be written in a monologue format, journal article format, or other appropriate format to adequately describe the research and meet the marking criteria.
The maximum length of the thesis is 12,000 words (not including referencing or appendices).
Please see the task sheet for more information that will be listed in Blackboard under the assessment folder.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via Turnitin (link in relevant Assessment task folder on Blackboard).
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.
Knowledge translation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
9/06/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06
Task description
In this task, you are required to demonstrate your ability to communicate your research project and findings to a non-expert audience of your choosing.
You are also able to choose the presentation format, considering what might be appropriate for the target audience, such as consumers or industry partners. This is an opportunity to be creative!
Examples of knowledge translation pieces include:
- A two-page report for stakeholders that can be published in an open domain
- A brief recorded summary presentation uploaded to a website
- A poster to be displayed in a workplace
- An article for The Conversation
Your item should be accompanied by a brief description of the target audience and a justification as to why this target audience and media was chosen (maximum 200 words). Please ensure you identify your target audience.
Referencing is optional but ensure it is consistent if included.
The item will be marked by the course co-ordinator.
Please see the task sheet for more information.
Submission guidelines
Email to course co-ordinator
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 most or 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 some of the basic requirements of the course. Clear deficiencies in performance, but evidence that some basic requirements have been met. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fails to satisfy all basic requirement for pass but is close to satisfactory overall and has compensating strengths in some aspects: |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course |
| 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 skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting, surprising, exciting, challenging or erudite |
Additional course grading information
Thesis grade = Course grade
A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g. 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64.)
*This course contains pass/fail item hurdles. In order to receive a passing grade for the course, students must pass the research plan and mid-honours review.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Postgraduate Honours theses and other postgraduate coursework program theses are examined within the School using the following procedures.
The course co-ordinator in consultation with adviser/s will appoint at least two examiners, both of whom should be external to the supervisory team (from within theﾠSchool,ﾠUniversity or external to the University).ﾠThe examiners’ names are not released to the candidate, except with the explicit approval of the examiners. The course co-ordinator is responsible for the notification of examiners of their appointment. The criteria for examination of the thesis or research project are as described in the in the assessments section.
What is TurnitIn?
Turnitin is an electronic assignment submission tool. The tool provides your Course Coordinator with:
- a record of the exact submission time of an assignment
- an originality report indicating the percentage of your work that is an exact match of existing materials within the Turnitin database.
Instructions on how to submit an assignment using Turnitin are located on the UQ Library websiteﾠSubmit your Turnitin assignment - Library Guide
Note: When submitting, to check that you have chosen the correct file on theﾠPreview Submissionﾠpage and click on theﾠSubmit to Turnitinﾠbutton. ﾠ
Remember to download yourﾠdigital receiptﾠin yourﾠAssignment inboxﾠto confirm successful submission.
If a submission cannot be successfully completed, email a copy of the assessment task to the Course Administrator. For contact details refer to section 1.3 of the course profile.
Use of AIﾠ
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. ﾠWhilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The UQ library has excellent resources, including on-line subscriptions to the full-text of many journals in human movement studies. These are available via the library’s catalogue (www.library.uq.edu.au).ﾠ
The library also provides additional services for remote students including mailing books and limited photocopying of journal articles. You are defined as a remote student if you live more than 50km from the nearest UQ campus (eg., Gatton, Ipswich, St. Lucia, Herston). Services to remote students are provided by the Off Campus Library Service of Biological Sciences Library. Information about library services for remote students is provided at http://www.library.uq.edu.au/skills/remotestudents.html
There are also excellent resources available in regards to literature searching, scientific writing, referencing, and thesis writing available through UQ.ﾠ
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
Independent Study Research topic development, review relevant literature; formulate an appropriate research question, devise appropriate methods, collect data, analyse data, draw conclusions, and report results in appropriate formats. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: