Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
Implementation of a scaffolded research project in the Health Sciences, including preparation of scientific article and conference presentation.
This course involves students planning and conducting an individual research project under the supervision of academic staff in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Students will be required to participate in all aspects of research required for completion of the project, which may include: gaining ethical approval, participant recruitment, data collection and data analysis. Students will write a research report in the form of a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal and deliver an oral presentation of their results in a mock conference setting.
Course requirements
Assumed background
HRSS7101 - Health Sciences Research Discovery Course I
HRSS7102 - Health Sciences Research Evaluator Course I
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HRSS7102
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
HRSS4300, HRSS7803, HRSS7805, HRSS7800 + HRSS7801 (only if completed as an individual project)
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- HRSS4300
Students share a joint course Blackboard site with HRSS4300.
Course contact
Course staff
Discipline coordinator
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is a self-directed research project with mentoring from School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences staff.
Discipline Coordinators will advise students if there are any additional lectures.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enhance students' ability to:
1. Identify and pose a research question.
2. Make a critical analysis of the literature relevant to the research project.
3. Design and conduct an investigation in a systematic and scientific manner.
4. Conduct appropriate analysis of the data collected.
5. Draw logical conclusions from the research findings, and
6. communicate results in writing by way of a research manuscript suitable for publication in a scientific journal of the student’s discipline.
7. Communicate results orally by way of a mock conference presentation.
8. Students in this AQF-9 level course are expected to show a high degree of initiative and independence in these tasks.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Undertake a literature review of a research area and in doing so, develop critical judgment and independent work practices relating to your specialist research area.
LO2.
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental research processes involved in planning a research project, and develop problem-solving techniques in conducting the research project through collaborative work with a supervisor and other team members such as statistician, technical officers.
LO3.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of research ethics and ethical standards in relation to research and publication in your research area.
LO4.
Develop a high level of project management skills, successfully bringing a research project to completion.
LO5.
Demonstrate an ability to present a clear written presentation of a research report suitable for publication.
LO6.
Demonstrate proficiency in oral presentation skills by presenting to conference standard.
LO7.
Know of research funding and research opportunities available in Health Sciences.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
Written Research Report
|
50% MUST PASS |
31/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Performance | Project Management Skills | 20% |
31/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Oral Presentation - Research Progress & Plan
|
10% MUST PASS |
The Oral Presentation - Research Progress and Plan will take place in Week 2 of Semester 2. The exact date/time will be confirmed by the Discipline Coordinators. |
| Presentation |
Oral Presentation - Research Outcomes
|
20% MUST PASS |
Oral presentations will take place during the Semester 2 end-of-semester exam period. Exact dates will be provided by each Discipline Coordinator, as soon as possible. |
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
Written Research Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 50% MUST PASS
- Due date
31/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Written research report in the form of a journal manuscript for publication.
The student and supervisor(s) will nominate the journal for which the manuscript is being written. Students must provide the “Guidelines for Contributors/Authors” of that journal for examiners for marking purposes.
WORD COUNT: The manuscript length will depend on the specific requirements of the nominated journal, but in many cases this will be between 3,000-5,000 words.
If a word limit is not stated by the chosen journal, students are required to limit their reports to 5,000 words.
For systematic reviews, if word limit is not stated by the chosen journal, students are required to limit their reports to 6,000 words.
Most importantly the journal should be suitable for the topic of the manuscript and the student should comply with the journal guidelines.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Use of AI technology: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst 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.
Hurdle requirements
The Written Research Report is a 'must pass' assessment item.Submission guidelines
Two copies of the Written Research Report are to be submitted via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 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.
Project Management Skills
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Performance
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
31/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L07
Task description
In completing the research project and research reports, students are expected to demonstrate their initiative and dedication to the successful completion of the project. While the supervisor/s guide the overall direction of the project, students must plan and carry out project tasks with competence and diligence. This mark is allocated by the student's supervisor/s, after the research report has been submitted for examination. A rubric is available on Blackboard in the Assessment Folder.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Use of AI technology: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The Project Management Skills mark sheet is to be submitted by the student's primary supervisor.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Oral Presentation - Research Progress & Plan
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10% MUST PASS
- Due date
The Oral Presentation - Research Progress and Plan will take place in Week 2 of Semester 2. The exact date/time will be confirmed by the Discipline Coordinators.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06
Task description
Midway through the conduct of the research project, students are required to prepare an oral progress report to present to their peers on their study (i) theoretical background, (ii) methodology, (iii) progress on recruitment and data collection, and (iv) timeline to completion of the project. The presentation will be 8-min in length with 2-min question time. The presentation will be performed live on campus. Presentation slides must be emailed to the SHRS Student and Academic Administration unit by 09:00AM the day prior to the presentation, (i.e., if your presentation is scheduled for Thursday, then you must submit your slides by 9am Wednesday). Penalties will apply for late submission as per the late submission policy.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Use of AI technology: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
The Oral Presentation - Research Progress and Plan is a 'must pass' assessment item.Submission guidelines
Oral presentation slides are to be submitted to the SHRS Student and Academic Administration unit by 09:00AM the day prior to the presentation.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 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.
Oral Presentation - Research Outcomes
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20% MUST PASS
- Due date
Oral presentations will take place during the Semester 2 end-of-semester exam period. Exact dates will be provided by each Discipline Coordinator, as soon as possible.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06
Task description
Students will be required to deliver an oral presentation of their research study purpose, method, results and clinical recommendations. The oral presentation will be presented as a mock conference presentation of 8-mins in length with 2-mins question time. The presentation will be performed live on campus. Presentation slides must be emailed to the SHRS Student and Academic Administration unit by 09:00AM the day prior to the presentation (i.e., if your presentation is scheduled for Thursday, then you must submit your slides by 9am Wednesday). Penalties will apply for late submission as per the late submission policy.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Use of AI technology: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
The Oral Presentation - Research Outcomes is a 'must pass' assessment item.Submission guidelines
Oral presentation slides are to be submitted to the SHRS Student and Academic Administration unit by 09:00AM the day prior to the presentation.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 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 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45 - 54%.ﾠ A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not pass one (or more) of the must pass assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55 - 64%ﾠ andﾠ has passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65 - 74%ﾠ and ﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75 - 84%ﾠ and ﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85 - 100% ﾠand ﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
Additional course grading information
The Written Research Report markﾠwill be calculated using the average percentage of marks from 2 independent examiners. Should there be a substantial difference between the 2 marks, then a third examiner will be engaged and the final mark will be the average of the closest 2 marks.
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items. You must pass the (1) Written Research Report, (2) Oral Presentation - Research Progress and Plan and (3) Oral Presentation - Research Outcomesﾠitems to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher, each of the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of assessment items
A resit or resubmission of assessment items is not available for this course.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted through Blackboard you will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When assessment is submitted through Turnitin you will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
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
Access to technical support
- You will need to consult with your supervisor regarding booking and use of any Discipline-specific or School equipment or facilities required for the conduct of your research.
- Your supervisor will arrange for you to meet with the School technical officer should you require technical assistance with your project.
- You must adhere to Discipline or School procedures in relation to equipment or facility use, to facilitate the smooth conduct of your project and in respect of other researchers within the Discipline and School.
Access to statistical support
- You will need to consult with your supervisor with regard to accessing statistical support.
- Students are not permitted to contact the School Statistician directly.
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 |
Plan & conduct an individual research project Planning and conducting research project with guidance of supervisor/s. Activities may include: obtaining ethics/gatekeeper approval, participant recruitment, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
Not Timetabled |
Produce a written research report Students will conduct an extensive literature review, and write up all components of the project into a research report suitable for publication in a relevant peer-reviewed journal (with guidance and feedback from supervisor/s). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Workshop |
Project Meetings, Discussion Board, Seminar MEETINGS - As each student's research project is unique, guidance on project management will be provided to each student through regular 1-to-1 meetings with a designated staff supervisor. Students should liaise with their primary supervisor to book these meetings in advance to ensure supervisor availability and that progress on research activities is completed in time for meetings. DISCUSSION BOARD - During the course, students are encouraged to post questions about project management learning activities or assessment on the Course or Discipline-specific Discussion Boards. These will be answered weekly by the Course Coordinator or Discipline Coordinator as relevant. Students can subscribe to the Discussion Board channels to receive updates. SEMINARS - If/as needed, Discipline Coordinators for each profession may also run an optional drop in seminar for student groups to discuss any common problems or student questions on pertinent topics, e.g. project management, writing for publication, or presenting an oral presentation. Students will be notified of these sessions via Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Oral Presentation - Research Outcomes Students will prepare and deliver an oral presentation of their research project purpose, methods, results, and clinical recommendations. The presentation will be delivered in a mock conference setting to other students in the cohort, during the Semester 2 end-of-semester exam period (dates TBC). Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
|
Workshop |
Oral Presentation - Research Progress & Plan Midway through the conduct of the research project, students will prepare and deliver an oral progress report to present to their peers on their (i) theoretical background, (ii) methods, (iii) progress on recruitment and data collection and (iv) study timeline to completion. The presentation will be delivered during Week 2 of Semester 2 (exact date TBC). Learning outcomes: L02, 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.