Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - )
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 8
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Students research and write a thesis on a topic approved by the course co-ordinator. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop a focussed research project in a field appropriate to their interests and the School of Music's expertise, deploying suitable critical frameworks and research methodologies under the guidance and supervision of an academic staff member. Students obtain experience which may lead them to further research-based programs, such as the PhD.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue a research projectﾠin depth. Students identify a research problem and plan, implement, and evaluate a project that addresses the problem. The project is reported in a thesis of c. 16,000 words.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC4410 or MUSC4430 or MUSC7700 or permission of Head of School
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MUSC7000
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Contact will be primarily on a one-to-one basis between the student and the allocated advisor; suitable times should be made by mutual agreement between both.ﾠ Regular meetings are important, and students might expect to meet with their advisorﾠaround once every two weeks on average, but this may vary at mutual agreement depending on the nature of the project.ﾠ It is important that students recognise that clear progress be demonstrated at these meetings. In the event that either the student or the advisor have questions concerning the nature and/or frequency of supervision, they are advised to contact the course co-ordinator at the earliest opportunity.
Aims and outcomes
This course gives you ﾠexperience in the conduct of intensive, focused, individual research on a specific topic and guidance in the production of a substantial output resulting from this research. Completing this course ﾠis an important element in the preparation for further research postgraduate study in the related fields.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify a valid research topic and devise strategies for addressing it;
LO2.
Conduct independent research into the chosen topic, utilising the various resources within the University Library system, and elsewhere, as necessary. This would naturally include relevant databases, periodical literature, collected editions, and/or a variety of other possible materials and resources;
LO3.
Identify relevant information (fact, ideas, findings, etc.) in the exisiting literature and research around your topic by means of which it might be informed; structure these findings into an argument leading to valid research questions or hypotheses;
LO4.
Identify and put into effect a suitable research method (or methods), within the methodological framework most applicable to the topic, in order to support your analysis or critique and findings;
LO5.
Communicate the results of your research (findings, argument, conclusion) in writing, at a high standard of academic English expression;
LO6.
Maintain a high standard of self critique in terms of the quality/originally of your ideas; quality and accuracy of your written expression; standards of your scholarly practice;
LO7.
Demonstrate a conscientious approach to all aspects of scholarly practice, including fairness and transparency, referencing and citation, intellectual honesty, discipline-specific conduct and practices.
LO8.
Observe proper ethical procedures for any aspects of the research that involve the participation of human subjects.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
Initial Project Outline
|
Hurdle task |
2/08/2024
This assessment item may be submitted any time prior to the due date. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
|
Hurdle - if required |
30/08/2024 |
| Thesis | Thesis submission | 100% |
30/05/2025 5:00 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
Initial Project Outline
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- Hurdle task
- Due date
2/08/2024
This assessment item may be submitted any time prior to the due date.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L07, L08
Task description
The project outline is to focus your thinking about your research project early in the Semester.
Length: approx. 1500 words.
Your project outline should be discussed with your advisor prior to submission and must be approved by advisor prior to starting project. Approval may be given by your advisor any time prior to the due date. Once approved you may commence your project.
Your project outline must:
- Propose what you intend to accomplish
- Explain how it extends your professional skills and knowledge
- Set out how you are going to do this, and the context within which it occurs (what will the final project look/sound like?)
- Describe how you will report on and self-evaluate your project (and whether this will be in written or oral format)
- Set out the timeline of activities
- Provide evidence of ethics approval or application (if needed)
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle requirement and must be submitted to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submitted via TurnItIn and also emailed to your advisor.
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.
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- Hurdle - if required
- Due date
30/08/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L07, L08
Task description
For projects that require research involving human subjects or human-related materials, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate approval to conduct this research before you commence data collection.
Research involving human subjects or human-related materials that is not accompanied by the proper approval cannot be accepted for assessment in this course. Moreover, the collection of data from human subjects or using human-materials without such approval is regarded as a form of research misconduct under the University's Policies & Procedures (see: http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/4.20.05-research-misconduct).
The latest date that evidence of approval can be provided is one week before the Semester Two census date. If you do not have ethics approval by this date, you must either:
- modify your research project such that it can be completed without reliance on research involving human subjects or human-related materials, or
- drop the course.
Please be aware that dropping the course after 31 August means you are financially liable for fees for this course.
For more information on obtaining ethics approval for conducting human-related research, see: https://music.uq.edu.au/student-support/research-ethics-approval-honours-and-coursework-masters.
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle requirement for all project requiring ethical approval and evidence of approval, or at least substantive work towards approval, must be submitted to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Email the Course Coordinator to update them fully on the advancement of your ethics application.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
If you do not have ethics approval by this date, you should either:
- have ethics submitted by this date
- be responding to conditions returned by the Ethics Review panel
- modify your research project such that it can be completed without reliance on research involving human subjects or human-related materials, or
- drop the course.
Thesis submission
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 100%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The thesis is c. 16,000 words in length. The topic will be agreed upon primarily between the student and the advisor, although the advice of the course co-ordinator may also be sought in this matter. Students are strongly urged to follow carefully the advice of the advisor (and course co-ordinator, if applicable, in relation to the matter of topic formulation. Outcomes are much less likely to be satisfactory in cases where the student's topic gives cause for reservation with the advisor.
For matters relating to presentation, the student should:
- follow the advice of their advisor;
- consult the School of Music Academic Writing Guide
- review previous theses that are recommended by the advisor or course co-ordinator as exemplary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting a complete draft of the thesis to your advisor for final review is Friday in Week 12 of Semester Two. Advisors cannot guarantee to read your final draft with sufficient attention after this time as well as have it returned to you with sufficient time for you to take meaningful action on suggestions. (Of course, it is expected that you will have been submitting material throughout the year regularly). Advisors are not obliged to read and respond to lengthy written material after this time.
Additional Comments on the Thesis
Many but not all academic theses follow this standard structure - but note that specific topics may warrant modified approaches. Please consult with your advisor about the appropriate format for your thesis.
You should be aware that the following elements are usually deemed essential to the production of an academic thesis:
1. Introduction
Stating rationale and/or purpose of study, as well as outlining and elaborating the research topic/question.
2. Body
Usually a number of chapters, comprising, among various possible elements: an examination of current research and related literature to the central purpose of the study leading to relevant research questions and hypotheses (effectively, a literature review); application of a valid research method and approach to address the principal questions or hypotheses, statement of results and discussion of the findings.
3. Conclusion
Synthesising the main aspects of the study. The discussion and anticipation of further study demonstrate an awareness of the implications and further application of the findings in a broader context.
Format
Students should download the template that is provided to students in the PGCW Community Blackboard Site and use this to prepare the final draft for submission.
Font
You are required to use 12pt font size, Times New Roman and 1.5 spacing.
Submission guidelines
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work is grossly deficient in all areas, or incomplete. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work shows little skill in researching a topic, significantly incomplete knowledge of the specific topic, no contextual awareness, no critical insight, the prose style lacks basic competence (e.g. is riddled with basic errors), there is no evident engagement with the requirements of scholarly practice. (Alternatively, while there is less of a problem in certain areas, the standard of that in others is more in line with that of the grade "1".) |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work overall fails to show sufficient skill in researching a topic (e.g. relevant issues may not be considered or discussed), the specific knowledge is either hazy overall or manifestly incomplete, there is not much sense of a context for the topic, there is very little, if any, critical insight, prose writing has consistent flaws, the level of scholarly practice adopted shows a failure to fully engage with this aspect of the work. (Alternatively, while there is less of a problem in certain areas, the standard in others is more in line with that of the grade "2".) |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of basic research skills, fair knowledge of the specific topic but with less awareness of contextual issues, it displays minimal critical insight, prose writing is adequate but lacking in elegance and fluency, an honest attempt is made at adhering to the requirements of scholarly practice. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a sound command of research skills, good, although not comprehensive, knowledge of the topic with an adequate grasp of contextual matters, some critical insight, clear, although not blemish-free, written communication, and overall competency with regard to scholarly practice. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a very solid command of research skills, strong specific knowledge in the topic area with sound grasp of contextual matters, a degree of critical insight, clear and fluent written communication, and a good level of consistency with regard to the requirements of scholarly practice. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an excellent command of research skills, deep knowledge in the topic area allied with strong contextual breadth, clear critical insight, highly fluent and lucid written communication, and scrupulous attention to the requirements of scholarly practice. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT 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 and MT tools.
Students must complete all assessment tasks in full and in good faith to be eligible for a passing grade in this course. “In good faith” means that the student has, in the judgement of the marker, made a genuine attempt to complete the assessment task to the best of their ability.
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.
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 From O-Week (first semester) To Week 2 |
General contact hours |
Orientation Initial contact between students and course co-ordinator and/or advisors. Specific time to be arranged. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From O-Week (first semester) To Exam week 1 (second semester) |
Not Timetabled |
Supervision One-to-one supervision with your appointed advisor. This will be an ongoing arrangement between student and advisor. Students can access 12 hours of advisory meetings, distributed regularly throughout the academic year. Students typically elect for weekly meetings of 30 minutes, although individual students and their supervisors may opt for 1 hour per fortnight by arrangement. Advisors expect demonstrable progress at supervision meetings and for students to maintain regular contact. Students are expected to submit any draft written materials for discussion at advisory meetings at least two business days prior to the meeting. This ensures adequate time for the advisor to engage with the work. Late submission or no submission of work will reduce the usefulness and effectiveness of advisory meetings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Additional learning activity information
A regular Honours Seminar takes place each week. All students in this course are invited to attend, and details will be made available in Blackboard.
Projects that involve human subjects, including interviews, or human-related materials require students to obtain ethical clearance before commencement of related data collection. For more information, go to https://music.uq.edu.au/research-ethics-approval. Please note that ethics approval can take time to obtain. Prospective students are advised to make contact with the course co-ordinator and potential advisor (if known) well ahead of the commencement of the course to determine if ethical clearance is required
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 for 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:
- School of Music site