Course coordinator
Mr Patrick Murphy
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Students research and present a research project in either a non-traditional presentation or a tradition written report on a topic approved by the course coordinator. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop a focused 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 and a grounding in an area of professional interest that may enrich future professional practice.
This course in being discontinued, and is only available to students who require it in order to graduate.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue an individual research-based project in depth. Students identify an area of investigationﾠand then plan, implement, and evaluate a research project that addresses the area of investigation. The work is assessed on a written report of no more than ﾠ8,000 words, or in a non-traditional format (e.g. practical component and smaller written report) as agreed with the supervisor and the course coordinator.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to have completed MUSC4410 as part of their MMus sequence BEFORE commencing MUSC7906. (This does not apply to students who have recently completed an honours degree in music that includes a substantial research methods component.)
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:
MUSC7900, MUSC7905
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Contact will be primarily on a one-to-one basis between the student and their allocated advisor; suitable times willﾠbe made by mutual agreement between both.ﾠ Regular meetings are essential, and students shouldﾠexpect to meet with their advisor regularly.ﾠThis may vary at mutual agreement depending on the nature of the project and timelines.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.
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course gives you experience in the conduct of focused, individual research on a specific topic and guidance in the production of a substantial output resulting from this research. Completing this course is an important element in the preparation for further research postgraduate study in the related fields and also in a range of other higher functioning workplace situations requiring indepedence, capacity for self-criticism, innovative thinking, coherent planning and clear communication.
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 existing 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 strategy, 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, or in a non-traditional formal (e.g. practical and written) appropriate to the topic and skill set of the student, and at an appropriate standard;
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 Plan
|
Hurdle requirement |
2/08/2024 5:00 pm
|
| Project |
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
|
Hurdle requirement |
30/08/2024 5:00 pm
The latest date that evidence of approval should be provided is one week before the Semester Two census date. It is recommended this requirement be completed as early as possible within the semester. |
| Participation/ Student contribution | Supervisors Report | 20% |
16/05/2025
Not a submissible item. |
| Project | Research Project | 80% |
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 Plan
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- Hurdle requirement
- Due date
2/08/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L08
Task description
The purpose of the project plan is to focus your thinking about your research project early in the Semester.
Length: approx. 750–1000 words (not including references)
Your project plan should be discussed with your advisor prior to submission and must be approved by your advisor and the course co-ordinator in order for you to continue your project. Approval may be sought and given any time before the end of Week 2.
Your project outline should should:
- Propose what you intend to accomplish
- Explain how it extends your professional skills and knowledge
- Set out how you are going complete the project, and the context within which it will occur (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 your project requires it)
Hurdle requirements
The purpose of the project plan is to focus your thinking about your research project early in the Semester. Students who do not submit this item will not receive a passing grade for the course.Submission guidelines
Submission is through TurnItIn.
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.
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- Hurdle requirement
- Due date
30/08/2024 5:00 pm
The latest date that evidence of approval should be provided is one week before the Semester Two census date. It is recommended this requirement be completed as early as possible within the semester.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L07, L08
Task description
For projects that require ANY research involving human subjects or human-related materials, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate ethics approvals to conduct this research before you commence data collection.
Research involving human subjects or human-related materials that is not accompanied by the proper approvals 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 should 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 the census date 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
Research involving human subjects or human-related materials that is not accompanied by the proper approvals cannot be accepted for assessment in this course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Supervisors Report
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
16/05/2025
Not a submissible item.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Your supervisor provides a report on your progress during the semester. You are advised to review the attached report form to understand the expectations concerning your work with your supervisor. It is important to work productively with your supervisor. Please be proactive in communicating with your advisor and if you have concerns, contact the course co-ordinator as soon as possible.
Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Research Project
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 80%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The final outcome of the research project is a report of no more than 8,000 words in length, or equivalent combination of written and non-written components (see below). The topic will be agreed upon primarily between you and your advisor, although the advice of the course co-ordinator may also be sought. You are strongly urged to follow carefully the advice of the advisor (and that of the course co-ordinator, if applicable) when working out your topic. Your results are much less likely to be satisfactory in cases where your topic gives cause for reservation with your advisor.
For matters relating to presentation, the you should:
- follow the advice of your advisor;
- consult the School of Music Academic Writing Guide
Please note that the deadline for submitting a complete first draft of the full report to your advisor for review is the Friday in Week 12. 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 semester regularly). Advisors are not obliged to read and respond to complete drafts after this time.
The submitted project can take two basic formats:
1. Written Research Report (no more than 8000 words)
OR
2. Research Project Presentation (choose mode)
a) Zoom Lecture presentation/demonstration (30 to 40 mins plus 3000–4000 word written support documentation);
b) Video Performance Recital (20 to 30 mins plus 3000–4000 word written support documentation)
Support material for 2(a) and 2(b) should include the literature review and discussion of keys points that are presented in the non-written presentation. These will not be the transcript of your lecture presentation.
Written components are submitted through Turnitin via the Blackboard Course; non-written components (if applicable) are submitted through a separate assessment item link via the Blackboard Course.
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.
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) | 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 presentation 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, presentation (including prose style) 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, presentation (including 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, 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 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 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.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, or a non-graded ‘N’, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment.
Supplementary assessment may not be available for all courses, or for some of the assessment items for a course. The highest grade you can receive following supplementary assessment is a 4 or P. Details of availability of supplementary assessment for this course are set out below.
Supplementary Assessment is available for this Course.
Refer to my.UQ for how to apply for supplementary assessment.
Supplementary assessment can take any form, for example, an oral or a written exam. Students who are eligible and approved for a supplementary assessment and the form of assessment is an examination, are expected to be available to sit the supplementary exam during the University’s Deferred and Supplementary examination period. Once approved, supplementary assessment cannot be rescinded by the student.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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 times to be arranged. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Additional learning activity information
The School of Music provides each student in MUSC7906 with a maximum of 12 hours per of individual supervision contact with their appointed advisor.
Students should negotiate with their appointed advisor mutually suitable times for individual supervision contact.
Material submitted for consideration by the advisor should be sent to the advisor no less than 48 hours prior to a meeting so that advisor has time to review the material properly before the meeting.
In addition to regular supervision, students in MUSC7906 may access up to 6 hours of additional (non-supervision) support. This might include things such as professional staff time to assist with technical matters, specialist advice outside the allocated advisor's expertise, and so on. The support must demonstrably meet the needs of the project. Any such support should be discussed with the supervisor and must be approved by the course-coordinator.
All students in this course are invited to attend the School of Music Honours seminar. Information will be provided in the course Blackboard Site.
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 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 - 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