Course coordinator
Mrs Danielle Walsh
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
This course builds on Mental Health Research Thesis 1 in that you will conduct and write up your project. The course will focus on operationalising your research project and dealing with the practical issues involved with undertaking research. You will be provided with regular supervision to guide the research process and meet pre-submission hurdle requirements. The course will also cover more advanced project management skills, thesis organisation and writing skills, data presentation, and presenting findings in professional settings.
PXMH7116 is the research course for the Master of Mental Health (MMH) building on/in partnership with PXMH7115. Students enrolled in this course are expected to have developed a research proposal in PXMH7115. In the present course, students conduct and communicate their proposed piece of research, within the available timeline. For students who would like to undertake larger research topics, such as clinical trials or major investigations, they may be eligible for PhD entry at the completion of the MMH research courses.
Like PXMH7115, PXMH7116 is very self-directed. You are expected to work closely with your supervisor to examine the topic in a methodologically robust way. If your project requires ethical clearance, it is expected that ethics approval is granted at the commencement of this course. If ethics approval is not obtained, you should prepare and conduct an alternative method (e.g., systematic review) that does not require ethics approval.
The end goal of this course is having a manuscript-style research report of the study that is in a format ready to be submitted (if desired) to a peer-reviewed, reputable journal publication. When aiming for publishing, the issue of authorship should be addressed in line with the University's Authorship Procedure.
Course requirements
Assumed background
PXMH7115 or equivalent research course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PXMH7115
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PXMH7115 or equivalent research course
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PXMH7068
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Jaya Valvoi
School enquiries
Medical School Student and Academic Administration Team
Course staff
Field coordinator
Ms Louise Leotta
Program director
Dr Jaime Yasky
Timetable
Additional timetable information
You are to schedule individual research supervision at a time suitable for your supervisor and yourself.
Aims and outcomes
Develop capacity to design an independent project relevant to mental health.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Implement a piece of independent research in an ethical fashion and in accordance with specified research methodology
LO2.
Analyse and interpret information obtained through independent research
LO3.
Report on the findings of research in a manner consistent with relevant professional standards and protocol
LO4.
Utilise supervision and advice at all stages of a research project
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Attendance in Supervisory Meeting
|
Compliance Hurdle |
23/02/2025 - 30/05/2025 |
| Performance, Presentation |
[PSY] Presentation of Preliminary Findings in Supervisory Meeting
|
Hurdle |
Week 6 Fri - Week 13 Fri |
| Presentation |
[AT] Presentation of Findings
|
Hurdle |
5/05/2025 - 9/05/2025 |
| Thesis | [PSY & AT] Thesis | 100% |
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
(AEST) |
| Performance |
(AT) Art Exhibition
|
Hurdle |
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
(AEST) |
| Presentation, Poster |
(PSY) Poster Presentation
|
Hurdle |
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
(AEST) |
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
Attendance in Supervisory Meeting
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Compliance Hurdle
- Due date
23/02/2025 - 30/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L04
Task description
You are required to attend a minimum of 3 supervisory meetings to discuss your project with your research supervisor and attend 80% classes. To ensure optimal research process, it is recommended that the meetings be held in a regular pattern (for example once every fortnight) rather than all at the near thesis submission period.
Hurdle requirements
Have completed a minimum of 3 supervision meetings over the course of the semester. You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
[PSY] Presentation of Preliminary Findings in Supervisory Meeting
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance, Presentation
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
Week 6 Fri - Week 13 Fri
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Preliminary Research Findings Presentation
By week 10 of the psychotherapy stream, you are required to present your preliminary research findings in a Ten Minute Thesis format to your supervisor during a scheduled supervision meeting.
Presentation Objectives:
- Demonstrate Progress: Show that you have begun or completed your data collection as part of your research.
- Receive Feedback: Obtain feedback from your supervisor to aid in the completion of your project.
Presentation Details:
- This assessment activity is concise, with a maximum presentation time of 10 minutes.
- Please consult your supervisor to arrange a suitable time and meeting format for your presentation.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
[AT] Presentation of Findings
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
5/05/2025 - 9/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
The Ten Minute Thesis Presentation
This assessment requires you to deliver a concise summary presentation of your project. This includes outlining the rationale behind your proposed project, its connection to relevant research, the proposed methodology, and any progress made to date, including preliminary results or discussions. This assessment mirrors the confirmation seminar process utilized in higher research degrees.
Goals:
- Demonstration of Progress: Show that you have commenced or completed your data collection as part of your research.
- Feedback Reception: Receive constructive feedback aimed at advancing your project towards completion.
Presentation Details:
- This is a brief assessment activity, typically involving a short (10-minute) oral presentation.
- Due to varying Field of Study requirements, please confirm your presentation options with your lecturer.
- Contact the Art Therapy Stream Coordinator for specific details regarding timing and meeting formats.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
[PSY & AT] Thesis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 100%
- Due date
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
(AEST)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The project report takes the form of a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. You must identify the proposed journal and conform to the style requirements of that journal. The report should provide relevant background to the study, identify research questions and/or hypotheses, describe the methodology used, summarise and discuss the findings, including analysis appropriate to the research method, limitations and future recommendations. You are encouraged to submit your manuscript to a journal and present the submission evidence (letter of submission) as an attachment in the submission.
The standard word limit is 5,000 words, maximum word limit is 7,000 words (if allowed in the chosen journal style guide).
This assessment task evaluates your abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). You are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
(AT) Art Exhibition
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
(AEST)
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
Art Therapy major students will create a minimum of six and maximum of 10 art pieces reflecting their research process. The 6 -10 pieces of art should link together and provide a reflection throughout the research process. Students can use any materials but be cognisant of the confines of the exhibition space.
- Students are required to submit an electronic copy of all artwork pieces to the AT tutor along with the title, media used and dimensions.
- Select pieces will be displayed at an exhibition accompanied by a 350-400 word artist's statement.
- A minimum of six and maximum of 10 artworks will also be included in an online exhibition format, along with the artist's statement.
Please consult AT tutor for further detail about this hurdle.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
(PSY) Poster Presentation
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
(AEST)
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
Psychotherapy students will have the opportunity to present completed research findings to colleagues in one of two formats:
- If you are a local student, a poster presentation whereby the completed research will be displayed in a poster format (guidelines to be provided) and you will be available to answer questions from participants.
- If you are unable to attend the poster presentation, in an online panel discussion, whereby you will provide a presentation with PowerPoint slides, to a panel of UQ staff.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 65 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 66 - 75 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 76 - 85 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 86 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
For Art Exhibition hurdle requirements (Art Therapy FOS), please consult the Art Therapy Coordinator
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note that all submission dates for assessments are in Brisbane time - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Artificial Intelligence
These assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). You are advised that the use of AI technologies to create responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. If you wish to use AI technology for legitimate academic purposes please consult the course staff and get approval before submitting your essay. Please refer to UQs AI guidelines here.
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 |
General contact hours |
[PSY & AT] Individual Project Supervision In consultation with a research supervisor, implementation of the project as specified in the proposal developed in first semester (PXMH7115), or in accordance with modifications as agreed with the supervisor. 6 sessions/hours of supervision with a minimum requirement to engage in 3 supervision sessions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Not Timetabled |
(PSY & AT) Data Collection and Analysis Data Collection and Analysis (Self Directed Learning): Data collection commences (in consultation with the supervisor). This process also includes analysis of data obtained during project implementation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Not Timetabled |
(PSY & AT) Report Writing Report Writing (Self Directed Learning): Written report of findings: Written thesis that communicates the findings from the research Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
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.