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Course profile

Mental Health Research Thesis 2 (PXMH7116)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
Herston
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
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 staff

Lecturer

Field coordinator

Program director

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Group supervision schedule is provided to you at the commencement of semester and is approximately 3-4 sessions per semester. The first supervision group is in Week 1 followed by a full day Workshop in Week 2 (Wednesday 31st July). 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
  • Hurdle
Compliance Hurdle

Week 1 - Week 13

Performance, Presentation [PSY] Presentation of Preliminary Findings in Supervisory Meeting
  • Hurdle
  • Online
Hurdle

Week 10

Presentation [AT] Presentation of Findings
  • Hurdle
  • Online
Hurdle

Evening 1: 5:30pm-8:00pm 3/10/2024

Evening 2: 5:30pm-8:00pm 10/10/2024

Thesis [PSY & AT] Thesis
  • Hurdle
100%

4/11/2024 1:00 pm

Creative Production/ Exhibition [AT] Art Exhibition
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Hurdle

9/11/2024

Presentation [PT] Poster Presentation
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Hurdle

4/11/2024 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

Attendance in Supervisory Meeting

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
Compliance Hurdle
Due date

Week 1 - Week 13

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.

[PSY] Presentation of Preliminary Findings in Supervisory Meeting

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Performance, Presentation
Weight
Hurdle
Due date

Week 10

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, 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:

  1. Demonstrate Progress: Show that you have begun or completed your data collection as part of your research.
  2. 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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

[AT] Presentation of Findings

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
Hurdle
Due date

Evening 1: 5:30pm-8:00pm 3/10/2024

Evening 2: 5:30pm-8:00pm 10/10/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, 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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

[PSY & AT] Thesis

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Thesis
Weight
100%
Due date

4/11/2024 1:00 pm

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.

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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

[AT] Art Exhibition

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Creative Production/ Exhibition
Weight
Hurdle
Due date

9/11/2024

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. You can use any materials but be cognisant of the confines of the exhibition space.

  • You 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.
  • You are to provide information and complete tasks in preparation for the exhibition at times and dates requested across the semester (July-November)
  • 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 Art Therapy Stream Coordinator for further detail about this hurdle.

You will hang/display your exhibition items on the morning of 9th November, with the exhibition occurring at 5pm (AEST).

Between July and November exhibition preparation tasks will be required to be completed on time, as requested. A timeline of tasks will be provided.

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 cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

[PT] Poster Presentation

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
Hurdle
Due date

4/11/2024 5:00 pm

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

Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

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

The assessment tasks in this course evaluates your abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of 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 unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator.ᅠIf indicated by the course coordinator to use AI, you must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Refer to the following guide regarding referencing ofᅠAI: Overview - ChatGPT and other generative AI tools - Library Guides at University of Queensland Library

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.

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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 6 supervision sessions.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Not Timetabled

[PSY & AT] Data Collection and Analysis

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

Written report of findings will be a core process across the second half of the semester: Written thesis that communicates the findings from the research

Learning outcomes: L03

Workshop

[PSY] Workshop - Part 2

Sessions/group activities will be determined based on the nature of your study: literature review or empirical study.

The session covers related issues in the the study analysis and report writing typical to the study design.

Workshop is mandatory for Psychotherapy Students.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

General contact hours

[PSY] 1st Group Supervision

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

General contact hours

[PSY] 2nd Group Supervision

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Tutorial

[AT] 1st Group Supervision

Sessions are divided in to two groups:

  • Remote students 5:30pm - 7:00pm AEST
  • Local students 7:15pm - 8:45pm

Class dates:

  • 25th July
  • 8th August
  • 5th September

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 2
Workshop

[PSY+AT] Workshop

Research workshop, covering such topics as:

  1. Data collection and analysis approaches for applied research
  2. Interpreting and presenting findings
  3. Report writing
  4. Publishing your research.

Details: Tuesday 30th July 9am - 5pm, Herston Campus.

The focus will be tailored to each field group and style of research projects.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Workshop

[AT] Workshop - Exhibition planning

The Exhibition planning/group supervision Workshop is mandatory for Art Therapy Students. During full day workshop, Wednesday 31st July, Herston Campus

Learning outcomes: L03

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Tutorial

[AT] 2nd Group Supervision

Sessions are divided in to two groups:

  • Remote students 5:30pm - 7:00pm AEST
  • Local students 7:15pm - 8:45pm AEST

Class dates:

  • 25th July
  • 8th August
  • 5th September

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Tutorial

[AT] 3rd Group supervision

Sessions are divided in to two groups:

  • Remote students 5:30pm - 7:00pm AEST
  • Local students 7:15pm - 8:45pm AEST

Class dates:

  • 25th July
  • 8th August
  • 5th September

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.