Research Methods and Design

Subject 121-503 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Summer Term, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Subject will be taught intensively between the 1st of February and the 30th of April 2008.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four hours of lecturers/practical classes offered in intensive mode during February, March and April, with some modules offered on weekends.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours or any masters coursework degree.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Fraser MacDonald
Subject Overview:

This subject will introduce students to a range of research methodologies relevant to both their thesis research and their chosen careers. Students choose three 'modules' from the list of available modules, as approved by the Program Coordinator or thesis supervisor. The actual modules offered vary from year to year, but they typically cover topics such as: Writing a Thesis, Cartography, Finding and Managing Information (Library Skills), Qualitative Research Methods, Field Methods, Research Ethics, Asking and Answering Questions with Statistics (Descriptive and Inferential Statistics).

Assessment: This will depend on the modules chosen and it will vary from small assignments to be completed during the intensive two days during which that module is taught, through to small assignments or a major essay to be completed by the end of March. Such assessment will total 5000 words for 4th year students and 6000 words for masters students.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • an introductory level of skill at using various methodologies;

  • an ability to organize one's time sufficiently to submit assignments on schedule within an intensive mode of teaching;

  • a keen understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and dangers of using different research methods in different ways;

  • considerable expertise in skills that are essential for your own research but which have not been studied to any great depth hitherto.

Notes:

Students should consult Dr Fraser MacDonald, the module's coordinator, for details by November in the year prior to enrolment. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Diploma in Geographic Information Systems
Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Ancient and Medieval Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Cultural Material Conservation)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Medieval & Renaissance Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Renaissance and Early Modern Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts(Development Studies)

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