Thesis Design

Subject 513-903 (2008)

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

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - 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

Semester 2, - 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

On campus teaching including meetings with supervisor/s, classes and web-based learning

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One session of block mode teaching, 10 hours in duration. Approximately 15 hours of meetings with supervisor throughout the semester.
Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to undertake a number of hours of self-directed learning in this subject. Approximately 75 hours of self directed learning is suggested.
Prerequisites: 513-660 Graduate Research Methods or equivalent
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

Prof Meg Morris
Subject Overview:

Students will select a research topic, pose a research question suitable for the thesis, defend the choice of the research question based on a critical analysis of the literature and propose the most appropriate research design to address the research question. Students will also attend a one day advanced research design seminar (or else view the streamed materials using the web) and complete a series of guided learning tasks on research design and statistical analysis using the web-based LMS (learning management system).

Assessment: One literature review 3,000 words (70%), web-based quizzes on research design and research methods (30%)
Prescribed Texts: Norman & Streiner (2006), Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials 3rd edition. B.C. Decker inc. Hamilton, London.Herbert R, Jamtvedt G, Mead J, Hagen KB (2006), Practical evidence-based physiotherapy. London: Butterworth Heinmann.
Breadth Options:

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

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • Perform a targeted systematic review of the literature
  • Critically analyse the literature and identify the strengths and gaps in the literature
  • Pose a research question suitable for a doctoral thesis
  • Select an appropriate research design based on the research question being tested and knowledge of different approaches and methodologies
  • Demonstrate advanced skills in biostatistics

On completion of this subject students will be able to demonstrate the following generic skills:

  • Skills in research design and selection of methods of statistical analysis
  • An ability to critically analyse published research
  • Advanced skills in biostatistics
Links to further information: http://www.physioth.unimelb.edu.au/programs/pgrad/index.html
Related Course(s): Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy (Coursework)

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