Thesis Design

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

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.

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

Students will select a research topic, pose a research question suitable for the thesis, refine and 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. In addition to the contact teaching and meetings with their supervisor, students will be guided in these tasks by resources on the web-based LMS (Learning Management System), and feedback from their search strategy assignment and their oral presentation.

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

• Perform a targeted literature review, incorporating a detailed search strategy, critical analysis of the relevant literature and identification of strengths and gaps in this lietrature
• Use the targeted literature review as the basis of a research question suitable for the doctoral thesis
• Select an appropriate research design based on the research question being tested and demonstrating knowledge of different design approaches and methodologies
• Demonstrate developing knowledge of biostatistics, which will facilitate the ongoing development and defence of a research proposal for the thesis in Third Year.

Written assignment - 3,000 words (70%)

Oral presentation (20%)

Search strategy assignment (10%)

• Herbert R, Jamtvedt G, Mead J, Hagen KB (2006), Practical evidence-based physiotherapy. London: Butterworth Heinmann.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students will be able to demonstrate:

• Skills in developing and executing a comprehensive literature search of electronic databases and other relevant sources
• Knowledge of tools and strategies for critically evaluating published research
• Knowledge of research design and skills in identifying research designs appropriate to the specific research question developed
• Knowledge of principles of statistical analysis and statistical tests specific to research design
• Skills in oral and written presentation