Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research Training and Practices

Course GC-IRTPPRO (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Year and Campus: 2011 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 25 credit points taken over 6 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Dr Christine Asmar & A/Professor Jane Freemantle

Contact

Dr Christine Asmar
Centre for the Study of Higher Education
Tel: 8344 0203
Email: casmar@unimelb.edu.au

A/Professor Jane Freemantle
Centre for Health & Society and Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9164
Email: j.freemantle@unimelb.edu.au

OR

Simone Brotherton
Centre for Indigenous Education
Tel: 8344 0451
Email: sbr@unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview: The Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research Training and Practices (GCIRTP) introduces research and research training from an indigenous perspective. In doing so it covers: the principles and practices of getting started and finished; selecting and refining a thesis topic; research design and methodology; research access and ethics; library search skills; IP/Copyright; building research networks; establishing effective relationships with supervisors; building research skills; scholarly information and research data management; research grants; collection, analysis and presentation of data; and report and thesis writing. The course will be taught through a mixed mode of seminars, lectures, workshops and case studies, with an emphasis on collaborative learning and team-based problem solving. The format is very interactive with each session being facilitated by an academic leader supported by a panel of academics, who share their experiences, pose questions and engage the students in a range of problem solving activities. At the completion of this 25-point compulsory subject students will be awarded a Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research Training and Practices, which will give them 25 credit points towards the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research Training and Practices.
Objectives:
  • To provide an indigenous cohort experience in a supportive environment and the opportunity to establish ongoing professional networks.
  • To build capacity within the RHD indigenous cohort to experience accessible and culturally sensitive research training.
  • To enable indigenous RHD candidates to:
  • resolve research issues from an indigenous perspective;
  • demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues and conduct in indigenous research;
  • demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation of the principles, practices and milestones of getting started and completing a research higher degree;
  • communicate this understanding effectively through oral and written presentations.
  • demonstrate advanced core competencies and high level research skills to help them towards successfully completing their RHD studies;
  • demonstrate a breadth of knowledge commensurate with the depth of their disciplinary expertise.

Course Structure & Available Subjects: 5 day residential intensive. Students will be required to enrol in one 25-point subject.
Subject Options: Students are required to enrol in the following subject:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements: The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:
  • current enrolment in a research higher degree in an Australian university, and
  • confirmation of the applicant's status as an indigenous student; and
  • written endorsement from the applicant's research project supervisor(s) and the relevant head(s) of department or equivalent.

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or may call for referee reports to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.
Graduate Attributes: This program provides opportunities for indigenous research higher degrees candidates to demonstrate and further extend the following qualities and skills:

  • highly developed problem-solving abilities and flexibility of approach;
  • the capacity to disseminate the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication to a variety of audiences;
  • a capacity to cooperate with and respect the contributions of fellow researchers and scholars;
  • a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
  • an advanced facility in the management of information, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study;
  • an understanding of the relevance and value of their research to national and international communities of scholars and collaborators.

Generic Skills: Indigenous RHD candidates who complete the GCIRTP will be able to:

  • apply research skills and specialist knowledge in new and different contexts;
  • work effectively to solve complex problems;
  • identify and develop key learning and research strengths in themselves and their peers;
  • communicate effectively to non-specialists by tailoring oral and written communication to specific cross-cultural audiences;
  • reflect critically on their endeavours and development;
  • identify a conscious cultural, personal and social values base and apply this to their work;
  • show independence of mind, responsibility, resilience and an affinity for lifelong learning.

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