Research Studies in Optometry

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Approx. 300 hours

An Australian bachelor or master’s degree in Optometry or

A three year bachelor degree in Optometry, followed by a year of supervised clinical practice.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This research project introduces students to the research culture in the discipline through involvement in a research project in clinical optometry. Students will conduct the project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. In the first few weeks they will perform a literature search and will present an annotated version to their supervisor as a prelude to the development and submission of their research proposal. Students will then be expected to implement methods for collecting, analysing and evaluating data. During the development and data collection phases of the project, students will maintain a diary documenting the research process and reflecting on any logistical and/or ethical issues that arise. The project will culminate with students presenting their research findings as a draft manuscript, in a format suitable for submission for publication. They will also create a video abstract that summarises the basic elements of their research and how their findings relate to practice.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. design and conduct a research project in the area of clinical optometry;
2. formulate realistic research questions;
3. work productively with participants and partners;
4. collect, manage, analyse and interpret data; and
5. present research outcomes in a written form suitable for publication in the research literature, and in oral form.

• 2000 word annotated literature search (Week 3) - 10%
• 1000 word research proposal (Week 4) - 10%
• 2000 word research process and reflection diary (Week 8) - 10%
• 4000 word manuscript (end of assessment period) - 60%
• 5 mins video abstract (end of assessment period) - 10%

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have the capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
• have a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
• be able to independently advance their professional expertise and knowledge in optometry;
• be able to evaluate scientific literature as a foundation to evidence based practice; and
• be able to integrate knowledge from different domains and articulate knowledge and understanding in written and oral forms .