Research Fundamentals PG (10386.2)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Research Fundamentals PG
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods Hybrid
On-campus
 Singapore
Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.25 6 Faculty Of Business, Government & Law
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Canberra Business School Post Graduate Level Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905)
Band 5 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit provides a critical assessment of the role(s), nature, values and assumptions underlying research in business and social science. In particular, this unit develops a deep understanding of the epistemological and ontological bases for research, as well as an understanding of the practical and/or theoretical knowledge their thesis will add to the field. At the conclusion of the unit, candidates will be comfortable situating their research project within existing research traditions, evaluating differences between research traditions including Indigenous ways of knowing, and will have developed competence in research integrity and ethical frameworks. These frameworks will include the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The unit also draws upon the University of Canberra's Researcher Development Skills Framework.

Learning outcomes

The outcome of any unit for individual students is contingent upon what each student brings to class and the amount of energy and effort they deploy. However, a student who engages in all class activities with diligence can expect to be able to:
1. Critically evaluate a variety of theoretical perspectives on the nature of research and its role(s) in society including an appreciation for and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural competencies;
2. Critically evaluate the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of research;
3. Evaluate the ethical consequences of research choices and their impact on the role of the researcher;
4. Demonstrate a critical appreciation for the historical, social and political contexts of research choices and recognise the implications of research values; and
5. Illustrate the ability to write effectively in academic English by appropriately communicating complex research concepts and ideas.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

6647 Research Methodology and Research Design PG

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Singapore Semester 1 03 February 2025 Hybrid Dr Jennifer Loh
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025 Hybrid Dr Jennifer Loh
2025 Singapore Semester 2 28 July 2025 Hybrid Dr Jennifer Loh
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 On-campus Dr Jennifer Loh
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 Hybrid Dr Jennifer Loh
2026 Singapore Semester 1 16 February 2026 Hybrid Dr Jennifer Loh
2026 Singapore Semester 2 10 August 2026 Hybrid Dr Jennifer Loh
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr Jennifer Loh
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

There is no required textbook for this unit, but you are likely to need to consult with many different sources (texts, research books, journal articles). We will discuss the complexity of research philosophy in this unit and its relationship to disciplines such as business, politics, public administration and law. There are a range of approaches to this topic and there is little agreement between them. Ultimately, your role is to identify where you sit in and amongst a range of philosophical concepts relevant to pursuing higher degrees by research. This is a personal journey.

I recommend one text, but I have not made it compulsory to purchase:

Recommended Textbook:

Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. St Leonards: Allen & Unwin.

This is available from the library.

Journals:

This is primarily a research-led unit, so it is expected that you will read journal articles and research work relevant to your topic of study, within your disciplinary field and across disciplinary spaces. 

Typical repositories for research include UC's library website, Google Scholar and Google itself

Common journal databases for research philosphy would include Science Direct <www.sciencedirect.com> and Emerald <http://www.emeraldinsight.com/>

I will suggest journal articles as readings from time-to-time, but you will also be asked to search for and identify relevant research articles. Feel free to consult with your supervisors about particular readings and where to collect relevant research philosophy for your study. 

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

All assessment items should be submitted through Canvas.

Use of AI is not permitted in this unit

The University's position is that artificial intelligence services must not be used for assessment or assessment preparation by students unless explicitly allowed in the assessment instructions for an assessment task published with the assessment task and/or in the unit outline. That is, an AI service may only be used if:

a) its use is authorised by the unit convener as part of the specified task; and

b) it is used in the way allowed in the assessment instructions and/or unit outline; and

c) its use is appropriately referenced, meaning that the students must reference the use of AI in their assessment in the same way as they reference other source material.

The use of AI has not been specified in the assessment instructions for the unit or in the unit outline and thus, AI is not a permissible resource

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Participation requirements

The class is discussion-based. 

Your ability to understand your research projects is driven by how you understand, position yourself and identify with the complexities of research philosophy. 

Thus, reading in advance, reading further in your fields and participating in activities and discussion is essential to your development in this class.

Required IT skills

Standard word-processing skills are required.

This unit involves online meetings in real time using either Zoom (invitations will be sent) or via the Virtual Room in your UCLearn (Canvas) teaching site. Zoom and the Virtual Room allow you to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. 

It is also an appropriate academic expectations that you attend with a working video - names and faces to voices are a easier way to communicate. 

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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