Principles of Research PG (11681.1)

Please note these are the 2024 details for this unit
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Principles of Research PG
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods Intensive
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Graduate Research Office Post Graduate Level Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces HDR candidates to the theory of knowledge and principles of research that are necessary to construct and complete a research project. Candidates will develop competence in relevant elements of the Researcher Development Skills Framework, and build capacity in: research values; epistemology; evaluating research frameworks; research integrity and ethics; and Indigenous cultural competences. They will review their research proposals, and refine their research problem or question and the proposed methodological framework for the doctoral project they intend to pursue.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, HDR candidates will be equipped to:
1. Critically evaluate the various research traditions and their epistemological foundations;
2. Formulate and validate research problems and related research aims;
3. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the ethical frameworks for research; and
4. Strategise approaches to effective communication of research proposals.


Graduate attributes

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
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 - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Skills development

For HDR candidates, the Graduate Attributes are drawn from and respond to the Researcher Development Skills Framework; in particular:

Researcher core knowledges:

·       epistemological values and practices, and the capacity to critically evaluate them  

·       methodological understandings required to frame a research project  

·       problem identification, and the ability to identify, formulate and justify a research project

Q1.3: Develop cultural competencies particularly with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing.

Q2.3: Academic integrity, Research ethics and Responsible conduct of research: deep understanding of relevant issues and the ability to implement these in practice

Q3.2.3 Critical thinking

Q4.3.1 Share knowledge and skills



Prerequisites

This unit is only available to HDR candidates in MXP001 Doctor of Philosophy.

Corequisites

11682 Practice of Research PG

Equivalent units

9311 Doctoral Research Skills Portfolio PG

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2024 Bruce, Canberra Research Semester 1 Intensive Dr Benedict Sheehy
2024 Bruce, Canberra Research Semester 2 Intensive Dr Benedict Sheehy
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

Readings are available in the Canvas site. You are also encouraged to source additional readings, particularly those pertinent to your own research discipline and research project. Consult with your supervisory panel as needed. 

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

All assessment items must be posted to Canvas by the due date.

If you require an extension, please let the teaching staff know ahead of the due date. No extension will be given on the due date or afterwards.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

As a PhD candidate, you are expected to be self-motivated, and to take ownership of your project and its progress, with the support and guidance of your supervisory panel. 

Because this unit is offered in intensive mode, you will need to plan your time carefully to ensure that you work on the content of the unit every week: complete the set readings and those you source yourself, and participate in Bulletin Board discussions, presenting your own ideas, and commenting on those of your peers. During the intensive seminars, you will spend 3 hours per day on two consecutive days. On each of the other weeks, expect to spend at least 3 hours reading, thinking, drafting and posting your thoughts to the Discussion Board, reflecting on the issues raised by the unit, and how these might inflect your approach to your PhD project, and engaging with posts uploaded by your fellow students.

Inclusion and engagement

No additional information required.

Participation requirements

You are required to attend and participate actively in all intensive sessions, either in person or virtually, and to participate actively in the Bulletin Board discussions during the other weeks of semester. 

Required IT skills

The four seminars will be offered in hybrid mode. If you are not able to attend on campus, you will need to participate via the Virtual Room site, on the Canvas page. This will require you to have a microphone and camera enabled on your computer, and sufficient IT access to ensure you can participate comfortably in each session. There will be short presentations by teaching staff and, on occasion, by the candidates enrolled in this unit. There may also be break-out discussions to address issues pertinent to the seminar topic.

Each seminar will be recorded, and you will be able to access those, also from the Virtual Room site, after the session.

In-unit costs

If you need to travel to Canberra to participate in the seminars, this will incur travel and accommodation costs. You will need to bear those costs.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.

Additional information

None.

Next step

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