Principles of Research PG (11681.1)

Please note these are the 2027 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 School 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:

Core research knowledge:

·       problem identification, development of a research question and the ability to formulate and justify a research project

·       epistemological issues, approaches and practices, and the capacity to critically employ and evaluate them  

·       understanding of methodology and its foundational role in a research project

·      appreciation of the nature and role of ethics in all research projects

 

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.
Availability for enrolment in 2027 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
2026 Bruce, Canberra Research Semester 2 - Intensive Dr Benedict Sheehy
2026 Bruce, Canberra Research Semester 1 - Intensive Dr Benedict Sheehy
2027 Bruce, Canberra Research Semester 1 - Intensive Dr Benedict Sheehy
2027 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.

Special assessment requirements

There are three assessments. Assessments are marked as "Complete/Pass" or "Incomplete/Fail".

All assessments and each part of each assessment must achieve a "Pass" standard in order to achieve a "Pass" in the unit.

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.

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 intensive seminar sessions 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 presentations by teaching staff and by the candidates enrolled in this unit. There will also be group work / 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.

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