BEX5020 - Research thesis proposal - 2018

Students will prepare a research proposal in a discipline area approved by the course coordinator. Students will, with the assistance of a research mentor, select a research topic and prepare a proposal for their MPhil thesis consisting of a literature review, theory and hypothesis development, an outline of the research methods to be applied and the data requirements.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. acquire knowledge of the planning phases of a research project including topic selection
2. prepare a literature review relating to the topic that demonstrates a breadth of reading and an analysis of the academic papers in terms of both progressive development of theories and, where existing, conflict of views
3. develop research questions and/or hypotheses for the study, which flow from the literature review
4. identify and discuss the methodology to be employed for the testing of the research questions and/or hypotheses including the data requirements, types of data collection
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with research methods.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average six/eight hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information