CQUniversity Unit Profile
NURS20173 Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences Project 1
Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences Project 1
All details in this unit profile for NURS20173 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will have the opportunity to develop a research proposal related to your area of work/practice in nursing, midwifery or as a social scientist. You will undertake learning and be mentored to identify a research question, develop a research proposal and apply for ethics approval to undertake a research project.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Co-requisites: NURS20167 Literature Review in Nursing; NURS20168 Research Methods in Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2020

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Report
Weighting: 30%
2. Research Proposal
Weighting: 70%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student email

Feedback

This unit has taught me so much. The lectures provided were thorough and easy to understand. The lecturer's passion for education is what motivated me throughout the course. I have learnt so much from the lecturer and this unit, that my nursing skills and research have improved immensely.

Recommendation

The 'Question and Queries' Zoom session will continue throughout term 1 2020 when this unit is next offered.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Develop a research proposal that investigates an appropriate research question from your area of work or practice
  2. Develop an understanding of ethical approval processes for undertaking a research project.

NA

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2
1 - Research Proposal - 70%
2 - Report - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Research Proposal - 70%
2 - Report - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Sue Hunt Unit Coordinator
s.hunt@cqu.edu.au
Leanne Jack Unit Coordinator
l.jack@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Introduction to unit and discussion of assessment items

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

ZOOM Lecture


Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Components of a research proposal

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

ZOOM Lecture


Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Arriving at a research question

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Contact and meet with your project mentor


Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Selecting the research design for your research project

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Components of a literature review - using a structured approach to searching and documenting the literature

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Enjoy your tuition free week!

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Academic Integrity and ethics approval processes

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

ZOOM lecture


Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Proposal writing for research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Ethics Discussion Paper Due: Week 7 Tuesday (28 Apr 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 04 May 2020

Module/Topic

Proposal writing for research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Work with your mentor


Week 9 Begin Date: 11 May 2020

Module/Topic

Research proposal - questions and design issues

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

ZOOM Lecture


Week 10 Begin Date: 18 May 2020

Module/Topic

Proposal writing for research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

ZOOM Lecture

Work with your mentor


Week 11 Begin Date: 25 May 2020

Module/Topic

Proposal writing for research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Proposal writing for research: Finalising your submission

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic



Project Research Proposal Due: Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Report

Assessment Title
Ethics Discussion Paper

Task Description

This assessment item relates to Learning Outcome 2.

Develop an understanding of ethical approval processes for undertaking a research project.

In this assessment you will develop an Ethics Discussion paper that discusses the ethical considerations that are specifically related to the project/study you will undertake for NURS20174.

In writing this discussion paper, you will compile some of the necessary information required to complete an ethics application for your research study/project (NURS20174).

Tasks:

Firstly, download the National Statement of Ethical conduct in Research: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research-2007-updated-2018. This will guide you in identifying important ethical considerations for your project.

1.0 Provide a discussion paper of 1000 words which identifies and discusses the management of specific ethical issues relating to your project for NURS20174. 

2.0 Construct an information sheet which could be used in your research. An example can be found on the CQU Research Moodle site.

Submission

Please write your assessment using the following presentation style and format, then upload it onto the NURS20173 Moodle website using the Assessment 2 link in the
Assessment box.

Note: Every assessment should be submitted as a Word document. It must be a final draft (no comments or tracked changes).

Presentation

The preferred font size is 12 point. Pages should be numbered in the top right hand corner as follows: Title page has no page number; Page numbering begins at the Introduction and includes the References list page/s.

Information Sheet

This needs to be included on a separate page before the references page.

References

You should use high quality and current references (within the previous 5 years) to support your writing.

The School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Sciences (SNMSS) uses the CQU APA Referencing Style Edition T3, 2019.

Refer to: https://www.cqu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/58413/APA_referencing_guide.pdf

Length: 1000 words (+/- 10%).

The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the Conclusion. It excludes the cover page, contents page (optional) and reference list. It includes in-text citations and direct quotations.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Tuesday (28 Apr 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

via Turnitin/Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Tuesday (12 May 2020)

via Moodle


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

High Distinction 85-100% Distinction 75 – 84% Credit 65 – 74% Pass 50 – 64% Fail 0 -49%
Introduction 5% The introduction very clearly, convincingly and succinctly introduces the discussion paper and provides direction for the reader. The introduction clearly, convincingly and succinctly introduces the discussion paper and provides direction for the reader. The introduction somewhat clearly, and succinctly introduces the discussion paper and provides direction for the reader. The introduction introduces the discussion paper and provides direction for the reader. o The introduction does not clearly introduce the discussion paper and provides NO/little direction for the reader.
Importance of values and principles of ethical conduct 20% The importance of values and principles of ethical conduct is convincingly explained. It strongly aligns with the research question, aims and objectives. The importance of values and principles of ethical conduct is largely convincingly explained. It aligns with the research question, aims and objectives. The importance of values and principles of ethical conduct is somewhat convincingly explained. It aligns with the research question, aims and objectives but requires more detail. The importance of values and principles of ethical conduct is explained. There is some lack of clarity. It fails to align clearly with research question, aims and objectives. The importance of values and principles of ethical conduct not explained, or explanation is confusing.
Ethical considerations specific to research method 50% Ethical considerations specific to chosen research method is identified and explained in a very clear manner. Discussion very clearly outlines and discusses how these ethical considerations will be managed. Ethical considerations specific to chosen research method is identified and explained in a clear manner. Discussion clearly outlines and discusses how these ethical considerations will be managed. Ethical considerations specific to chosen research method is identified and explained somewhat clearly. Discussion outlines and discusses how these ethical considerations will be managed in most cases Ethical considerations specific to chosen research method is identified and explained. There is some lack of clarity. Discussion outlines how these ethical considerations will be managed but does not discuss all aspects enitrely. Ethical considerations specific to chosen research method is NOT identified and explained OR explanation is confusing.
Conclusion 5% Summarises the ethical considerations required for the project in a very clear and concise way. Summarises the ethical considerations required for the project in a clear and concise way. Summarises the ethical considerations required for the project in a somewhat clear and concise way. Summarises the ethical considerations required for the project. However it may not always be clear and concise. Does not summarise the ethical considerations required for the project or summary is confusing.
Information sheet 20% Contains all necessary areas and is written very clearly which will be easily understood by the intended reader. Contains all necessary areas and is written clearly at a level which will be easily understood by the intended reader. Contains all necessary areas and is written mostly at an appropriate reading level of the intended which may be understood by the reader. Contains most necessary areas however it lacks clarity and is not always written at an appropriate reading level. Does not contains all necessary areas and/or is not written at an appropriate reading level.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop an understanding of ethical approval processes for undertaking a research project.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Research Proposal

Assessment Title
Project Research Proposal

Task Description

Objectives

This assessment item relates to unit learning outcome 1.

(1) Develop a research proposal that investigates an appropriate research question from your area of work or practice.

This assessment involves developing a research plan/proposal that will guide you in conducting the study you will undertake for Nurs 20174.

This assessment will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained from Nurs 20168 Research Methods to develop a plan for a research project directly related to your field of practice or area of work. It is important that this project (that you will go on to conduct in Nurs 20174) is a low-risk study that requires only coursework ethics approval.


Tasks:

Develop a research plan/proposal that investigates an appropriate research question from your area of work or practice.

The plan/proposal will need to address the following areas. Use this to guide you.

1.0 ABSRACT – The abstract is designed to give the reader a ‘snapshot’ that summarises the entire research plan/proposal. It should contain the purpose of the study (aims/objectives); basics of the research design; significance of the proposed research and/or the proposed contribution to the body evidence around your chosen topic/field/area of interest.

2.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS – This can be auto generated using: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/insert-a-table-of-contents-882e8564-0edb-435e-84b5-1d8552ccf0c0

3.0 INTRODUCTION – The introduction should clearly inform the reader of what you are intending to investigate. It needs to include the following:

· The background to your project

· The context for your investigation

· A clear statement of the overarching purpose to the duty. This includes stating the research problem

· A clear rationale or justification – why is this an issue or problem that needs to be investigated or researched?

· The importance or significance of what you are proposing to do

(sometimes referred to as the “So what?” factor)

4.0 AIMS/OBJECTIVES – The aim/s state/s the purpose or the intent of the project – what you want to achieve. The objectives identify the research outcomes necessary to achieve the aims. The outcomes are specific, clearly defined and observable or measurable. The aims/objectives are generated by the overall research question

5.0 RESEARCH QUESTION and/or HYPOTHESIS – For the size of this project proposal you will generally only need to articulate your aims/objectives with one research question. The research question guides your study and allows you to answer the research problem. The research question needs to be clear, focused and feasible in the time frame given for this assessment (12 weeks).

6.0 LITERATURE REVIEW – The literature review demonstrates your knowledge of the topic and provides a rationale and justification for why this is an important area to research. The literature review needs to include the most current evidence about the topic along with any gap that has been identified in earlier research or studies on the topic. You need to state clearly how the project you will undertake will make a difference to the area of focus.

7.0 RESEARCH DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/METHODS – This is where you discuss your research approach and the overall methodology that you have selected to answer your research question. The methods you will use to collect and analyse data will also be discussed. You will need to justify why this is the best approach and method to take to answer the research question. Ethical considerations need to be addressed and discussed here.

8.0 LIMITATIONS – Limitations are the influences that the researcher cannot control. They are the short-comings, conditions or influences that may place restrictions on the methodology and results.

9.0 CONCLUSION - This is a summary of the key points made and includes a concluding statement of the main ideas put forward in this proposal.

Submission

Please write your submission using the following presentation style and format, then upload it onto the Nurs20173 Moodle website using the Assessment 2 link in the
Assessment box.

Note: Every assessment should be submitted as a word document. It must be a final draft (no comments or tracked changes).

Presentation

The preferred font size is 12 point. Pages should be numbered in the top right hand corner as follows: Title page has no page number; Page numbering begins at the Introduction and includes the References list pages.


References

You should use high quality and current references (within the previous 5 years) to support your writing.

The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences (SNMSS) uses the CQU APA Referencing Style Edition T3, 2019.

Refer to: https://www.cqu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/58413/APA_referencing_guide.pdf

Length: 3000 – 4000 words (+/- 10%).

The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the Conclusion. It excludes the cover page, contents page (optional) and reference list. It includes in-text citations and direct quotations.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

via Turnitin/Moodle


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Tuesday (16 June 2020)

via Moodle


Weighting
70%

Assessment Criteria

High Distinction 85-100% Distinction 75 – 84% Credit 65 – 74% Pass 50 – 64% Fail 0 - 49%
Abstract 5% Concise and comprehensive summary of proposal. Concise and comprehensive summary of proposal. Some minor points are missing. Largely concise and comprehensive summary of proposal. Some minor points are missing. Demonstrates a summary of proposal. However, is not concise and/or not comprehensive. Missing significant points.
Introduction 15% The introduction very clearly, convincingly and succinctly provides the background, context, an overarching research statement, rationale and/or justification and the importance of the study. The introduction clearly, convincingly and succinctly provides the background, context, an overarching research statement, rationale and/or justification and the importance of the study. The introduction somewhat clearly, convincingly and succinctly provides the background, context, an overarching research statement, rationale and/or justification and the importance of the study. The introduction provides the background, context, an overarching research statement, rationale and/or justification and the importance of the study. However, it lacks clarity. The introduction does not provide the background and/or context, and/or an overarching research statement, rationale and/or justification and/or the importance of the study.
Aims/Objectives 10% Aims and objectives are very clearly stated and align with research question/topic. Aims and objectives are clearly stated and align with research question/topic. Aims and objectives are stated and in the most part align with research question/topic. Aims and objectives are ambiguous and do not clearly align with research question/topic. Aims and objectives are not included.
Research questions and/or hypothesis 10% Research questions and/or hypothesis are very clearly focused and relevant and indicate the type of data required. Research questions and/or hypothesis are clearly focused and relevant and indicate the type of data required. Research questions and/or hypothesis are somewhat clearly focused and relevant and indicate the type of data required. Research questions and/or hypothesis are not entirely clear in relation to their focus and/or relevance and do not clearly indicate the type of data required. Research questions and/or hypothesis is unclear in relation to their focus and/or relevance and do not indicate the type of data required.
Literature Review 20% The literature review cogently and comprehensively supports the project by pointing to a solution to the problem identified and/or a gap in the literature in relation to the problem. The literature review is largely cogently and comprehensive in supporting the project by pointing to a solution to the problem identified and/or a gap in the literature in relation to the problem. The literature review is somewhat cogent and comprehensive in supporting the project by pointing to a solution to the problem identified and/or a gap in the literature in relation to the problem. The literature supports the project by pointing to a solution to the problem identified. There are some gaps in this review. The literature review does not clearly support the project by pointing to a solution to the problem identified and/or a gap in the literature in relation to the problem.
Contribution to research area/field of practice 10% The contribution this project will make to the research area/field of practice is convincingly argued. The contribution this project will make to the research area/field of practice is somewhat convincingly argued. The contribution this project will make to the research area/field of practice is argued but requires further discussion. The contribution this project will make to the research area/field of practice unclear and/or incomplete. The contribution this project will make to the research area/field of practice has not been provided.
Research Design 25% The appropriateness of the research methodology and research methods to the research question/s is very clearly explained and justified. The link between methodology and methods is very evident. It is highly feasible and realistic. Ethical considerations are appropriate and detailed very clearly. The appropriateness of the research methodology and research methods to the research question/s is clearly explained and justified. The link between methodology and methods is largely evident. It is feasible and realistic. Ethical considerations are appropriate and detailed clearly. The appropriateness of the research methodology and research methods to the research question/s is somewhat clearly explained and justified. The link between methodology and methods is somewhat evident, however feasibility needs to be considered more thoroughly. Ethical considerations are appropriate. The appropriateness of the research methodology and research methods to the research question/s is explained and justified. The link between methodology and methods is somewhat evident, however it does not appear feasible or realistic for the timeframe provided. Ethical considerations are appropriate. There is a lack of clarity at times. The appropriateness of the research methodology and research methods to the research question/s is not explained and justified or unclear and/or the link between methodology and methods questions is not explained or very unclear and/or ethical considerations are not explained and or very unclear. It is neither feasible to conduct nor realistic.
Strengths/Limitations 5% Strengths/Limitations are explained with a convincing argument as to why they do not negate from the proposed project. Strengths/Limitations are explained with a largely convincing argument as to why they do not negate the proposed project. Strengths/Limitations are explained with a somewhat convincing argument as to why they do not negate the proposed project. Strengths/Limitations are explained with and it is argued why they do not negate the proposed project. Argument is not always logical. Strengths/Limitations are not explained and/or it is not argued why they do not negate the proposed project.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop a research proposal that investigates an appropriate research question from your area of work or practice


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?