Overview
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to construct a research proposal to answer a question related to your professional practice. It is anticipated that the research proposed will be able to be conducted in your professional practice setting in the future. The research proposal you will develop will consolidate the theoretical learning you have undertaken in NURS20167, NURS20168, and NURS20173.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit. Pre-requisites: NURS20167, NURS20168, and NURS20173.
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 2 - 2026
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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.
Students valued the individualised support.
Individualised support in line with student availability should be continued.
- Design a research proposal to answer a research question related to your professional practice.
- Justify your research question and proposed methodology to your peers.
There are no learning outcomes linked to external accreditation for this unit.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Presentation - 20% | ||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 80% | ||
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 - First Nations Knowledges | ||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Microsoft Office
- Word processing (Microsoft Office Word or similar)
- ZOOM
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Zoom Application
- CQ library literature search tools
- CQU library Nursing/ Midwifery/ Social Work resources
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.aitken@cqu.edu.au
a.j.hall@cqu.edu.au
Module 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Requirements of a research proposal
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Activity - Access the General Discussion Page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your:
Name
Where you work
Why you are studying the Master of Clinical Nursing.
Assessments - Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program - complete your annual program.
Set-up your CQU student emails so you receive current, up-to-date information.
Module 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Constructing an introduction for your research proposal
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 1 - Make a plan to research and write your assessment. Start reviewing the CQU library databases for evidence to use to support your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Assessment 2 - Consider a relevant case study for this assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Literature review
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 1 - Continue searching the CQU library databases for evidence to support your assessment. Review the credibility of this evidence. Start writing your first draft of your assessment.
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Data collection (A)
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 1 - Continue preparing/writing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Data methods (B)
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 1 - Start finalising your assessment. Check the originality of your work through Turnitin.
Assessment 2 - Read the task to start making a research and writing plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Data Analysis (C)
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 1 - Check the originality of your work through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Presentation Due: Week 6 Wednesday (19 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation week.
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities.
Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Module 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Ethical Issues
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 2 - Make a plan to research and write your assessment. Start reviewing the CQU library databases for evidence to use to support your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Research strengths and limitations
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 2 - Start writing your assessment draft, explore the CQU library databases for appropriate evidence, start reviewing the evidence.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Report Writing
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 2 - Write your case study, explore the CQU library databases for appropriate evidence, continue reviewing the evidence, and writing your assessment. Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin; make relevant changes to your assessment in response to your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Report Writing
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 2 - Continue progressing your written assessment. Check at least one draft for originality through Turnitin.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Report Writing
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 2 - Continue preparing your assessment. Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin; make relevant changes to your assessment in response to your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Overview of the unit
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 2 - Finalise your assessment. Check at least one draft for originality through Turnitin and make relevant changes based on your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Written Assessment Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online , students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Presentation
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to present your research question and proposed methodology to your peers to receive constructive feedback.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned. Assessment re-attempt is not available for this Assessment task.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a minimum grade of 49.5% to pass this assessment.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (19 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026)
Students will be notified of assessment 1 results release via an Announcement posted on the Announcement's page on the Unit Moodle site.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Justify your research question and proposed methodology to your peers.
2 Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate your ability to design a research proposal.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned. Assessment re-attempt is not available for this Assessment task.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a minimum grade of 49.5% to pass this assessment.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (21 Oct 2026)
Students will be notified of assessment 2 results release via an Announcement posted on the Announcement's page on the Unit Moodle site.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Design a research proposal to answer a research question related to your professional practice.
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?
