Overview
In this foundation level unit you will develop the academic study and research skills necessary for success in tertiary level education. You will learn about qualitative and quantitative research, using research databases to access peer-reviewed scientific literature, and appraise the quality of evidence presented in peer-reviewed scientific literature. You will also learn about research ethics and integrity, and develop a foundational understanding of the use of statistics in research. Additionally, you will learn fundamental concepts of scientific writing and referencing to ensure you can articulate the information you retrieve and appraise, in a clear, concise, and appropriate manner.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
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 - 2024
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 Undergraduate 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 Informal student feedback
Students enjoyed the interactive live tutorials compared to previous years where a live lecture was delivered, however there could be more opportunity for two-way discussion.
It is recommended that live tutorial activities continue; however, teaching staff should attempt to promote further student engagement via live quizzes and/or two-way question and answer activities.
Feedback from SUTE
Some of the research papers provided were not relevant to study topics for weekly tutorial activities.
It is recommended that a selection of research articles are provided each week to students on a range of topics to allow them to select the most appropriate to their course.
- Source and critically evaluate scholarly research information
- Demonstrate effective scientific research writing skills
- Identify appropriate study designs and statistical tests to answer various research questions
- Distinguish between ethical and unethical practices in research.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Test - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 70% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (or similar) software for viewing PDF documents.
- ZOOM Videoconferencing software. A ZOOM account is available with your student credentials. We will use this software for any relevant meetings.
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.
n.elsworthy@cqu.edu.au
r.stanton@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Unit overview and What is research?
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Oyler, D. R., & Romanelli, F. (2014). The fact of ignorance: Revisiting the Socratic method as a tool for teaching critical thinking. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 78(7), Article 144. Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Finding the research you need.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Hendrick, P. A., Ahmed, O. H., Bankier, S. S., Chan, T. J., Crawford, S. A., Ryder, C. R., . . . Schneiders, A. G. (2012). Acute low back pain information online: an evaluation of quality, content accuracy and readability of related websites. Manual Therapy, 17(4), 318-324.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Academic integrity. Acknowledging other people's work.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
CQUniversity - School of Access Education (2021). The Abridged American Psychological Association Referencing Style Guide (APA) 2021.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
So you have your papers, now what? Dissecting a research paper.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Pettis, J. S., Lichtenberg, E. M., Andree, M., Stitzinger, J., Rose, R., & vanEngelsdorp, D. (2013). Crop pollination exposes honey bees to pesticides which alters their susceptibility to the gut pathogen Nosema ceranae. PLOS ONE, 8(7), Article e70182.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 1 Opens: Week 4 Wednesday (27 March 2024) 5:00pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Evaluating the evidence.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Katrak, P., Bialocerkowski, A. E., Massy-Westropp, N., Kumar, S., & Grimmer, K. A. (2004). A systematic review of the content of critical appraisal tools. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 4, Article 22.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 1 Due: Week 5 Wednesday (3 April 2024) 5:00pm AEST.
Module/Topic
No lectures this week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Strategies for effective scientific writing and communication.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Bhardwaj, P., Sinha, S., & Yadav, R. K. (2017). Medical and scientific writing: Time to go lean and mean. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 8(3), 113-117.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Written Assessment Part A Due: Week 6 Wednesday (17 April 2024) 5:00 pm AEST.
Module/Topic
What do science and Hollywood have in common? Telling a good story.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Owen, N., Healy, G. N., Matthews, C. E., & Dunstan, D. W. (2010). Too much sitting: the population health science of sedentary behavior. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 38(3), 105-113.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Avoiding the fatal 4: Plagiarism, fake research, outdated research, and not following the guidelines.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Jha, K. N. (2014). How to write articles that get published. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(9), XG01-XG03.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 2 Opens: Week 8 Wednesday (1 May 2024) 5:00pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Doing it right, doing it safe: Risk management and ethical concepts in research.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Bryden, D., & Storey, I. (2011). Duty of care and medical negligence. Continuing Education in Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain, 11(4), 124-127.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 2 Due: Week 9 Wednesday (8 May 2024) 5:00pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Lies, more lies, and statistics.
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Main, M. E., & Oqaz, V. L. (2016). Common statistical tests and interpretation in nursing research. International Journal of Faith Community Nursing, 2(3), Article 2.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
All these statistical tests! How do I know what test to use?
Chapter
Compulsory Reading:
Ali, Z., & Bhaskar, S. B. (2016). Basic statistical tools in research and data analysis. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, 60(9), 662-669.
Supplementary readings available on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Going backward - moving forward: How to apply all this to your future studies.
Chapter
No readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Written Assessment Part B Due: Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST.
Online Test 3 Opens: Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 5:00pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 3 Due: Exam/Review Week Wednesday (5 June 2024) 5:00pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Test
The Online Test will comprise of three (3) separate Online Tests made up of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.
Each Online Test is to be completed on your own, using multiple resources provided in this unit to help you answer the questions. It is your responsibility to log on to Moodle and complete each Online Test during the time the test is available. In the absence of an approved extension there will be no late submissions allowed for any of the Online Tests that make up this assessment item. For each Online Test, you only have one (1) attempt each, and each test must be completed in a single session. You cannot save your answers and return to the Online Test at a later time. Each Online Test will contain 20 questions and you will have 40 minutes to complete each test.
Online Test 1 (10% of final grade)
Online Test 1 will be due Wednesday Week 5. Online Test 1 questions will be related to lectures, tutorials, and compulsory readings associated with Weeks 1 – 4 (inclusive). Online Test 1 will be available from Week 4 Wednesday (27 March 2024) 5:00 pm AEST until Week 5 Wednesday (3 April 2024) 5:00pm AEST. You must log into Moodle during this time period to complete Online Test 1.
Online Test 2 (10% of final grade)
Online Test 2 will be due Wednesday Week 9. Online Test 2 questions will be related to lectures, tutorials, and compulsory readings associated with Weeks 5 – 8 (inclusive). Online Test 2 will be available from Week 8 Wednesday (1 May 2024) 5:00pm AEST until Week 9 Wednesday (8 May 2024) 5:00pm AEST. You must log into Moodle during this time period to complete Online Test 2.
Online Test 3 (10% of final grade)
Online Test 3 will be due Wednesday in the Review/Exam Week. Online Test 3 questions will be related to lectures, tutorials, and compulsory readings associated with Weeks 9 – 11 (inclusive). Online Test 3 will be available from Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 5:00pm AEST until Exam/Review Week Wednesday (5 June 2024) 5:00pm AEST. You must log into Moodle during this time period to complete Online Test 3.
Online test 1: Week 5 Wednesday (3 April 2024) at 5:00pm AEST, Online test 2: Week 9 Wednesday (8 May 2024) at 5:00pm AEST, Online test 3: Exam/Review Week Wednesday (5 June 2024) at 5:00pm AEST
Marks will be available on completion of each Online Test and individual feedback and correct responses will be made available when each Online Test closes.
Responses to Online Test questions will be marked as correct or incorrect by the Moodle system, and tabulated to give your mark for each Online Test. For questions with text-based responses (e.g. fill in the blank) you should take care with spelling (Australian English) and grammar, as answers are spelling and grammar sensitive.
- Source and critically evaluate scholarly research information
- Identify appropriate study designs and statistical tests to answer various research questions
- Distinguish between ethical and unethical practices in research.
2 Written Assessment
This assessment task comprises two (2) parts; Part A, and Part B.
Part A. Due date: Week 6 Wednesday (17 April 2024) 5:00 pm AEST. Part A is worth 30% of your overall grade.
For Part A, you will prepare an annotated bibliography. An annotated bibliography is a brief account of the peer-reviewed literature on a specific topic, where you reflect on, summarise, critique, or otherwise evaluate the literature. For this task, you will select three (3) peer-reviewed original research articles (original studies only, not reviews, editorials, theses, or other types of work) on a specific topic related to your discipline (i.e. the course you are enrolled in). You will be free to choose a topic which interests you, but all three (3) peer-reviewed original research articles must be on the same topic, and the topic must be related to the discipline area in which you are enrolled. For example, if you are enrolled in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences course (CG85), you should choose a topic related to exercise and sport sciences. Your annotated bibliography will comprise the citation for each peer-reviewed original research article, followed by 1-2 sentences on each of the following points:
- The aim or purpose of the study (Why did the researchers do their study?)
- Methods used in the study (How did the researchers undertake the study?)
- Findings of the study (What did the results of the study show?)
- Evaluative comments (How is this study relevant to your discipline or area of study? What does it add to what is already known?)
Marks are also awarded based on referencing in the appropriate style (APA 7th). The page limit for each annotation is one (1) A4 page formatted using the provided template available on the ESSC11004 Moodle site. Specific examples of annotated bibliographies will be provided on Moodle. In the absence of an approved extension, any submissions received after the due date will incur penalties in accordance with University policy. Written Assessment Part A must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
The use of Generative AI is not allowed for this written assessment item. This written assessment must completed individually by each student.
Part B. Due date Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST. Part B is worth 40% of your overall grade.
Part B is an extension of your annotated bibliography. You will source three (3) additional peer-reviewed original research articles (original studies, not reviews, editorials, theses, or other types of work) on the same topic as that used for Part A and then write a brief summary (maximum 4 pages, double spaced, 1.27 cm page margins) which compares and contrasts all six (6) peer-reviewed original research articles that you have found. The cover page and the references do not count toward the page limit. You must use only the following six (6) headings when preparing Part B of this assignment:
- Title (A title for your summary.)
- Introduction (A brief description of the topic.)
- Methods (What databases did you search and what search terms or key words did you use?)
- Discussion (Compare and contrast the main findings from all six (6) included peer-reviewed manuscripts.)
- Conclusion (What can you conclude from your comparison of the literature?)
- References (A list of the peer-reviewed manuscripts included in this assessment item, formatted according to APA guidelines.)
A sample template with instructions and suggested word count for each section will be available on Moodle as a PDF file, so you can see how Part B of this assessment item should be presented. In the absence of an approved extension, any submissions received after the due date will incur penalties in accordance with University policy. Written Assessment Part B must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
The use of Generative AI is not allowed for this written assessment item. This written assessment must completed individually by each student.
Written Assessment Part A is due Week 6 Wednesday (17 April 2024) 5:00 pm AEST. Written Assessment Part B is due Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST.
Marks will be available within two (2) weeks after assignment due date.
For Part A, marks will be awarded according to whether or not each point has been addressed, and on writing style, presentation, grammar and spelling, and appropriate formatting of citations. Marks will be awarded using a marking rubric which is available on Moodle.
For Part B, marks will be awarded based on adherence to the submission instructions, content for each section of the summary (particularly the comparison of the studies you have found), writing style, and appropriate formatting of in-text citations and accuracy in referencing. Marks will be awarded using a marking rubric which is available on Moodle.
- Source and critically evaluate scholarly research information
- Demonstrate effective scientific research writing skills
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?
