Overview
In this unit, you will study the importance of ethical guidelines governing the conduct of any research project and understand the principles that underpin these guidelines. You will learn why we need ethical guidelines by exploring previous research projects that did not respect the rights of those who were being researched. You will also study Australia’s current ethical guidelines and employ these to complete a mock ethics application.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit. Co-requisites: NURS20168. Pre-requisites: NURS20167.
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 - 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 discussions
Students found the unit difficult and did not realise it would be so time consuming
Prepare students for the increased complexity of this unit in NURS20167 Literature Review. Continue to recommend early engagement and email students in the first weeks of Term to prepare them.
- Analyse a research project to assess its alignment with contemporary ethical conduct expectations.
- Demonstrate the application of ethical research principles in practice.
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 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 60% | ||
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
- Access to MIMS through the university library
- Microsoft Word
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Online access Australian Standards (through CQU Library)
- EndNote (bibliographical software). EndNote bibliographic software to format your references is NOT mandatory. However, it will be a great tool to manage your research references and cite them in texts. Consult ITD for instructions on how to download this software. It is easy to use and very helpful. See https://my.cqu.edu.au/group/it-services/endonte to access the software
- Zoom access: microphone and webcam required
- CQU library search tools
- CQU Library search engines for research articles
- CQU Library 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.byrne@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Welcome to the unit.
Self-directed learning module.
Introduction to the foundations of research and research paradigms
Why we need research (Weeks 1-2)
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out more about Student Support.
How do I find the Library?
Click on the link and learn about the Academic Learning Centre.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Welcome and Unit Introduction O Week.
Assessments 1 and 2 - Review the assessment tasks and rubrics and make a study plan.
Activity – Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your:
Name
Where you work
Why you are studying a Master of Clinical Nursing
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program - complete your annual program.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Why we need research (Weeks 1-2)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - Review Assessment requirements.
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
LIVE ZOOM- 4pm QLD time, 17th March
Module/Topic
What are the principals of ethics? (Weeks 3-4)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - Review Assessment requirements.
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
Module/Topic
What are the principals of ethics? (Weeks 3-4)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - Review Assessment requirements.
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
LIVE ZOOM- 4pm QLD time, 31st March
Module/Topic
What are Australia's ethical guidelines? (Weeks 5-6)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - Review Assessment requirements.
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
Module/Topic
What are Australia's ethical guidelines? (Weeks 5-6)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - is now DUE.
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
LIVE ZOOM- 4pm QLD time, 14th April
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Rest, relax and reflect
Chapter
NIL
Events and Submissions/Topic
NIL
Module/Topic
Ethical considerations when researching with particular groups (Weeks 7-8)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
Module/Topic
Ethical considerations when researching with particular groups (Weeks 7-8)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review feedback from Assessment 1
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
LIVE ZOOM- 10am QLD time, 7th May
Module/Topic
Completing an ethics application (Weeks 9-10)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
Module/Topic
Completing an ethics application (Weeks 9-10)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
LIVE ZOOM- 10am QLD time, 21st May
Module/Topic
Recruitment, consent and information protection (weeks 11-12)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
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
Assessment 2 - Review Assessment requirements.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
Module/Topic
Recruitment, consent and information protection (weeks 11-12)
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey. AND Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Assessment 2 is now DUE
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for communication.
LIVE ZOOM- 10am QLD time, 4th June
Written Assessment Due: Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/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 Written Assessment
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. 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.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve at least 49.5% for each assessment item to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only
Week 8 Wednesday (6 May 2026)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information" is an approximate date.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse a research project to assess its alignment with contemporary ethical conduct expectations.
2 Written Assessment
See Moodle Site
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2026)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information" is an approximate date
See Moodle Site
- Demonstrate the application of ethical research principles in 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?
