NUR 9010 Master of Nursing/Midwifery/Health Project A

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

This course, and the course NUR9011, are offered to develop the research skills and knowledge of students completing the Honours component of Masters programs in Nursing, Midwifery and other health-based disciplines. It is envisaged that students who complete these two courses will have developed the necessary skills to complete a small independent research project.

SYNOPSIS:

Students enrolled in this course, and the course NUR9011, will undertake a supervised research project in a selected area of nursing, midwifery or another health-based discipline as part of the completion requirements for a Masters with Honours. This course has a compulsory four-day residential school for domestic students only and is only available to students admitted to Masters with Honours programs offered by the Department of Nursing at USQ. All students will require the approval of the Research Coordinator of the Department of Nursing to enrol in this course. The dissertation will contain between 15,000 and 20,000 words on the project which presents a culmination of enrolement in NUR9010 and NUR9011.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of the course NUR9010 AND NUR9011 students will be able to:

1. identify a research topic;
2. proceed with the research topic;
3. gain ethical clearance for the project;
4. prepared their research proposal to the satisfaction of the Research and Higher Degree Committee, Department of Nursing;
5. prepare a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation which demonstrates competence in each component of the research process, by identification and analysis of the research problem, reviewing the literature, understanding and selection of an appropriate methodology, formulation of research question(s), collection of data, use of appropriate methods, analysis and interpretation of results and drawing appropriate conclusions;
6. present a seminar (when enrolled in NUR9010) to the Department of Nursing Residential School, outlining the project in progress.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

To be advised by the student's supervisor.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Texts or reading materials may be recommended by the Examiner and /or supervisors when the project topic has been finalised. This will vary according to the research activity.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The Seminar Presentation will be presented during the Residential School. Further details will be supplied by the Examiner.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. It is not compulsory for International students to attend the Residential School.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete the dissertation satisfactorily students must gain at least 50% of the marks available. All students must have a presentation for the Residential School, delivered face-to-face by domestic students, and by supervisors of international students.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit the dissertation late, without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the dissertation will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course IF the course is the final one in the Honours programme for that student: To be assured of a passing grade, students must satisfactorily complete the dissertation. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course IF it is the first course enrolment in the Honours programme: Students will be awarded the grade of IIP (Incomplete - in progress) at the end of this course provided they have adhered to the timeline submitted to and approved by the Research and Higher Degree Committee, Department of Nursing
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   Final grades for students will be determined on the basis of marks obtained for the dissertation. Two internal examiners will be appointed to independently examine the completed dissertation. A marking criteria will be included in the NUR9010 and NUR9011 study books. Grades for the dissertation will be awarded as follows: HD 85%- 100%, A 75%-84%, B 65%-74%, C 50%-64%, F < 50%. Where there is disagreement between the examiners, the course examiner of NUR9010 and NUR9011 will facilitate a meeting to achieve a consensus. If this is not possible, a third examiner may be appointed and the three reports then reviewed by the course examiner, who will make a decision as to the level of the grade.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES