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Course Outline

OCC452 Occupational Therapy Reasoning, Research & Evaluation (Research Pathway)

Course Coordinator:Laine Chilman (lchilman@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Occupational Therapy

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will learn how research and evaluation contribute to occupational therapy reasoning. This course aims to prepare students to apply a range of appropriate health research and evaluation methodologies in professional practice, inclusive of quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. This course provides a foundation for an Honours thesis, and commences a pathway for research and further learning relevant to occupational therapy research.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online large group workshop to supplement learning materials. Workshop 1 is recorded. 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Face-to-face small group workshops. Workshop 2 is not recorded. 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  • Evidence-based practice;
  • Research in occupational therapy;
  • Quality improvement in occupational therapy;
  • Application of statistics;
  • Overview of research methodologies;
  • Appraisal of published papers.

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd
1 Demonstrate the ability to locate and critically analyse, consolidate, synthesise, and communicate health research literature to inform recommendations for further research and practice. Creative and critical thinker
Applying technologies
Information literacy 
2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10
2 Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply research principles and methods, including various qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods and the associated paradigms. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged
Applying technologies
Information literacy 
2.6, 2.9, 2.10

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd
2.1 Applies current and evidence informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice.
2.3 Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making.
2.6 Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development.
2.8 Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice.
2.9 Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies.
2.10 Maintains digital literacy for practice.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

(OCC201 or OCC100) and OCC212 and OCC222 and OCC232 and HLT205 and enrolled in Program SC440 and Research Pathway Students only

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

OCC442

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

You will receive ongoing feedback during the weekly tutorials. Two assessment tasks also have in-class formative learning components in which to obtain peer and instructor feedback.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1a Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual 0% 
2 hours
 Week 2 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 1b Written Piece Individual 40% 
2000 word equivalent
 Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Activity Participation Individual 10% 
2 hours, in-class task
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3b Written Piece Individual 50% 
2500 words
 Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1a:Applying Statistics - Part 1
Goal: 
To apply quantitative research analysis methods to a data set
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format: 
As detailed on Canvas
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Students will identify appropriate quantitative statistical approaches and apply these to a data set.
 2
Generic Skills: 
Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 1b:Applying Statistics - Part 2
Goal: 
Building on Task 1a, to successfully analyse a data set to address a research question
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
See Canvas for details
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Apply and interpret statistical analyses relevant to a research question of relevance to occupational therapy practice.
 2
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Analysis of Qualitative Data
Goal: 
To use qualitative methodology to analyse a transcript
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
As detailed on Canvas
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
To select and use a qualitative research methodology to analyse a transcript
 2
Generic Skills: 
Collaboration, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3b:Evidence Review
Goal: 
To undertake a systematic evidence review demonstrating your ability to locate and then critically and systematically review, analyse, and synthesise health research to demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods, apply evidence-based guidelines, and effectively communicate your findings.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
See Canvas for further information
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Ability to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise the literature applying a knowledge of research methods and paradigms to existing research
 1 2
2 
Applies critical thinking and judgement in developing an understanding of the topic and identifying key points for further discussion and research relevant to clinical context.
 1 2
3 
Presentation and clarity of communication.
 1
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Students should access Canvas for all course requirements. Queries regarding assessment will be addressed on Canvas discussion boards instead of email. Other issues can be discussed with your course coordinator via appointment during designated contact hours as specified on Canvas. You are advised to wear the UniSC Occupational Therapy uniform if you deliver an oral presentation in class.

It is your responsibility as a student to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers, and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study. It is also your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online Health Safety and Wellbeing training module for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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