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Course Outline

RES405 Research Thesis

Course Coordinator:Georgia Kafer (gkafer@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2027Trimester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 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 unisc.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

This capstone course requires you to conduct, complete, and present an independent research project. You will collect and analyse data, critically interpret results, and synthesise findings into a formal thesis and research presentation. You will demonstrate advanced research skills, ethical and responsible conduct of research, and the ability to effectively communicate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences, fulfilling the honours program learning outcomes for research independence, scholarship, and professional capability.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Independent Study/Research – This course is research-focused and delivered primarily through independent study under the guidance of a nominated supervisor. Students are expected to engage in self-directed research activity, including planning, data collection, analysis, and writing, which will form the basis of their Honours thesis. While there are no formal lectures or tutorials, students will participate in regular supervisory meetings to support progress toward the thesis. 600hrs Orientation week Once Only

Course Topics

Topics covered in this course will depend on the research area of the student’s honours project.

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?

48 units (taught over 2 delivery periods)

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Conduct and manage independent, ethical research applying advanced methodological, analytical and technical skills with integrity and accountability. Knowledgeable
Organisation
2 Critically interpret and synthesise research findings to draw evidence-based conclusions that advance disciplinary understanding or inform professional practice. Creative and critical thinker
Problem solving
3 Communicate and defend research outcomes effectively through a written thesis and oral presentation that demonstrates critical thinking, academic rigour and responsiveness to feedback. Empowered
Communication

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

RES400 and must be enrolled in BH003 or BH004 or BH005 or BH006 or BH007

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

Microcredential Information

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

This is a research-based course with no formal coursework. Students work independently on their Honours research project, guided by a supervisor, and should participate in regular meetings to gain feedback to support progress toward their thesis.

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 1 Thesis Individual 70% 
10,000 words
 Delivery Period 2 - Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral Individual 30% 
Presentations should be 15-20 minutes in duration, followed by 5 minutes for questions.
 Delivery Period 2 - Refer to Format In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Thesis
Goal: 
The written thesis allows you to demonstrate your independent research skills. You will plan, conduct, analyse, and report a research project, showcasing your ability to apply research methods, critically evaluate evidence, and communicate your findings clearly and rigorously. The thesis provides evidence of your capacity for independent, ethical, and scholarly research. 
Refer to Canvas and the Honours Handbook for due date.
Product: Thesis
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Online - Refer to Canvas and the Honours Handbook for due date
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Clear articulation of research aims, rationale, and design.
 1 2 3
2 
Application of ethical and methodological rigour.
 1 2 3
3 
Critical interpretation and synthesis of research findings.
 1 2 3
4 
Academic writing that demonstrates clarity, coherence, and scholarly integrity.
 1 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Final oral presentation
Goal: 
The oral thesis presentation allows you to communicate and defend your research findings. You will present your study’s rationale, methodology, results, and conclusions, respond to questions from examiners, and demonstrate your critical thinking, scholarly reasoning, and ability to communicate research effectively. This presentation provides a final opportunity to showcase the outcomes of your independent research project.

The presentation will be assessed by two internal examiners appointed by the Honours Coordinator.

Refer to Canvas and the School of Health Honours Handbook for due dates.
Product: Oral
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Final oral presentations will take place during a series of in-person sessions organised for the cohort. All Honours students are required to attend, both to present and to observe and participate in asking scholarly questions. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to share research outcomes, receive feedback, and learn from peers.

Refer to Canvas and the School of Health Honours Handbook for session dates.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Concise and logical presentation of research outcomes.
 1 2 3
2 
Demonstration of critical thinking and understanding of research implications.
 1 2 3
3 
Effective response to examiner questions and demonstration of professional communication skills.
 1 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, 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

Not applicable

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

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

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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