James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

TM5549 - Dissertation 1

Subject Description

Students must contact the subject coordinator Dr Iyke Emeto (theophilus.emeto@jcu.edu.au) prior to enrolment. This subject aims to allow students to demonstrate an in-depth level of skill in research in public health and tropical medicine. The amount of work required is that associated with a 6 unit subject - this is approximately 260 hours. Students must complete an independent piece of research in order to fulfil the requirements of this subject, as well as an oral presentation describing the research. A systematic review is also acceptable (but not a narrative review). Ideally students should submit for assessment of this subject a manuscript that has been accepted for publication in a journal. However this is not a requirement. Students can submit a report, or the research project can be submitted in the format that is appropriate for a published manuscript. However, the work should be of a sufficient standard for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Students must negotiate supervision by relevant academic staff within the College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences. This should be done with the advice of the subject co-ordinator. Ethics approvals etc. must be obtained from all relevant organisations prior to conducting the research. Please note: Your enrollment in this subject can only be processed after your research proposal has been approved by the subject co-ordinator and appropriate ethics approval has been obtained (where applicable).

Learning Outcomes

• apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and ethically execute a research-based project, and/or piece of scholarship
• integrate and apply an advanced body of theoretical and technical knowledge in the disciplines of public health and tropical medicine
• communicate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions through advanced literacy and numeracy skills to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Specifically, students will demonstrate competence in the following tasks: undertake a critical review of the available literature; develop a research proposal; develop an ethics application (where appropriate); conduct a substantial research project and report the findings in a relevant format, in the context of limitations and strengths, and previous literature

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Project report - (80%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (10%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more; Complete and submit the research proposal; Complete and submit the oral presentation; Complete and submit the final report

Availabilities