Unit description

The focus of this unit is the investigative skills required to conduct research in industry or within a higher degree by research. Students will gain advanced skills to conduct research in Science and Technology disciplines and to prepare them for carrying out independent research in thesis units. They will be trained in writing a research proposal to develop their research project. Instruction will be provided in conducting a critical literature review to contextualise proposed research. Students will learn to critically evaluate ethical issues related to their topic. Oral and written communication skills will be developed through presentation and research assignments.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically discuss social and ethical issues in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domains;

2. Critically reflect on the current state of an aspect of information technology based on the existing literature;

3. Communicate research concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

4. Strategise and implement concepts associated with writing a research thesis, such as planning and structure; and

5. Prepare and critically evaluate research plan for further investigation to contribute to the evidence base research within the discipline of IT.

Learning and teaching strategies

The unit will be delivered both face-to-face and online. Students will be able to access all learning materials online and complete online learning activities, lab and tutorial tasks under instructor's direction, and receive feedback. Students will critically review literature and write a report, be taught ethics by developing a Human Research Ethics application or writing about the ethical issues relevant to their project, give an oral presentation of their thesis work, write their own research proposal and write an academic paper based on their thesis work and learn to communicate effectively.

GRADUATE CAPABILITIES:

In addition to discipline knowledge, skills and their application, the study of this unit is intended to contribute to students developing the capabilities needed to be:
GC1. Adaptable and capable 21st century citizens who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively, think critically and solve complex problems
a) Identifying, anticipating and solving problems ranging from simple to important, complex and unpredictable problems
b) Accessing, evaluating and analysing information
c) Effective communication using known and yet to be developed tools in many contexts
d) Using effective interpersonal skills, collaborate with and influence, their personal, work, and community networks locally and globally
GC3. Responsible and ethical citizens who use their inter-cultural understanding to contribute to their local and global communities
a) Respecting and valuing diversity
b) Developing capacities required to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world, including courage and resilience
c) Understanding the workings of local and global communities and individual's responsibilities within these
d) Understanding the intricacies of balancing individual and public good

Note: Need 6 different solutions.