VSC612 Masters Research (16)

The subject provides students with training in research methods and study design. Through professional workplace exposures and discussion with the supervisory team, students identify gaps in the existing knowledge and formulate research questions and hypotheses for the clinical research project of the Master of Veterinary Studies and will develop a proposal and planning for the project. The students will undertake a critical analysis of (1) theoretical knowledge, existing knowledge and professional practice in the field of investigation, (2) the identified research questions and (3) available research methods, and prepare a literature review.

Students will provide a presentation of the research proposal and plan. Students obtain all the necessary approvals for the project.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 3 (90)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: VSC612. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

SY/US

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

The subject is restricted to students who are enrolled in the Master of Veterinary Studies

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a body of knowledge and skills relevant to conducting clinical research;
  • be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to clinical research;
  • be able to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods; and
  • be able to design, critique, analyse, theorise and communicate research plans for clinical research to provide original contributions to knowledge.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Students will critically appraise a substantial body of theoretical and current knowledge and identify gaps in the existing knowledge in a field of investigation/professional practice in the chosen veterinary science discipline
  • Students select a research topic and questions and develop a plan for the Masters research project, under the guidance of the supervisors, to make a contribution to original knowledge in the chosen discipline and research-led professional practice
  • Students prepare a literature review relevant to the body of knowledge and the chosen research project
  • Students deliver a seminar to explain, critique and communicate theoretical propositions, current body of knowledge, research questions, study design and methodologies for the research project

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 10 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

The Workplace Learning (WPL) is undertaken at a veterinary enterprise which is relevant to the selected discipline and the research project. The duration of WPL is a variable amount and negotiated between the student and supervisors, with a maximum duration of 10 days distributed over the duration of the subject. The maximum duration of 10 days which is 25% of the allocated time for the 16 point subject of 280-320 hours (the subject workload hours align with the CSU Subject Outlines policy of 140-160 hours/8 pts). The purpose of the WPL is for planning of the research project to provide the student with professional exposures to identify areas for development of new knowledge and opportunities to make important contributions to original knowledge in the chosen discipline. For research-led integration of knowledge in professional contexts, exposure to professional workplaces is required for the training of students in the MVStud, given the inter-related nature of professional activity and clinical research (professional:research nexus). The WPL allows students to develop cognitive skills and academic independence to think critically, evaluate existing and theoretical knowledge and design, plan, implement, theorise, analyse and communicate a research project.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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