Course Title: Thesis 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Thesis 1

Credit Points: 24.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BESC1425

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

BESC1425

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2024

BESC1426

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014

Course Coordinator: A/Prof Vasileios Stavropoulos

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: vasileios.stavropoulos@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: City Campus


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The practice of psychology is based on the science-practitioner model, and thus practice should be grounded in research. This course is the first of two courses that teaches you how to plan and conduct an individual research project in the field of psychology by directly engaging you in the research process. The course has been structured so that it mimics the real-world research process as closely as possible and it will equip you with the skills required to undertake the preparation necessary for conducting a research project.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the Program Learning Outcomes:

  • PLO 2: Demonstrate a capacity to employ a variety of approaches and procedures to research to permit judgements and decisions to be supported by appropriate evidence that places practice within a global and local context.
  • PLO 3:  Applies knowledge to diagnose and solve problems in a wide range of diverse situations, with an ability to work independently or with others and incorporate the analysis of evidence based scientific literature to solve psychological problems.
  • PLO 4: Engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people and communicate in a broad range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) to meet the circumstances of the situation and the capabilities of the audience.
  • PLO 5: Maintains tolerance and respect for individuals and  groups from diverse backgrounds, holding diverse values, adhering to professional expectations and demonstrating  ethical behaviour.


On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Develop a research question into a clearly elucidated proposal.
  2. Present information to an audience in a clear, concise, interesting and informative manner.
  3. Describe the ethical issues associated with human research and fulfil/complete relevant ethical requirements.
  4. Critically evaluate a body of scientific literature within the field of Psychology.


Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning activities associated with the requirements of this course reflect the requirements associated with undertaking independent research in a supported academic environment. You will be required to attend regular meetings with your thesis supervisor. You will be expected to undertake the requirements of the course in a self-directed manner under supervision. In addition, lectorials will be offered to support the preparation of assessment items.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment associated with this course reflects the development of your research dissertation.  

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Research Proposal
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3

Assessment Task 2: Literature Review
Weighting 60%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.