PHARM 7522EX - Research Project in Addictions
External - Trimester 3 - 2023
-
General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PHARM 7522EX Course Research Project in Addictions Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences Term Trimester 3 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s External Units 6 Contact Online Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Restrictions Available to M.SciAddictSt, GradCert & GradDip in International Addiction Studies students only Assessment Research report 10,000 words Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Andrea Gordon
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
This course is a component of the Masters in Addiction Studies undertaken through the International Program of Addiction Studies provided by the University of Adelaide in collaboration with Kings College London (UK) and Virginia Commonwealth University (USA). There is no regular class schedule beyond the first few weeks. The project is carried out individually with a project supervisor, from the second week in January, with project reports scheduled for submission at the end of July. -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To develop an ability to plan and carry out secondary data analysis OR a systematic
literature review under supervision.
To examine critically the current scientific literature relating to the chosen topic.
To construct a research question and to understand the pertinent issues concerned with
the research topic.
To select and use appropriate methods to analyse data and present findings.
To critically evaluate the value of the project to the field.
Knowledge
At the conclusion of this course/module, students should be able to demonstrate Master’s level competence in:
1. advanced discussion, analysis and critique of scientific information pertinent to the research topic;
2. understanding and evaluation of research design and implementation;
3. management and organisation of small research projects;
4. report writing; and
5. individual time management.
Skills and Attitudes
You will be expected to develop and/or enhance your:
6. knowledge of the scientific evidence in your chosen area of research;
7. competence in critical evaluation and interpretation of data;
8. academic writing skills; and
9. ability to effectively communicate your intellectual curiosity and knowledge to others through the written word.University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
6 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1-3,7 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
4,8,9 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1-5, 7,9 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
1 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
The resources required will depend on the nature and topic of the research project, and will be arranged in consultation with the project supervisor.Recommended Resources
Not applicableOnline Learning
The International Programme in Addiction Studies is delivered entirely online; no campus attendance is required. Discussions with project supervisors will generally be via online means. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course is less structured as everyone works on their own project, but some material is provided online for general guidance.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The expected workload for the course is 20-25 hours a week.Learning Activities Summary
Research projects are undertaken independently, and are usually either secondary analysis of an existing dataset, or a systematic literature reviews. Projects are supervised by an academic from one of the three universities with expertise on addictions.
General information topics provided online include:
- Planning
- Setting the scene and defining the question
- Exploring methods and data
- Confirming methods
- Compile and assess your data
- Analysis time
- More analysis and compilation of results
- Writing up your results
- Discussion and conclusions
- Report writing
- Final writing and proof-reading
Specific Course Requirements
Not applicable -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome Online Tests Formative Weeks 1-11
Poster Presentation Summative Week 28
10% Recorded Presentation Summative Week 7-13
20% Research Project Paper Summative Week 12
70% Assessment Detail
In this course, summative assessment consists of the mark for the final research project alone. The report needs to be a minimum of 10,000 words in length, and no longer than 15,000 words (excluding reference list and appendices). It should demonstrate a scholarly knowledge of the literature, and also engagement with the data analysed.Submission
Specific instructions on the preparation and submission of the research report will be provided on the VCU equivalent of MyUni (known as MyVCU).Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
-
Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
-
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
-
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
As this course is part of a joint degree, the IPAS program handbook holds the most important information. Normal University regulations may not apply as another university will be your host university. -
Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.