School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine. Honours Information Guide

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Honours Information Guide Last August 2014 1

Contents Welcome... 3 Admission Requirements... 3 International Students... 3 Contacts... 3 Course Structure... 4 Deferral... 5 Interruption of Studies... 5 Coursework Unit Descriptions... 6 HLSC401 Research Methods in Health Sciences (10cp)... 6 HLSC402 Preparation for Research in Health Sciences (10cp)... 6 HLSC403 Data Management in Health Sciences (10cp)... 6 Grades... 6 Supervision... 7 Honours Theses Guidelines... 7 Preparation of Traditional Thesis... 7 Preparation of Thesis in Journal Format... 8 Submission of Thesis... 8 Extensions... 9 Examination of Thesis... 9 Academic Integrity... 10 Library Copies... 11 Other Useful Documents... 11 Appendix A... 12 Appendix B... 13 Appendix C... 14 2

Welcome Thank you for your interest in an Honours program within the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine (SoNMP) at Australian Catholic University. The SoNMP currently offers Honours programs in the disciplines of Nursing and Midwifery and, with an Honours program in the discipline of Paramedicine to commence in 2015. In all disciplines, the Honours program allows students to build upon the knowledge gained in their past degree, develop research skills that will equip them for future study at a higher degree level and work closely with an academic expert to contribute to a particular area of interest. The purpose of this information guide is to provide information to students and supervisors on a range of areas relevant to Honours programs within the SoNMP. The school wishes you every success in your Honours course. Admission Requirements In order to qualify for entry into an Honours program, applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery/Paramedicine degree and attained grades of distinction or above in at least half of the graded units at second and third year levels; or in a postgraduate course. International Students International students require an overall academic IELTS score of 7.0, with an individual score of 6.5 in writing, speaking, listening and reading. Other than this, admission requirements are parallel to those for domestic students. International students are encouraged to contact the Honours Coordinator within their school to discuss their potential enrolment in a Faculty of Health Sciences Honours program. Please note that this degree does not lead to Australian registration as a nurse. Contacts The National Honours Coordinator for the SoNMP is Professor Anne Gardner. Professor Gardner is located on the Canberra Campus. However, the first point of contact for prospective Honours students is your local Campus Research Advisor. Details for each are below: Honours Program Campus Research Advisor Email Nursing/Midwifery/ Paramedicine (Honours) Melbourne Dr Alicia Evans Alicia.Evans@acu.edu.au Ballarat Dr Val Goodwin Val.Goodwin@acu.edu.au Canberra Prof Anne Gardner Anne.Gardner@acu.edu.au North Sydney A/Prof Liz McInnes Liz.McInnes@acu.edu.au Brisbane Dr Jo Wu Jo.Wu@acu.edu.au 3

Course Structure Honours can be completed in a full-time or part-time capacity. Suggested course structures for both are outlined below. If you wish to study part-time, please discuss the way in which the course may be structured with the Honours Coordinator for your course and campus. For mid-year entry, course structure is very similar. Those wishing to start in Semester 2 must be aware that the time over Christmas/New Year will count towards their total candidature time. This is to be discussed with the nominated supervisor, and an arrangement around supervision over the break is to be made. FULL-TIME Semester 1 HLSC 401 Research Methods in Health Sciences HLSC 402 Preparation for Research in Health Sciences HLSC403 Data Management in Health Sciences NRSG 412/MIDW 400 Honours Thesis Part A Semester 2 NRSG 413/MIDW 401 Honours Thesis Part B PART-TIME There is potential to complete Honours in a part-time capacity over either 18 months or 2 years. The decision regarding the most appropriate trajectory is collaborative, and must be made by the student, supervisor and National Honours Coordinator. Both options are outlined below: PART-TIME - 18 months Year 1 Semester 1 HLSC 401* Research Methods in Health Sciences 10cp HLSC403 Data Management in Health Sciences 10cp Semester 2 HLSC 402 Preparation for Research in Health Sciences 10cp *This unit is run intensively in Summer Term B NRSG 412/MIDW 400 Honours Thesis Part A 10cp 4

Year 2 Semester 1 NRSG 413/MIDW 401 Honours Thesis Part B 40cp* *Please note that this is a full-time unit. PART-TIME - 2 years Year 1 Semester 1 HLSC 401 Research Methods in Health Sciences HLSC403 Data Management in Health Sciences Semester 2 HLSC 402 Preparation for Research in Health Sciences NRSG 412/MIDW 400 Honours Thesis Part A Year 2 Semester 1 NRSG 414/MIDW 402 Honours Thesis Part C Semester 2 NRSG 415/MIDW 405 Honours Thesis Part D Deferral As per section 12.1 of ACU s admission rules, deferment of an Honours place is not permitted. Students who do not wish to commence at the time the place is offered must repeat the full application process again when they wish to commence. Please note that previously receiving an offer does not guarantee that a place will be offered again. Interruption of Studies Students who have completed and achieved final results for at least one semester of their program may interrupt their studies by not enrolling in units for a given semester. Any plans for interruption of studies must be discussed with the student s supervisor/s. In the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, the maximum period for interruption of studies is 12 months. 5

Coursework Unit Descriptions HLSC401 Research Methods in Health Sciences (10cp) This unit provides an overview of the research process, from the formulation of the problem to the design and conduct of the research and reporting of the outcomes. Its aim is to develop the students ability to appraise critically the research process and to plan and proceed towards development of a scholarly thesis on a specific topic in the field of health sciences. It reviews and critiques a range of research strategies in the context of current research. As well as developing skills and strategies for their own research topics, students will be expected to develop a critical awareness of alternative methodologies and issues found across the wide range of modern enquiry. HLSC402 Preparation for Research in Health Sciences (10cp) This unit focuses on the techniques and rigour involved in developing a research proposal. Students will be guided in writing a clear and cogent argument about the need for, and feasibility of, the research project they are proposing. The research proposal will form the basis for human research ethics committee application as well as a peer review process in the Faculty of Health Sciences. HLSC403 Data Management in Health Sciences (10cp) This unit provides an introduction to the presentation and analysis of data used in health science research. It presents a holistic perspective on the issues of data management as a basis for the application of these issues to specific research problems. Common principles for the management of both quantitative and qualitative data are established and examples provided in both paradigms. Some opportunity for specialisation in particular components of data management specific to the needs of the student s developing research problem will be offered. Grades In order to complete the Honours program, students must achieve 80 credit points (Honours thesis = 50cp + 3 x coursework units worth 10cp each). The Faculty of Health Sciences will award an Honours degree to those students who successfully complete the requirements of their degree under the following grades: First-class Honours Second-class Honours Division A Second-class Honours Division B Third-class Honours The awarding of Honours in these grades will be determined by the Faculty of Health Sciences Honours Assessment Committee on the basis of results obtained in all units undertaken in the Honours course at the Australian Catholic University, weighted according to their credit point values, as per the university policy. 6

Grade Final numerical result Code First class Honours 85 100 HI Second-class Honours Division A 75 84 HIIA Second-class Honours Division B 65 74 HIIB Third class Honours 50 64 HIII Fail 0 49 NN Supervision Each Honours student will work with an academic supervisor/s to complete the thesis component of the program. Students generally meet with their supervisor at least fortnightly, and it is the responsibility of the student to arrange the meeting time and place. The role of the supervisor is to: 1. Assist candidates in the identification of suitable topics and to provide advice on the formulation of the research proposal. 2. Ensure that the candidate s research is appropriate in scope and can be completed within the allocated time. 3. Monitor the progress of the candidate s work through regular consultation. This includes reviewing drafts of chapters and the full thesis prior to submission. 4. Ensure that the candidate works within appropriate guidelines about correct professional and ethical procedures. 5. Assist the candidate in the final preparation of the research project. The responsibilities of the student are as follows: 1. Produce material in accordance with scheduled agreement with the supervisor. 2. Maintain regular contact with the supervisor as per arranged schedule. 3. Prepare in advance of any consultation with the supervisor. 4. Consider advice from the supervisor seriously, and have a well-informed reason for choosing an alternative solution if applicable. 5. Attempt to successfully complete all aspects of the Honours program, including coursework and thesis. Honours Theses Guidelines Preparation of Traditional Thesis Honours theses are to be 15,000 18,000 words. The thesis should follow the APA style of referencing (6 th edition), including being double-spaced and printed on one side of the page only. The structure of your thesis will depend largely on whether your research is qualitative or quantitative. Below is an example of both. Example quantitative thesis structure Title page Author declaration Abstract (150-200 words) Acknowledgements (optional) Table of contents List of tables/figures Example qualitative thesis structure Title page Author declaration Abstract (150-200 words) Acknowledgements (optional) Table of contents List of tables/figures 7

Introduction Literature Review Methods Results/Findings Discussion Conclusion References Appendices (where applicable) Introduction Literature Review Theoretical Framework (optional) Methodology, methods and processes Findings Discussion Conclusion References Appendices (where applicable) Preparation of Thesis in Journal Format Students may wish to prepare their thesis in an alternative format, such that a component of the document is intended to be submitted for publication in a journal. For theses in this format, the approximate length of the body of the thesis will depend upon journal requirents for the size of a research-related manuscript (2,500-5,000 words) and/or a paper detailing the literature review (3,000-5,000 words). The thesis will have regard to the requirements of the relevant journal and be structured as follows: Preliminary Information Title page Author declaration Acknowledgements Abstract (word length as outlined in Author Guidelines for the intended journal) Body of the thesis literature review journal submission component; expanded methods section or discussion of methodology. Appendices Submission of Thesis For those completing their Honours degree at the end of a year, theses should be submitted by 5pm on the third Monday in October. For those completing their Honours degree midyear, theses should be submitted by 5pm on the second Monday in April. Official submission for examination involves providing the National Honours Coordinator with a PDF electronic copy (via email), and one soft bound copy of the thesis. Submission must include completed copies of the Statement of sources form (see Appendix A), and the Student certificate form (see Appendix B). A penalty of -5% per day will applied to theses that are submitted after the due date without an approved extension. Following examination, the student should submit one hard bound copy and an electronic copy of their thesis, including any required corrections, to the National Honours Coordinator. It is also customary that research students present their supervisors with a copy of their thesis, and the format in which this occurs is to be discussed between the student and their supervisor. 8

Extensions An Honours student may apply for an extension to the submission date of their thesis via the relevant Honours Coordinator. Requests for extension must be submitted in writing at least one month prior to the due date to the National Honours Coordinator, and must demonstrate exceptional circumstances which warrant the granting of an extension. The maximum extension which may be granted is 6 months. The final decision regarding requests for extension will be made by the Research and Research Training Committee for the relevant school. The application for extension should include the student s progress to date, reason for required extension and a timeline for the completion of the thesis. A supporting letter from the supervisor is recommended. Examination of Thesis While the below guidelines are not prescriptive, they offer a general guide for markers and students in terms of weighting of grades for both thesis formats. Traditional thesis Abstract (5%) Introduction and Literature Review (25%) Method, Results, Appendices (40%) Discussion, Conclusion, Limitations (30%) Thesis in journal format a) literature review: 50%; journal submission component: 50%; OR b) literature review: 30% journal submission component: 50%. expanded methods section or discussion of methodology: 20%. A pro-forma examiners report can be found in Appendix C. Every Honours thesis will be examined by two examiners, normally including one internal and one external examiner. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to contact potential examiners. Names and a two page CV for both preferred examiners must be forwarded to the relevant national Head of School or delegate for final approval. Examiners will examine the thesis separately and submit reports to the relevant Honours Coordinator. Marks will be moderated by the Faculty of Health Sciences Honours Assessment Committee. Examiners will provide both a grade and numerical mark for the thesis in accordance with the table below. Normally, the grade of the Honours thesis will be calculated on the basis of the average of the marks awarded by the examiners. If examiners provide results that are more than 15 marks apart, the Assessment Committee may decide to appoint a third examiner. 9

Grade Numerical mark Explanation HD 85-100 Work of exceptional quality showing clear understanding of subject matter and appreciation of issues; well formulated; arguments sustained; relevant literature referenced; marked evidence of creative ability and high level of intellectual work. The thesis suggests excellent potential for future research work. DI 75-84 Work of good quality showing strong grasp of subject matter and appreciation of dominant issues, though not necessarily of the finer points; arguments clearly developed; relevant literature referenced; evidence of creative ability; solid intellectual work. The thesis suggests good potential for future research work. CR 65-74 Work of solid quality showing competent understanding of subject matter and appreciation of main issues though possibly with some lapses and inadequacies; arguments clearly developed and supported by references; some evidence of creative ability; well prepared and presented. The thesis suggests limited potential for future research work. PA 50-64 Adequate, but lacking breadth and depth; work generally has gaps; frequently work of this grade takes a simple factual approach and does not attempt to interpret the findings; at the lower end, indicates a need for considerable effort to achieve improvement. The thesis suggests little potential for future research work. NN 0-49 Unsatisfactory; this grade characterises work that shows a lack of understanding of the topic and inadequacy in degree of relevance and/or completeness. The thesis does not suggest any potential for future research work. The examiners pro-forma is in Appendix A. Academic Integrity You have the responsibility to submit only work which is your own, or which properly acknowledges the thoughts, ideas, findings and/or work of others. A link to the Academic Honesty Policy is provided in the Other Useful Documents section of this information guide. Please read this document, and note in particular that plagiarism, collusion and recycling of assignments are not acceptable. Penalties for academic dishonesty can vary in severity, and can include being excluded from the course. 10

Library Copies Campus libraries hold copies of Honours degree theses. Once approved for public access, Honours theses are deposited in the campus library at which the student was enrolled. In the interests of preservation these copies are not for loan but may be consulted in the library. Other Useful Documents ACU Handbook 2014 ACU Unit Outline Resources ACU Assessment Policy ACU Academic Honesty Policy Faculty Policy Pertaining to Students Undertaking Honours 11

Appendix A STATEMENT OF SOURCES This thesis contains no material published elsewhere in whole or in part from a thesis which I have qualified been qualified for or have been awarded in another degree. No person s work has been used without due acknowledgment in the main text of the thesis. This thesis has not been submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any other tertiary education. All research procedures reported in this thesis received the approval from the Australian Catholic University Research Ethic Committee...... Student Name Date 12

Appendix B STUDENT CERTIFICATION Australian Catholic University School of Exercise Science I am the author of this thesis entitled Thesis Title Submitted for the degree Degree Title (Honours) I agree to grant the Honours Coordinator of the School of Exercise Science/Nursing Midwifery and Paramedicine permission to make this thesis available for consultation, loan or photocopying, whole or in part....... Student Name Date 13

Appendix C Australian Catholic University Honours Programs PRO-FORMA FOR EXAMINER'S REPORT THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY THE HONOURS COORDINATOR NAME OF CANDIDATE: STUDENT NUMBER: TITLE OF THESIS: SUPERVISING SCHOOL(S): DEGREE: CREDIT POINT VALUE OF THESIS: TOTAL CREDIT POINT VALUE OF COURSE: DURATION OF COURSE (FTE) YEARS: DATE OF SUBMISSION TO EXAMINER: NAME OF EXAMINER: NAME OF INSTITUTION: HEAD OF SCHOOL: SIGNATURE: DATE: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The grading of the thesis and its meaning: Grade Numerical mark Explanation HD 85-100 Work of exceptional quality showing clear understanding of subject matter and appreciation of issues; well formulated; arguments sustained; relevant literature referenced; marked evidence of creative ability and high level of intellectual work. The thesis suggests excellent potential for future research work. DI 75-84 Work of good quality showing strong grasp of subject matter and appreciation of dominant issues, though not necessarily of the finer points; arguments clearly developed; relevant literature referenced; evidence of creative ability; solid intellectual work. The thesis suggests good potential for future research work. 14

CR 65-74 Work of solid quality showing competent understanding of subject matter and appreciation of main issues though possibly with some lapses and inadequacies; arguments clearly developed and supported by references; some evidence of creative ability; well prepared and presented. The thesis suggests limited potential for future research work. PA 50-64 Adequate, but lacking breadth and depth; work generally has gaps; frequently work of this grade takes a simple factual approach and does not attempt to interpret the findings; at the lower end, indicates a need for considerable effort to achieve improvement. The thesis suggests little potential for future research work. NN 0-49 Unsatisfactory; this grade characterises work that shows a lack of understanding of the topic and inadequacy in degree of relevance and/or completeness. The thesis does not suggest any potential for future research work. THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY THE EXAMINER I am willing to have my identity revealed to the supervisor I am willing to have my identity revealed to the candidate Yes No 3. Summary recommendation on thesis After examination of the above thesis and in light of the accompanying report I recommend (tick one only of a, b, c or d): (a) That the student has met the thesis requirements and has passed without amendment or further examination with a numerical result measured against the following scale for grading the Honours thesis High Distinction HD 85-100 Distinction DI 75-84 Credit CR 65-74 Pass PA 50-64 Recommendation: Please enter grade: Numerical result: 15

(This category would include a thesis for which the examiner notes a relatively small number of typographical errors or other minor amendments to which the candidate would be expected to attend) OR (b) That the student has met the thesis requirements and has passed with a numerical result measured against the following scale for grading the Honours thesis, subject to minor changes, as recommended in the examiners reports, being made to the satisfaction of the Head of School, acting on the advice of the supervisor: High Distinction HD 85-100 Distinction DI 75-84 Credit CR 65-74 Pass PA 50-64 Recommendation: Please enter Grade: Numerical result: (This category would include a thesis for which the examiner notes a substantial number of typographical errors or other minor amendments requiring attention, or specific changes of substance which, in the opinion of the examiner, are not sufficient to justify deferral and re-examination) OR (c) That the student has failed to meet the thesis requirements, but should be permitted to revise and re-submit the thesis within one semester for re-examination (If selecting this category, the examiner is asked to indicate guidelines for the work of revision) If you ticked (c), would you be prepared to re-examine the thesis if requested? Please circle: YES or NO OR (d) That the student has failed to meet the thesis requirements and has failed outright (If specifying this category, the examiner is asked to support the recommendation as fully as possible) Please enter recommended numerical result: Note: The final grade and class of Honours awarded is determined by the Assessment Committee on the basis of results obtained for all units undertaken in the Honours course at Australian Catholic University, weighted according to their credit point value. 16

Item 8.6 of the Australian Catholic University Policy on Honours Programs states: Schools/Institutes will maintain written records of the criteria used for grading Honours students performance to facilitate comparability from year to year. Written records of the considerations taken into account in reaching final grades for students will be maintained. In making a detailed report on the thesis, comments and suggestions should be full enough to enable the University to gauge the quality of the thesis. The grounds for my recommendation are set out in the attached report. (Signature of Examiner) (Date) 4. EXAMINER S REPORT: The following headings are provided as a guideline: (Please sign and number additional pages as required) The clarity of the aims and the demonstrated significance of the study The breadth and depth of the survey of relevant literature and evidence of appropriate critical understandings The design and use of appropriate methodology to provide relevant insights and/or data Demonstration of critical analysis and perceptive scholarship to draw conclusions. The extent of evidence of creative ability, originality and potential for future research The accuracy and clarity of the literacy presentation of the thesis Any changes that should be made to the thesis before the degree is awarded 17