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PRT800 - Concepts of Academic Research and Development

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Engineering

Credit Points

Unit Level

800

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Must have passed 20 credit points at levels (5)

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit provides students with essential research design and methodology skills, enabling them to critically evaluate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches and select the most appropriate methodology for their research. Emphasis is placed on research planning, literature review, research integrity, and ethical considerations, guiding students through the process of formulating research questions, developing methodologies, and engaging critically with academic sources to identify research gaps and strengthen their proposals. Students will also explore issues related to plagiarism, the responsible use of AI in research, and ethical data handling, ensuring compliance with academic and professional standards. Through interactive discussions, peer reviews, and structured activities, students refine their understanding of methodological frameworks while developing skills in academic writing, oral presentations, and data visualisation to communicate their research effectively.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically evaluate key research methodologies and select appropriate approaches for different research contexts.
2.	Design a research proposal by developing questions, choosing suitable methods, and justifying research design decisions.
3.	Review and organise relevant literature to identify research gaps and support the development of a theoretical framework.
4.	Demonstrate understanding of research ethics, integrity, plagiarism, and the responsible use of AI in academic work.
5.	Effectively communicate research findings through academic writing, presentations, and visualisation techniques.
6.	Collaborate and engage in peer review processes to refine and enhance research approaches.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Group Research Proposal (500-750 words per student, 3-4 students in a group).	10%	1,2,3,6
2.	Group Ethics and Research Integrity Report (varies depending on project, typically 500 - 600 words per student, 3-4 students in a group).	25%	2,3,4,6
3.	Group Critical Literature Review (varies depending on project, typically 700 - 1000 words per student, 3-4 students in a group).	35%	1,3,4,5
4.	Group Research Presentation (15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A, per group).	30%	3,5,6

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
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Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)