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SWRK4006

Social Work Thesis part I

10 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

Students will commence an honours research project under the supervision of an academic staff member who is the student's honours research supervisor. The course involves the direct application the research knowledge and skills developed in the previous years of the social work program specifically SWRK 3005. Building on SWRK 3005 students will refine a research question and methodology, complete a literature review, implement appropriate data collection and analysis and commence a research thesis.

Objectives The purpose of this course is to equip social work students with the skills and knowledge required to undertake practice-based research in the social work context. Students will:
* Carry out independent research in the context of social work practice
* Select and administer quantitative and/or qualitative research methods most appropriate to answer a specific research question in social work practice.
* Gain practical skills in gathering and analysing research data.
* Further develop competence in identifying and appropriately responding to ethical issues encountered in social work research.
* Be able to critically review the benefits and shortfalls of published research and complete a literature review for the purpose of a new research project.
* Develop research application, project management and time management skills.
* Develop writing, editing and drafting skills for the purpose of producing a research thesis.
* Engaged in informed debate on social, political, ethical, technical and practical issues surrounding social work research.
Content * The role of research in social work practice.
* Refining and conducting a research project.
* Gathering quantitative and/or qualitative data.
* Analysing quantitative and/or qualitative data.
* Ethical and political issues in social work
* Critical appraisal of published research.
* Writing a literature review
* Writing a research thesis
Replacing Course(s) Course will be undertaken by students taking an honours stream within the embedded+ honours model and for those students will replace a free 2000+ elective .
Transition Not applicable because current progression and concurrent courses rules mean no student will be adversely affected. Transitional arrangements apply to students who enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work from 2011 onwards - see 'Assumed Knowledge'.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge For students who commenced the BSW prior to 2011:
Completion of all 2nd year and 3rd year SWRK courses in the Bachelor of Social Work program at a high level of proficiency. Eligible students will have:
* achieved a GPA of 5.5 or more over the program to the point where the Research Component is integrated;
* achieved a Distinction grade in SWRK3005
* achieved a GPA of 5.5 at either the 3000/4000 or 4000/5000 level of the program to the point where the Research Component is integrated; and
* have either been invited by or have had a written application approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for the program.
For students who commenced the BSW from 2011 onwards:
Completion of all 1st and 2nd year SWRK courses in the Bachelor of Social Work program at a high level of proficiency. Eligible students will have:
* achieved a GPA of 5.5 or more over the program to the point where the Research Component is integrated;
* achieved a Distinction grade in SWRK3005
* achieved a GPA of 5.5 at either the 3000/4000 or 4000/5000 level of the program to the point where the Research Component is integrated; and
* have either been invited by or have had a written application approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for the program
Modes of Delivery Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Teaching Methods Individual Supervision
Self Directed Learning
Student Projects
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Conduct of a research project, under the supervision of a nominated supervisor. The research will result in a full thesis dissertation pertinent to the field of social work practice to be presented at the end of semester 2. In this course in semester 1 students will receive graded formal feedback from their supervisor on achievement in the following tasks:
Submission 1: 2,500 words, 40%
Submission 2: 2,500 words, 40%
Other: (please specify) Seminar Presentation: 15 minute discussion of topic, 20%
Contact Hours Individual Supervision: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Requisite by Enrolment This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.
Students must have completed all SWRK courses in the 2nd year and 3rd year in the BSW schedule in order to enrol in the course. Students require a credit average for course work in previous years of study.
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for SWRK4006