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Unit outline_

MRTY5139: Medical Imaging Science Capstone

Semester 2, 2021 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The aim of this unit of study is for students to develop research skills for creating evidence for best practice within the discipline of Medical Imaging Science (MIS). The capstone is also an opportunity to apply the learning from core and elective UoS within the Master of Medical Imaging Science to propose and design a research project to address a problem faced in everyday clinical practice. The selected area of investigation will ordinarily be within the student's area of specialisation in the MIS course. The topic should arouse intellectual curiosity and be achievable within the timeframe of one semester. Developed research skills will include demonstrating the capacity to identify a question based on published evidence, proposing appropriate research methodology to investigate the problem, and recognizing ethical issues. Students will work independently to develop a literature review and an ethics application incorporating a proposal for a qualitative or quantitative research investigation. If the capstone is completed as part of an MIS research specialisation then the output will be a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal based on experimental work performed as part of previous MIS electives.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
60cp from the Master of Medical Imaging Science, including MRTY5132 and MRTY5133
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Amir Tavakoli Taba, amir.tavakoli@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Research Proposal Presentation
Video presentation
30% Week 08 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Final Research proposal
Written report
45% Week 13 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment Participation
Participation in online activities and group discussions
25% Weekly Throughout semester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Presentation: Students will develop a research proposal to investigate a specific research question in the field of medical imaging. The background of the proposal will include a review of relevant literature that positions the proposed study in the context of previous work, and identify the research gap or gaps to be addressed. A description of the methodology and associated ethical issues is not required for this assessment but will be required in Assessment 2. The proposal will be submitted for marking and peer discussion in the form of a video presentation. Presentations may be pre-recorded as a narrated Powerpoint presentation, iPhone video, etc.
  • Final research proposal: Students will develop a final research proposal as an extension of their initial proposal in Assessment 1. This proposal will include the background and aims (revised as required), the literature search strategy and yield, and a description of the methodology to be used. It will identify potential ethical issues, and justify the methodology with reference to widely accepted principles of ethical human research.
  • Participation: Students will perform set tutorial work, contribute to associated on-line discussions, and provide feedback on peer submissions.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Lecture 1. Introduction to UoS Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Tutorial 1. Topic selection (Webinar 1) Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Lecture 2. Developing the research question Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Tutorial 2. Hypotheses Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Lecture 3. Experimental designs Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Lecture 4. Methodology/analysis (+ Webinar 2) Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Tutorial 3. Experimental design Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Lecture 5. Human ethics Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Tutorial 4. (Webinar 3) Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Tutorial 5. Critique of peer research proposal presentation Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Tutorial 6. Ethics - risk and benefit Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Tutorial 7. Ethics - the need for consent Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Tutorial 8. Research proposal Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: This unit is offered on-line and no on-campus attendance is required.
  • Required materials: Online/distance education units of study have the following computer requirements: 1. desktop computer or laptop (not tablet); 2. webcam and microphone (built-in or external); 3. connection to network with sufficient internet speed: at least 3Mbps download speed and 3Mbps upload.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

  • Polgar S, Thomas S. A., Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences (6th ed.), (2013) Churchill Livingston/Elsevier, Edinburgh. (eBook, available on-line via the University library).
  • Bell, J., Doing your research project: A guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science (5th ed.). (2010) Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Open University Press. (eBook, available on-line via the University library).

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. identify a problem within the areas of medical image optimisation and/or perception for scientific investigation - the problem should be related to your area of specialisation in the MIS course
  • LO2. position that problem within existing literature and evidence, and identify gaps in the available evidence related to that problem
  • LO3. develop a research question that addresses this gap in the available evidence
  • LO4. make appropriate use of online literature databases and reference management software
  • LO5. develop an appropriate research plan to investigate the research question

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No major changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.