2012 MBBS Honours

Overview & Expectations‘Getting Started’

Di EleyMBBS Research Coordinator

OVERVIEW OF MBBS HONOURS 2012Getting Started

Overview of program and expectations• A/Prof Di Eley

Understanding the Research Process• Dr Mavourneen Casey, Research Fellow, SOM

Research in context• Dr Tarl Prow, Dermatology Research Centre

All Information

2012 MBBS Honours Handbook download off webpage

WebpageMBBS Honourshttp://www2.som.uq.edu.au/som/Research/ROMBBS/Pages/MBBSHonours.aspx

Key sections of the HandbookAPPENDIX 1: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

APPENDIX 2: Marking Guides for Assessment Tasks

APPENDIX 4: SOM Internal Low Risk Ethics Review Panel

APPENDIX 5: MBBS Student Request for Statistical Support

ASSESSMENT : pages 10 – 12

KEY DATES: page 14-15

LIBRARY SERVICES FOR HONOURS STUDENTS: page 9

PROTOCOL FOR OFFERSAcceptance into the Honours Program (Handbook pg 5)

The minimum eligibility criterion for entry into the Honours program is a GPA of 6.0 + satisfactory Y2 clinical performance

4 Step Process1. Receive a letter of Eligibility2. Submit an Expression of Interest 3. If successful – receive a letter of offer4. Accept the offer

RATIONALE FOR EOI PROTOCOLMost important aspect of doing research is - why?Research comprised of a myriad of skills, procedures and paradigms

Every project will require its own unique set of skills, requirements, ethical considerations, workload – and JOY!!

Majority of research skills are widely transferable….. butBiggest BUZZ you get from research is when it has

‘meaning’ to you

It takes time to find your passion

So take time to find your passion

Your projectHonours is to prepare you to do a RHD - it is NOT a RHD

All decisions about your project need to be between you and your Supervisor

Vital to discuss the ‘scope of your project’ with your supervisor BEFORE you map out your research

Don’t get carried away......... Remember you must also fulfil all MBBS requirements. A small project done well is better than a larger project done poorly.

EXTENTIONS If you are currently, remotely, even slightly remotely, even remotely vaguely slightly wondering…… if your project is too broad or you are considering the need for an extension for your project at some point………

Alarm Bells should ring – LOUDLY!Discuss the scope of your project with your

supervisor – before you begin.

WHAT IS REQUIRED (Handbook pg 10 - 12)

Four Assessment TasksOral presentation: Project Aims & ObjectivesLiterature Review - MEDI3009Oral presentation: Outline of Research PlanFinal Research Report / Journal Article

All within an 18 month time frame alongside your full time MBBS Year 3 and 4 clinical rotations.

ASSESSMENTPart Assessment Item Word Length Due Allocation of Marks

1 Oral presentation: Outline of Research Project

N/A Mid-semester 1 - Year 3

The marks are allocated to each Honours Stream Rotation in Semester 1

2 Scientific Literature Review

4,000 words End of Semester 1 -Year 3

The marks are allocated to MEDI3009 – Scientific Literature Review (Hons) only.

3 Oral presentation: Outline of Research Plan

N/A End of Semester 2 Year 3

The marks are allocated to each Honours Stream Rotation in Semester 2.

4 Research Paper in Journal Format

Adhere to journal guidelines or not to exceed 4000 words

End of Semester 1 Year 4

The marks are allocated to each Honours Stream Rotation in Year 4.

Honours Grade Calculation

Grade calculations for the Honours stream include both the clinical component and the results of the Honours task for the particular semester.

The exception is that marks for the Literature Review go solely to MEDI3009.

The final Honours course grade calculation i.e. CLASS OF HONOURS is determined at the final Year 4 Examination Board.

ENROLMENTIt is your Responsibility to Enrol Properly

See Page 7

‘My Advisor’ http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/

Leaving the Honours Program and Reverting to the Pass Degree

Handbook page 7 PLEASE REMEMBER: If you wish to withdraw or revert to the Pass degree you must;

consult with the MBBS Honours Course Coordinatorcomplete the courses you are currently enrolled apply to revert to the Pass Degree

KEY DATES Handbook pg 14 & 15

List of all workshops, dates & venue• Attendance is strongly suggested

Videoconference is arranged for:• Rural Clinical School sites, and • Sunshine Coast Clinical School

All workshop Power Points posted on webpage • ‘Workshop Presentations & Seminars’ link

Oral presentations will be open to the public and part of student research conferences

Statistical AssistanceHow you analyse your data must be part of your

Research Plan‘When’ you have your data - you may request assistance with your statistics

Details in Handbook (pg 36 & 37) On-line form on Honours webpage

SPSS: ‘Statistical Package for Social Sciences’ available Every clinical school - licence for SPSSLap top also available to loan

Every project has ethical considerationsThese implications are fundamental to your

research design

Research EthicsEthical considerations - NOT an afterthought

Research does not begin until you have ethical approval for your project plan.

Everyone will complete and submit an ethics application for their projectCurrent ethics clearance i.e. hospital review boardAddition of Honours student to current approval

If it is low risk - SOM Low Risk Review Handbook pg 33-35MBBS Honours

Your Next Best Friend UQ Website – RESEARCH

Research & Innovation Division (RID)http://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/

Ethical Clearanceshttp://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/ethical-clearances

Human Ethics

Downloads , Forms & Guidelineshttp://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/human-guidelines

The ‘Perks’

SOM travel support to present data at a conference – travel only ($1000 maximum) apply through Honours admin.

Undergraduate Student Research Week (~ Sep)• Presentations: oral & poster + $$ for best

UQ Advantage Grants • Grants for travel to conferences or to do research• Next applications close February 15, 2012

http://www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/advantage-grant

The ‘Perks’Library Services

for MBBS Honours Students

Opportunity to become proficient in several key skills widely applicable to clinicians, academics and researchers

Endnote

Searching the literature

We encourage you to take advantage of all library services

Reality Check #1: WHY DO HONOURS?It’s HARD

All research activities + assessment tasks must be competed alongside your full time MBBS over 18 months

Your Honours assessment becomes part of your overall marks for Year 3 and Year 4 which determines your ‘Class of Honours’

Overall your GPA ‘could’ go down

What is most important to you? GPA Research training and experience

Reality Check #2:Define the SCOPE of your

project - NOW

Ensure you make your Honours research experience enjoyable and rewarding

Don’t let it kill you!

Alarm Bells – should ring it you have any doubts about the timeframe or practicality of your project

Planning is Everything"Well begun is half done" -- Aristotle

Plan your Honours with your Supervisor(s) now!

DESIGN – MOST Important – take time to PLAN

ETHICAL ISSUES and considerations – • how will you address these in your research?

Don’t underestimate your project before your start

Reality Check #3: Your Supervisor‘Mutual Respect’

• someone interested in you and your project• someone who you respect and have confidence in

Mutual responsibilities and expectations• understanding between you and your supervisor

Start with a ‘Planning Meeting’• map out timeline of your assignments and meetings • be clear about your MBBS responsibilities

Balance of ‘respectful requests’ & ‘destructive demands‘

Co-supervisors always encouraged

The really important bits to get out of your Honours Research

1. An understanding of the “Research Process” logical flow of thought and critical insight behind every

good project answer a question/explore a topic to gain knowledge

2. Get your hand in on every aspect of the process – start acting like a researcher ‘investigator’ vs ‘assistant’

3. Keep it small and simple - a small research project done well is superior to a large research project done poorly

4.Publication – always your aim

EVERYONEPlease send by Friday Feb 17th

1) The email address of your supervisor, co-supervisors or intended supervisor

2) A ‘working title’ of your research project

Email to: mbbshonours@som.uq.edu.au

CONTACTSMBBS Honours Administrative Officers

Year 3 student coordinator: Ms Skye ToYear 4 student coordinator: Ms Alysha Johnson

All enquiries: mbbshonours@som.uq.edu.au