Draft Thesis Guidelines S eptember 2011

Master of Psychiatric Nursing program Draft Thesis GuidelinesSeptember 2011

A Thesis … • Is a formal, comprehensive, written description of original research on a chosen subject • Is used to demonstrate capacity to complete a research project and present the findings • Represents a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of study

Thesis Process • Identify a thesis advisor • Select the thesis committee • Identify learning needs and develop a plan • Complete coursework • Develop thesis proposal • Obtain BUREC approval • Conduct research • Submit draft(s) to thesis committee • Defend thesis • Submit final documents

Identify a Thesis Advisor • Thesis Advisor • Provides assistance at every stage of the program, including selecting thesis committee, planning to address learning needs, selecting / clarifying the research question, choosing methods, guidance on conduct and analysis, and evaluation to meet university standards. • Should be in place by the end of the first year • Must be approved for thesis supervision by BU FGS • Important qualities • Expertise to guide your work • Good working relationship • Thesis Advisor must be approved by SHS Grad Steering Committee

Select the Thesis Committee • Supervisor, in consultation with the student, identifies two other committee members • One internal to SHS • One external to SHS • Collectively, the thesis committee members will have the expertise to guide the thesis work and evaluate the thesis • Committee composition is approved by SHS GSC

Identify Learning Needs and Develop a Plan • The Thesis Committee will collaborate with the student to identify learning needs for completion of the thesis, and will develop a plan to address learning needs • Elective • Workshop • Additional coursework • Required coursework is approved by SHS GSC

Complete Coursework • All courses must be completed prior to registration for the thesis

Develop Thesis Proposal • Largely constructed by the student with guidance from the Thesis Advisor and committee members • Thesis proposal must be approved by the Thesis Committee before further work is undertaken (and possibly SHS GSC)

Obtain BUREC Approval • The student will prepare and submit an application for ethical approval from the Brandon University Research Ethics Committee • The application must: • Follow the standard protocol for submission to BUREC • Be co-signed by the Thesis Advisor

Conduct Research • Once BUREC approval has been obtained, work on data collection can begin • During this period of time the student: • Is in regular contact with the Thesis Advisor to provide updates on progress and to solicit guidance as needed • Meets periodically with the Thesis Committee to provide updates and receive feedback

Submit Draft(s) to Thesis Committee • The frequency and extent of submission of drafts is negotiated between the student and the Thesis Committee • The Thesis Advisor decides when the thesis is ready for distribution to the committee • The Thesis Committee decides when the thesis is ready for defense

Defend Thesis • Thesis Advisor initiates and arranges the thesis defense. • The Thesis Committee serve as examiners • Process: • Student makes a public presentation of research and findings (30 min) • Examiners pose questions about the research • Student leaves the room while examiners make a determination

Submit Final Documents • Any required revisions are made • Submission of required numbers of copies to various places

Graduation!!! • And hopefully presentation and publication of results

Draft Thesis Guidelines S eptember 2011