2012 MBBS Honours Overview & Expectations ‘Getting Started’ Di Eley MBBS Research Coordinator

1. 2012 MBBS Honours Overview & Expectations ‘Getting Started’ Di Eley MBBS Research Coordinator

2. OVERVIEW OF MBBS HONOURS 2012 • Getting 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

3. All Information • 2012 MBBS Honours Handbook • download off webpage • Webpage • MBBS Honours • http://www2.som.uq.edu.au/som/Research/ROMBBS/Pages/MBBSHonours.aspx

4. Key sections of the Handbook APPENDIX 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

5. PROTOCOL FOR OFFERS Acceptance 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 Process Receive a letter of Eligibility Submit an Expression of Interest If successful – receive a letter of offer Accept the offer

6. RATIONALE FOR EOI PROTOCOL • Most 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….. but • Biggest 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

7. Your project • Honours 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.

8. 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.

9. WHAT IS REQUIRED (Handbook pg 10 - 12) • Four Assessment Tasks • Oral presentation: Project Aims & Objectives • Literature Review - MEDI3009 • Oral presentation: Outline of Research Plan • Final Research Report / Journal Article • All within an 18 month time frame alongside your full time MBBS Year 3 and 4 clinical rotations.

10. ASSESSMENT

11. 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.

12. ENROLMENT • It is your Responsibility to Enrol Properly • See Page 7 • ‘My Advisor’ http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/

13. 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 Coordinator • complete the courses you are currently enrolled • apply to revert to the Pass Degree

14. 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

15. Statistical Assistance • How 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 SPSS • Lap top also available to loan

16. Every project has ethical considerations These implications are fundamental to your research design

17. Research Ethics • Ethical 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 project • Current ethics clearance i.e. hospital review board • Addition of Honours student to current approval • If it is low risk - SOM Low Risk Review • Handbook pg 33-35 • MBBS Honours

18. Your Next Best Friend UQ Website – RESEARCH Research & Innovation Division (RID) http://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/ Ethical Clearances http://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/ethical-clearances Human Ethics Downloads , Forms & Guidelines http://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/human-guidelines

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. The really important bits to get out of your Honours Research • 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 • Get your hand in on every aspect of the process – start acting like a researcher • ‘investigator’ vs‘assistant’ • Keep it small and simple - a small research project done well is superior to a large research project done poorly • Publication – always your aim

26. EVERYONE Please 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

27. CONTACTS • MBBS Honours Administrative Officers • Year 3 student coordinator: Ms Skye To • Year 4 student coordinator: Ms Alysha Johnson • All enquiries: mbbshonours@som.uq.edu.au