FIT4005 Research methods in information technology
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT4005 Research methods in information technology is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 6 tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review FIT4005.
Requisites
Before FIT4005
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After FIT4005
1 unit list FIT4005 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisite: Foundation knowledge in computer science or business information systems or information technology and systems fundamentals.
For students enrolled in E3001, E3002, E3005, E3010, E3011, E3007: completion of 144 credit points of study in the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) degree.
Prohibition: ITW4001, IMS5036, IMS4036, BUS5000, CSE4910, GCO4010, CSE4650, FIT2083*, FIT2084 FIT5125, FIT5143, FIT5185, FIT5190, FZA4005
* BCS Honours students who have completed FIT2083 are exempt from completing FIT4005 as part of their Honours study but must select an alternative unit with the approval of their course director. However, FIT4005 remains the preferred research methods unit option for BCS Honours students.
Overview
This unit exposes students to research across the range of IT sub-disciplines. It provides broad coverage of the issues, concepts, methods and techniques associated with Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems and Information Management research. It introduces students to major research paradigms, the principles of research design, research ethics, and research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to IT research generally and to their sub-discipline specifically. It covers oral, written, online and video research communication skills. Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct and communicate their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable and critical interpreters of research more generally.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Assessment tasks for weeks 1 to 3Other20%
- Assessment tasks for weeks 4 to 6Other20%
- Assessment tasks for weeks 7 to 9Other20%
- Assessment tasks for weeks 10 to 12Other30%
- Online weekly quizOther5%
- Online weekly communication activityOther5%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Review and critique research literature (from a wide range of sources), research designs and research findings in a sub-discipline of IT;
- 2
Communicate research findings orally and in writing, online and using video, in research and industry settings;
- 3
Explain the ethical and professional issues that may arise in IT research and demonstrate them in practice;
- 4
Identify and explain major research philosophies and paradigms;
- 5
Evaluate, select and justify research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to particular research designs and projects in sub-disciplines of IT;
- 6
Analyse and describe the technical, professional and socio-economic contexts that motivate research, and the implications of research outcomes;
- 7
Design and carry out a rigorous and ethical research project and produce a report explaining the project, its design and interpretation of the results;
- 8
Apply research skills to operate effectively as a member of a research project team.
Workload and teaching
- Studio activities36 hours
- Lectures12 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
6
Minimum total expected workload is 12 hours per week comprising:
3-hour studio
2 hours studio preparation
1 hour summary lecture each week
A minimum of 7 hours of independent study completing post-studio activities and assessments
Tutorials of 20 students per tutor are conducted in classes of 60 to allow for key summaries and maximum use of tutor expertise (note these are not workshops).
The unit comprises 12 weeks, one 3-hour studio per week, with a summary 1 hour lecture at the end of each week.
Studios contain 60 students, and for the same cohort up to 4 studios can be run in parallel in adjacent flat classroom spaces.
Students will prepare for studios each using online learning material.
Students will work in groups between 2-6 students in studios (depending on the activity).
Work conducted after the studio each week will form the basis for the assessment.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Reading list: There is no required textbook for this unit. See the Library list on Moodle. Lists of additional readings will be provided for each module.
Technology resources
Students may be required to use Web browsers, text processing, spread sheets and slide presentation packages to complete their assignments, media production tools and statistical analysis software. These are available in University computer labs.
Where it fits
FIT4005 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Wong Kok Sheik
- Associate Professor Ting Chee Ming
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Tom Bartindale
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT4005?
FIT4005 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after FIT4005?
FIT4005 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including FIT4448.
When is FIT4005 offered?
In 2021, FIT4005 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is FIT4005?
The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT4005 have an exam?
No. FIT4005 has 6 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include FIT4005?
FIT4005 is part of Computational science and Software engineering.