Unit Outline

CSA746 – Research Thesis B is the second of two interconnected research-focused units in the Master of Pharmaceutical Science program, building on the foundation established in CSA745. In this unit, you will advance your independent project through continued hands-on research, while progressing into the final stages of data analysis, critical interpretation, and effective communication of your findings.

The unit emphasises independence, critical thinking, and scholarly creativity, while still receiving structured support from your supervisory team. You will further refine advanced research skills, strengthen your ability to position your project within current pharmaceutical challenges, and gain confidence in articulating complex ideas through both written and oral communication.

By combining sustained laboratory engagement with higher-level analysis and dissemination, CSA746 represents the progression of your research journey to the advanced stage. It equips you with the expertise, transferable skills, and professional confidence to make meaningful contributions to pharmaceutical sciences in academic, industry, government, or regulatory settings.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Critically synthesise scientific literature to demonstrate advanced understanding of a chosen research project.
2	Apply appropriate research methodologies with intellectual independence.
3	Generate and analyse data to draw valid and evidence-based conclusions.
4	Communicate coherent research outcomes with clarity to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CSA741 AND CSA742 AND CSA743 AND CSA744 AND CSA745

Alterations as a result of student feedback

As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Thesis Manuscript	Week 14	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Oral Presentation	Week 15	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Thesis Manuscript

Task Description:

In this task, you will produce a manuscript-style thesis that reflects the format and standards of a peer-reviewed scientific journal. In consultation with your supervisory team, you should select an appropriate journal early in the semester to guide the structure and style of your writing. Your thesis will present the outcomes of your independent research project, demonstrating your ability to critically evaluate literature, design and apply appropriate methodologies, analyse and interpret data, and position your findings within the broader field of pharmaceutical science.

This assessment emphasises clarity, critical thinking, and originality. You are expected to communicate your work in a professional, concise, and scholarly manner, using the selected journal’s “Instructions to Authors” as a guide for structure, referencing, and style. Through this task, you will refine advanced skills in scientific writing, data interpretation, and knowledge translation — preparing you for future contributions to academic or industry research.

Task Length:

4000 to 5000 words excluding tables, figures, references, appendix etc

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Synthesise scientific literature to contextualise the research within the selected field of pharmaceutical science	LO1
2	Apply appropriate research methodology and provide evidence of rigour in data analysis and interpretation.	LO2
3	Draw valid and well-supported conclusions that reflect critical engagement with findings.	LO3
4	Communicate research outcomes in a clear, concise, and scholarly manner, adhering to the conventions of the selected peer-reviewed journal.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Oral Presentation

Task Description:

Oral Presentation should include the title of your project, name of your supervisors, introduction (background information of your research project), aims, hypothesis to be tested (if any), rational, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion and acknowledgement.

In this task, you will deliver an oral presentation that communicates the outcomes and significance of your research project to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Your presentation should provide a clear overview of your research rationale, objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions, while highlighting the originality and impact of your work within pharmaceutical science.

You will be expected to present with clarity, confidence, and intellectual independence, responding thoughtfully to questions and demonstrating a deep understanding of your project. This assessment mirrors professional research communication in academic and industry contexts, where oral presentation skills are essential for sharing findings, influencing practice, and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Task Length:

20 minutes

Due Date:

Week 15

Weight:

50 %

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.