Research Thesis A unit (CSA745)

Hobart

Introduction

CSA745 – Research Thesis A is the first of two research-focused units in the Master of Pharmaceutical Science program, designed to provide you with a transformative learning experience through research engagement. This unit offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a real-world pharmaceutical science research environment, where you will develop and apply advanced research skills essential for careers in academia, industry, government or regulatory settings.

CSA745 introduces you to the research process by enabling to undertake an independent research project on a selected topic under the guidance of a supervisory team. The unit fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry, encouraging you to take ownership of your learning while being supported through regular supervision.

Through this unit, you will gain hands-on experience in research design, literature review, and laboratory techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing current research challenges within pharmaceutical science. You will also develop essential transferable skills such as scientific writing, project management, data interpretation, and communication of complex ideas.

CSA745 lays the foundation for CSA746 – Research Thesis B, with both units forming a cohesive research journey. Working on the same project across two semesters ensures continuity and depth in your research experience, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to your chosen field of study.
 

Summary

Unit name	Research Thesis A
Unit code	CSA745
Credit points	50
College/School	Health School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Discipline	Pharmacy
Coordinator	Doctor Rahul Patel
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse scientific literature to identify research gaps and to form well-supported conclusions.
• Justify selection of research rationale, methodologies and techniques.
• Apply appropriate laboratory techniques suitable to identified project.
• Critically evaluate contemporary pharmaceutical issues to propose possible solutions.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
030399	$4,768.00	$4,768.00	not applicable	$13,604.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CSA741 AND CSA742 AND CSA743 AND CSA744

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	8 x one-to-two-hours workshops, 6 x 3hr online MyLO Modules (Self directed learning),  in addition students will be expected to spend a minimum of 2 days (approximately 15 hours) per week in the laboratory working on their project
Assessment	Analysis Report: Contemporary Issues in Pharmaceutical Science (20%)|Laboratory Report (20%)|Graphical Poster Presentation (30%)|Research Introduction and Oral Conversation (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please note that are no prescribed or recommended textbooks for this course. The lecture material for this unit is not based on conventional textbooks, but rather, is updated regularly and derived from most up-to-date research in the field.  All necessary course materials, including lecture notes and online modules, are made available to you through MyLO.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.