RHSC 587 – Major Project I (Research proposal)

Student at their laptop

Course Description

The major project enables learners to synthesize the knowledge gained from their required coursework, transfer their new knowledge to rehabilitation practice, and demonstrate achievement of the MRSc program objectives. RHSC 587: Major Project, Part I supports development of the project proposal while RHSC 589: Major Project, Part II primarily supports writing the final report and the project defence.

In RHSC 587 learners work independently on the development of a proposal for their major project. While learners will largely work independently, you defend your proposal and discuss project challenges and obtain feedback from peers online during the course.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

1. Identify rehabilitation (service) practice problems for further study.
2. Analyze the organizational context in which the problem is occurring.
3. Review the literature relevant to a problem.
4. Develop proposals to examine, minimize or resolve practice problems.

Prerequisites

Prior to registering in RHSC 587, you are required to:

  • Successfully complete all core courses (i.e., RHSC 501, 503, 505, 507 and 509).
  • Purchase and briefly review the major project text (see below).
  • Participate in the Major Project online seminar.
  • Identify a practice problem and possible research question(s).

Major Project Online Seminar

This seminar is held twice a year on the ROLS (Rehab Online Learner Support) website. Through facilitated online discussions learners review the major project requirements and assist fellow learners to identify practice problems suitable for the major project.

Course Readings

Required Textbook

De Poy, E. & Gitlin, L. N. (2015). Introduction to research: Understanding and applying multiple strategies (5th ed.). St Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Recommended Textbook*

Green, J. & Thorogood, N. (2018). Qualitative Methods for Health Research (4th Ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.

* While the title indicates that the book targets occupational therapists and physical therapists, the content is relevant to all rehabilitation professionals.