Applied Research (Optional Co-op)

Description: In this course, students will learn communication skills necessary for effectively communicating research knowledge to various stakeholders. Students will learn written, oral and visual formats for communicating research knowledge to peers, professional and lay audiences. Students will explore cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and appropriate use of electronic communications (e.g., text messaging, email, and social media) as topics in this course. Students will develop various communication products that can be used in the development of a Research Communications Portfolio.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

• Hours: 1
• Credits: 0
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: In this course, students will learn about data sources, informatics, data models, data management and manipulation, data cleaning and validation techniques, data ownership and elements to be aware of when cross referencing different data points; all key components in a data-driven organization. Students will critically evaluate and appropriately integrate evidence from different forms of primary and secondary sources (e.g., customer databases, industry statistics, big data, social media analytics, academic and trade journal articles, and in-depth interviews) to report the results of these analyses to key stakeholders.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: In this course, students will learn theoretical frameworks needed to create an effective qualitative or mixed methods research study. Students will identify the appropriate research design needed to answer research questions relating to various industry needs, such as understanding client populations and community needs, conducting program evaluation and measuring stakeholder satisfaction and public opinion. Specifically, students will be introduced to methods such as ethnography, participant observation, interviewing, focus groups, and visual ethnography or 'photo-voice'. They will learn how to analyze and visualize qualitative data using appropriate computer software.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $64.20

Description: This course will provide students with the theoretical frameworks for conducting effective quantitative research study. Student will identify the appropriate research design and data analysis tools needed to answer research questions. Specifically, students will be introduced to methods such as survey design, statistical analysis, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and t-tests. Using advanced data analysis software tools students will learn how to process and analyze myriad structured, semi-structured and unstructured data, translating these into actionable insights and meaningful visual presentations

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: In this course, students will learn the skills they need to effectively locate and apply to funding sources for their research proposals. Students will learn about various types of grants and how to effectively tailor proposals to address the reviewer’s priorities. Students will learn the skills to prepare, manage and report on their research budgets

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: In this course, students will learn about ethics, standards of conduct and accountability in research. They will effectively complete research ethics board documents for review and approval in various settings. Student will be required to successfully complete the Government of Canada’s TCPS 2:CORE (Course on Research Ethics) as a part of this course. Students will conduct literature reviews, assess scope of projects, learn how to work with reviewers and understand the uses of Memorandums of Understanding, Intellectual Property and Non-Disclosure Agreements in research. Students will develop a critical understanding of ethics, including human rights and relevant legislation, in qualitative, quantitative research and evaluation.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: This course focuses on career management skills needed to navigate the evolving workplace. Students will evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations within their chosen careers and explore emerging trends in the workplace. Students will refine their networking strategies and create marketing documents to position them for success. Mock interviews will provide the opportunity for practice, feedback, and reflection as students prepare for future interviews. Students will explore communication strategies that support workplace success and advancement. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized career management plan.

• Hours: 28
• Credits: 2
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $10.55

Description: This series of modules will prepare graduate certificate students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Co-op Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while deepening their awareness of self- reflective practices. Students will critically reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.

• Hours: 14
• Credits: 1
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: In this course, students will learn how to co-create research impact with a wide range of stakeholders, such as industry and government. This course is designed to assist students in critically evaluating and appropriately integrating evidence from different forms of primary and secondary sources (e.g., customer databases, industry statistics, big data, social media analytics, academic and trade journal articles, and in-depth interviews) and use tools and techniques to enhance students’ capacity to impact policy, programs and practice with research knowledge. In addition, students will explore the knowledge management continuum (data-information-knowledge-wisdom), and methods of managing the creation, documentation, access to and mobilization/use/brokerage of knowledge/data in organizations.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: This course is a culmination of the theoretical knowledge and skills students learned in the first semester of this program; they will plan and execute a custom research study. For the project, students will carry forward the preliminary planning they worked on in their first semester. The entire research process will be emphasized including data collection, analysis, and communication of research findings. Through this course, students will gain experience with the application of project management principles, tools, and techniques specifically work plans, time and budget planning, and monitoring and evaluating the progress and monitoring results.

• Hours: 210
• Credits: 14
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.