Research and Thesis

Depending on the nature of research undertaken for a graduate studies thesis, students may require prior ethics approval by the StFX Research Ethics Board (REB), as well as training or advice on suitable ethical practices. Appropriate workplace safety knowledge and training may also be required, including basic occupational health and safety, awareness of specific laboratory safety requirements, and attendance at a safety seminar (scheduled as needed). In addition, for certain graduate students, field safety, dive safety, or biosafety rules may apply, and training may be required. If research requires use of animals, students will need animal care training. The level of training needed will depend on the research protocol involved. Faculty Supervisors and Graduate Studies Coordinators associated with each program can help guide students to the right resources for training and approvals. 

Of particular importance to all researchers at StFX is the Policy on Research Integrity. This Policy identifies the responsibilities of all researchers at StFX in carrying out research ethically and with integrity. The Policy defines scholarly misconduct and outlines the procedures for investigating allegations of scholarly misconduct.  It is available for review on the StFX website. 

The Expert Committee on Research Integrity by the Council of Canadian Academics has outlined several Fundamental Principles of Research Integrity: 

1. Conduct research in an honest search for knowledge. 
2. Foster an environment of research integrity, accountability and public trust. 
3. Know your level of competence and your limitations; act accordingly. 
4. Avoid conflicts of interest, or if they cannot be avoided, address them in an ethical manner. 
5. Use research funds responsibly. 
6. Review the work of others with integrity. 
7. Report on research in a responsible and timely fashion. 
8. Treat data with scholarly rigour. 
9. Treat everyone involved with research fairly and with respect. 
10.  Acknowledge all contributors and contributions in research. 
11. Engage in the responsible training of researchers.   

Information about submitting your complete thesis to the library is available here: https://stfx.libguides.com/theses/depositinggradtheses

There is no single format requirement for thesis preparation or submission at StFX; each department/program tends to have different acceptable formats and conventions. Students should discuss acceptable formatting practices, conventions and approaches with their supervisor and committee.