HSC1021

Introduction to research methods in health sciences ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate Professor Glenice Ives

Offered:
Peninsula First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit focuses on the role of research in contemporary health professional practice. It will assist the student to critically appraise research for their respective discipline. To this end student will be introduced to the research process, different research designs, various research methodologies and data analysis procedures. Students will be encouraged to develop their basic skills in literature search methodologies and in structuring an academic argument with appropriate referencing. This unit will help the student in linking the theory of their respective professional practice domains with contemporary practice in the discipline that is informed by evidence.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to: 1. identify the importance of research to the foundations and development of the professional health disciplines; 2. demonstrate an introductory knowledge of the research process; 3. identify a range of problems experienced by health professionals in their respective professional practice domains that could be investigated by research; 4. outline the strengths and limitations of major research methodologies; 5. demonstrate a positive and informed attitude to qualitative and quantitative research; 6. understand and perform simple descriptive statistics and outline the processes associated with qualitative data analysis; 7. identify ethical issues and key concepts involved with the research process; 8. demonstrate a basic ability to read and critically analyse research literature; 9. conduct a literature search; and 10. demonstrate basic critical essay writing skills.

Assessment: Written assignment (2000 words): 40% + Examination (2 hours, short answer questions and MCQ): 60%

Contact Hours: 12 hours per week including contact time and private study, averaged over the 13 week semester - a total of 156 hours.