MED7201 - Medical Research Methods 1

Leader(s): Dr Juanita Fernando

Offered

Clayton First semester (extended) 2009 (Day)
Clayton Second semester (extended) 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit is one of two that together provide students with the skills and knowledge to support completion of a research project at honours level in medical science or health care research. It allows students the opportunity to develop an understanding of research design and project development as well as building skills in sourcing and appraising research literature. Students will be expected to develop knowledge and skills in data handling and management and to demonstrate appropriate skills communicating research information in both oral and written formats.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this students will be able to:

• Outline different research perspectives and methodologies in health science and health care;
• Identify the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project;
• Systematically identify and locate information and evidence in research literature, including electronic and internet searching and bibliographic tools;
• Interpret and critically appraise research literature;
• Perform simple statistical analyses;
• Select and apply the appropriate statistical methods for data relating to basic research questions;
• Identify good practices in data collection, management and quality control;
• Describe principles of and processes for data confidentiality, access and security;
• Use computer software and applications for data acquisition and word processing; and
• Communicate research information in both oral and written formats to their peers.

Assessment

Oral presentation: 20%
End of semester written examination: 40%
Literature review (2000 - 3000 words): 40%

Contact hours

Average 12 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in the Honours degree of Bachelor of Medical Science

Co-requisites

MED7011 Medical Science Research Project A

Prohibitions

MED7001, MED7002