Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the skills necessary to locate, critique the usefulness and quality of, and summarise evidence to provide them with a solid foundation for an evidence-based approach to optimising health and well-being at a population level. Students are guided through skills in searching for and locating evidence. They are introduced to different research methodologies and ways of analysing data to understand various research paradigms. This information is used to critique the available literature. Students will be introduced to both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis; basic descriptive statistics;, measurement concepts; and synthesis and reporting of data.

Objectives

1. Describe different sources of evidence in health (e.g. newspaper articles, internet sites, journal publications, etc);
2. Retrieve and evaluate health information from diverse sources in order to inform and improve the practice of public health;
3. Describe quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and basic descriptive analysis for reporting data;
4. Recognise issues of cultural context and ethical principles in data collection and interpretation;
5. Summarise and interpret health information;
6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate an appraisal of evidence for professional

Assessment

AT1: Literature search and management (10%) 1000 words
AT2: Written appraisal of evidence (20%) 1500 words
AT3: Data analysis and summary (10%) 1000 words
AT4: Literature review (20%) 2000 words
AT5: Examination 2 hours (40%)

Hurdle requirements: 80% attendance at tutorials unless medical or other certification provided and completion of in-class activities.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Tsharni Zazryn

Contact hours

12 hours per week including contact time (1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial) and self directed learning.

Off-campus attendance requirements

Off campus students: 12 hours of study per week which includes working though study materials, essentials readings, activities (including online), completing assessment tasks and self directed learning.