Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Develops the critical ability to evaluate the human rights considerations pertinent to research in situation in which the autonomy of potential participants is gravely diminished, for example: refugee populations, people living in poverty, conditions of civil rights violations, war or internal conflicts. How should research with vulnerable populations be undertaken, if at all?

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate clear understanding of the characteristics that make a research population particularly vulnerable;
2. Demonstrate some understanding of the role of research in the context of vulnerable populations;
3. Show familiarity with innovative research methods used to study sensitive issues in vulnerable populations;
4. Demonstrate a degree of critical ability in the evaluation of the ethical and human rights considerations pertinent to research in vulnerable populations.

Assessment

Written assignments (100%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Deborah Zion

Contact hours

5 day intensive block for on-campus students.

Off-campus attendance requirements

Weekly contribution to online discussion forum and reading as required.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad/