Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

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 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 summarise and communicate evidence for professional audiences

Assessment

Tutorial attendance: Hurdle requirement of 80% attendance - Throughout semester
Workshop attendance: Hurdle requirement of 80% attendance - Throughout semester
1. Evidence ranking and summary: 15% - Week 4
2a. Quantitative data test: 5% - Week 6
2b. Qualitative data test: 5% - Week 9
2c: Quantitative & Qualitative analysis test: 5% - Week 11
3: Project proposal (2,000 word limit): 30% - Week 12
4: Written examination (2 hours): 40% - End of semester (TBA)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Dragan Ilic

Contact hours

4.5 hours per week - 1.5 hour lecture, 2.0 hour tutorial, 1.0 hour workshop

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.