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 is the second 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 understanding and skills in research design, development and implementation as well as sourcing and critically appraising research literature. Students will be expected to develop knowledge and skills in data handling, analysis and management, to demonstrate appropriate skills communicating research information in both oral and written formats and to justify a research methodology. It is expected that students will develop an appreciation of ethical approaches to research.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

• Describe the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project;
• Perform statistical analyses, report the findings and interpret the results;
• Select and apply the appropriate statistical methods for data relating to basic research questions;
• Justify the use of a statistical method for data analysis;
• Critically appraise the statistical aspects of research publications in health care;
• Execute and analyse the outcomes of a laboratory-based and/or field-based study;
• Use computer-based applications for data acquisition, analysis, presentation, and word processing;
• Write up scientific work in a potentially publishable way;
• Effectively communication in both oral and written presentations to both a specialist and non-specialist scientific audience; and
• Outline ethical and professional issues confronting researchers.

Assessment

Oral presentation: 30%
Written assignment (Interpretation of research information): (2000 - 3000 words): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Ben Canny

Contact hours

12 hours per week comprised of tutorials, seminars and private study (library searches, reading, and preparation of oral and written assignments)

Prerequisites

MED7201 Medical Research Methods 1. Students must be enrolled in MED7012.

Co-requisites

MED7012 Medical Science Research Project B

Prohibitions

MED7001, MED7002