HSC1100 - Introduction to research and evidence - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Dragan Ilic

Ms Kelly Allen

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • First semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the skills necessary to locate, critique, interpret and summarise relevant evidence. This will provide 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.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will:

  1. Describe different sources of evidence and their roles in health practice.
  2. Construct and implement effective strategies for searching the health literature.
  3. Describe quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and basic analysis for reporting data.
  4. Assess risk of bias across quantitative research designs.
  5. Recognise issues of cultural context and ethical principles in data collection and interpretation.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to summarise and communicate evidence for professional audiences.

Assessment

  • Oral group presentation (20 minutes) (15%)
  • Online quiz (30 minutes) (10%)
  • Evidence-based practice (EBP) case simulation (1,800 words) (30%)
  • Examination (MCQ & short answer questions) (2 hours) (45%) (Hurdle)

Hurdle requirement:

80% attendance at tutorials and participation in online tasks.

Workload requirements

1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial, 3 hours of directed online student learning activities, plus 6 hours of self-directed study per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prohibitions

HSC1061, PHH1061.