HSC4001 - Health science research project 1 - 2017

This unit aims to develop students' understanding and skills in the quantitative and qualitative research methods that underpin contemporary global public health and health science research, as well as the analysis, interpretation and reporting of data from such research. This unit introduces students to the theoretical methodological and ethical issues that underpin contemporary global public health and health science research. It provides direction and guidance to honours students in identifying a meaningful research question and develops the skills and knowledge students need to develop a research proposal. It re-introduces students to quantitative and qualitative research frameworks and data analysis techniques they need both to undertake their study and write a research report.

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Demonstrate a good understanding of the research process and skills needed to produce a research report to meet the standard required at honours level by developing an outline and plan of a research process suitable for their research project;
2. Critique their outline and plan for their research project;
3. Explain the formulation of research questions and formulate a research question relevant to their research project;
4. Demonstrate a good understanding of the range of quantitative and qualitative research frameworks utilised in public health and health science research by:
   • Identifying the research frameworks used in a range of research projects;
   • Selecting the most suitable research framework/methodology for given examples of research projects; and,
   • Justifying the research framework/methodology chosen for their research project;
5. Link research paradigms or methods to research questions;
6. Demonstrate a good understanding of data analysis methods associated with the various research frameworks by:
   • Identifying the most appropriate data analysis methods for different research frameworks;
   • Selecting the most suitable data analysis methods for their research project; and
   • Justifying the data analysis methods chosen for their research project;
7. Demonstrate a good understanding of potential further research available to them by identifying future research activities in which they could participate and are of specific interest to them.

Hurdle: Students are required to attend 80% of seminars and colloquia.

Formative assessment: Feedback during seminar participation as well as following the three summative assessments.

Summative assessment:

• An individual presentation during the semester on students' project methodologies (20%)
• A class test on the quantitative and qualitative research frameworks and approaches to data analysis utilised in public health and health science research topics covered during the semester. The class test will contain both multiple choice and short answer questions (20%)
• A word assignment based on students' project methodologies which will form the basis of the student's methods chapter of the thesis (3,000 - 3,500 words) (60%)

Four class contact hours per week (seminar style), attendance of a weekly colloquium (1-2 hours per week), plus regular project supervision (1-2 hours per fortnight). In addition, as per University requirements, students will be required to spend up to 20 hours per week in private study/self-directed learning (i.e. a total of 24 hours per week).

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Charles Livingstone

Public health science

Must be enrolled in course 3971.