PBH3001 - Public health and clinical research methods - 2018

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

Chief examiner(s)

Kelly Allen

Coordinator(s)

Kelly Allen

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

Either (PBH2001 and PBH2002) OR BMS1042

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with specific development of quantitative health and medical research methodology.

Students will choose a health research question of interest to them and design a research protocol for studying that particular question. Students will learn techniques for identifying evidence gaps, reviewing the literature and developing a quantitative research proposal.

Students will gain practical experience by defining a study population and sampling, data collection, data management, statistical analysis, ethics approval and practicalities such as timelines and funding of a research project.

Outcomes

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

  1. Develop an answerable research question to address an evidence gap
  2. Critically appraise the strengths and limitations of different study designs
  3. Develop and select appropriate measures for use in clinical research
  4. Design and conduct epidemiological research in clinical settings
  5. Understand and address ethical and practical considerations in clinical research

Assessment

  • Group project (20%)
  • Literature review (1,500 words) (25%)
  • Research project plan summary (500 words) (10%)
  • Research proposal (3,500 words) (45%) (hurdle)
  • 80% attendance at tutorials and participation in online tasks.

Workload requirements

6 hours per week contact hours plus 6 hours per week private study. This includes a weekly one hour lecture and two hour tutorial.

See also Unit timetable information

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