Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
Introduction to Health Sciences Research
Postgraduate | ACU-HLSC641 | 2020
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Health Sciences Research
About this subject
On successful completion of Introduction to Health Sciences Research, students should be able to:
- Identify broad theoretical frameworks and ethical principles that underpin health research
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of research methodologies used in health settings
- Assess relative merits of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches as applied to health-related research
- Develop health-related research questions, selecting appropriate research methods for those questions
- Undertake critical analyses of research paradigms and methods as applied to specific health settings and problems and use critical appraisal tools to appraise methodological flaws in published research
- Inductive and deductive reasoning in health sciences research
- Introduction to Ethics process and issues in Research Practice
- Introduction to the quantitative research paradigm
- Introduction to the qualitative research paradigm
- How to ask qualitative and quantitative research questions?
- Basic steps to conducting a systematic literature search
- Relationships between variables
- Introduction of basic terms in research – part 1
- Introduction of basic terms in research – part 2
- Levels of evidence in quantitative and qualitative research
- Critiquing quantitative research articles
- Critiquing qualitative research articles
Health sciences research is the generation and translation of new knowledge into health policy and practice. It is a key activity within public health. This subject addresses the scope of health-related research and the range of research methods available to undertake research in the health professions. As an introductory level subject, it will outline the diverse approaches that can be taken in qualitative and quantitative research. The steps in developing health-related research questions, selecting appropriate research methods for those questions and identifying, appraising and synthesising existing research findings underpinning those questions will be examined.
The aim of the subject is to give students an introduction to the breadth of health sciences research for use by health professionals.
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. For HLSC641, assessments will include a literature review of a topic which will enable student to acquire advanced knowledge of searching methods and an appraisal of research articles to enable critical thinking about research study designs.
The assessment strategy allows students to progressively develop their knowledge and skills to the level of sophistication where they are able to critically appraise research papers. In order to develop the knowledge and skills required to achieve the learning outcomes and Graduate Attributes, students first demonstrate knowledge through a literature review, further develop their understanding by critically appraising published research, and apply their understanding in an authentic way by writing personal reflections of new concepts learned and how they extend their practice.- Written Task - Literature Review (40%)
- Written Task - Critical Appraisal (50%)
- Practice Reflection (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.
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- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
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