Public Health Research Thesis A
PostgraduateACU-PUBH6512024
Course information for 2024 intake
Pick a topic and design a research project around a significant aspect of public health. You’ll conduct an extensive literature review that forms part of your assessment. Outline your plan in a presentation and write up a detailed proposal.
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Public Health Research Thesis A
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:.
LO1 - Demonstrate independent learning and critical thinking in conducting a well-constructed literature review on a public health topic (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7, GA8, GA9, GA10);
LO2 - Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in designing a substantial, feasible and ethical research project (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7, GA8, GA9);
LO3 - Integrate relevant literature, concepts and research method(s) into the research proposal (GA4, GA5, GA6, GA8);
LO4 - Present the literature review and research proposal for a professional audience (GA9, GA10).
- ACU-PUBH651 comprises a range of activities associated with a research project - topic selection, formulation of research question, review of existing evidence and literature on the chosen topic, selection of research method(s) and application for research ethics approvals (if required).
Research, the process of knowledge generation and communication, is a cornerstone of public health. Over the course of two units (PUBH651 Thesis A and PUBH652 Thesis B) completed in two semesters (one unit per semester) students will design, undertake and report on research they conduct under approved academic supervision. PUBH651 Thesis A addresses the first phase of the research project. In consultation with their supervisor(s), students will select a research topic relevant to public health that has sufficient scope to enable application of advanced reasoning and research skills. Students will first conduct a literature review on their selected topic, providing the background and rationale for their proposed research. Students will then design and write a detailed and feasible proposal for a research project that they will undertake in the following semester within PUBH652 Thesis B.
The research proposal will be assessed both by oral and written presentation. The aim of this unit, PUBH651 Thesis A, is to enable students to apply their knowledge of health research by producing a literature review and research proposal as the foundation for conducting independent research towards the completion of a public health research thesis in PUBH652.
Students are supported to submit a literature review as a requirement for this unit. Students will verbally present and prepare a research proposal, situating their research question within the existing body of literature. Students will develop a written research proposal enabling students to apply the outcome of the literature review to identify, develop and plan appropriate research methods in preparation for undertaking independent research in ACU-PUBH652 on a specific public health research topic. Assessment items are designed to scaffold students' knowledge and skill development in health research with support from their supervisor. Each assessment item builds on the previous one and contributes to the final aim of preparation and submission of the final research thesis (ACU-PUBH652).
- Written Task - Literature review: Enables students to identify, critique and synthesise relevant literature on a specific public health research topic (40%)
- Presenatation: Enables students to present and justify proposed research and to demonstrate effective oral presentation skills. (20%)
- Written Task - Research Proposal - Enables students to apply the outcome of the literature review to identify, develop and plan appropriate research methods in preparation for undertaking independent research on a specific public health researc (40%)
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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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.25 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 20 to 24 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.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.