Public Health Research Thesis A

• • 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). The subsequent subject, ACU-PUBH652 , comprises the conduct and management of research activities, analysis of results and preparation of a research thesis/manuscript.
  • Student research activities are distributed across Public Health Research Thesis A and B (ACU-PUBH651 and ACU-PUBH652), culminating in the final research thesis/ manuscript.

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

• ACU-HLSC641-Introduction to Health Sciences Research

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

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).