Public Health Research Thesis B

• • Following from the preliminary research stages completed in ACU-PUBH651 (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), 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 . A hurdle requirement for ACU-PUBH652 after completion of ACU-PUBH651 is the preparation of a brief progress report at the “midpoint” of the research process.

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

• ACU-HLSC641-Introduction to Health Sciences Research

• ACU-PUBH651-Public Health Research Thesis A

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Research is the process of the generation of new knowledge. It is a cornerstone of public health. Research in public health requires the consideration of the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. For this reason, it is broad in scope covering several disciplines and professions and including mixed methodologies. Large scale laboratory type experiments are not possible in public health. Rather, public health research addresses multiple socio-environmental influences through interventions directed at developing public policy, strengthening community action, creating supportive environments in 'real world' settings (e.g. tobacco control, transport policy). Examples of public health research include systematically reviewing research evidence to answer focussed questions, trend analysis, evaluating the impact of 'natural' experiments and economic modelling. Public health research seeks to understand program effects ('process' analysis) in contrast to just measuring them.

Over the course of two subjects (ACU-PUBH651 Thesis A and ACU-PUBH652 Thesis B) across two semesters (one subject per semester), students will design, undertake and report on research they conduct under approved academic supervision. In ACU-PUBH651 Thesis A, students conduct the first phase of the research project, providing the background and rationale through the completion of a literature review and research proposal. Within the current subnject (ACU-PUBH652 Thesis B), students build on the work completed in PUBH651, conducting their research project (as outlined in the research proposal written in ACU-PUBH 651 Thesis A) under approved academic supervision within applicable time and resource constraints.

The aim of this subject is to enable students to apply their knowledge of health research by conducting independent research and producing and presenting a well written public health research thesis.

The assessment for this subject comprises an oral presentation of the research and the production of either an (up to) 10,000 word thesis or a 3000 word paper for publication with an expanded methods section. This assessment is intended to test the ability of students to synthesise and incorporate research data into a standard written format used to communicate public health research. These assessments build on the scaffolded assessment items from ACU-PUBH651 Research Thesis Part A. Appointment of examiners and the examination process will be conducted in accordance with the research thesis requirements of Australian Catholic University’s Guidelines for Postgraduate Coursework Programs. In order to pass this subject, you are required to obtain an aggregate mark of greater than or equal to 50% and pass the hurdle task.

• Written Progress report - Hurdle task - Enables students to reflect on their progress and identify tasks still to be completed and skills yet to be acquired (Must Pass Hurdle%)
• Presentation - Enables students to present the literature, methods, results, interpretation, and implications for policy on a specific public health research topic, demonstrating effective oral presentation skills. (20%)
• Written Research Thesis - Enables students to apply the relevant literature, concepts and research method(s), data analysis and interpretation, and implications for policy on a specific public health research topic. (80%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).