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Unit of study_

BHSC3021: Honours A: Research Design

Intensive October, 2022 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides the conceptual framework, theoretical knowledge and some practical skills required to understand how scientific research is conducted and interpreted. The core content is fundamental for researchers and clinicians alike for evidence-based-practice and life-long learning. Content and skills are taught/learned via a series of web-based and class-based activities.

Unit details and rules

Unit code BHSC3021
Academic unit Health Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anne Honey, anne.honey@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Limited release assignment
Short answer questions requiring critique of research designs
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 21 Nov 2022 at 12:00

Closing date: 21 Nov 2022
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO3
Small continuous assessment Weekly homework tasks
Weekly homework tasks designed to support students to prepare their proposa
10% Multiple weeks Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Research Proposal
Research proposal - including justification and plan for your research.
65% Week 06
Due date: 24 Nov 2021 at 00:00
4000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Formal exam period 1. Practice exam 2. Proposal - peer review and questions Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 1. Welcome and overview; 2. Beginning to review the literature; 3. Searching the literature; 4. Endnote Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Writing skills Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 11 1. Getting started in research 2. Introduction to quantitative research Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO7
1. Introduction to qualitative research 2. Research questions and aims Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 12 1. Experimental and observational designs; 2. Qualitative and mixed methods designs; 3. Introduction to reviews; 4. Considering research designs. Seminar (4 hr) LO2 LO4 LO7
Research ethics: Principles and practie Online class (2 hr) LO5
Week 13 1. Considerations in sampling and recruitment 2. Considerations in data collection 3. Considerations in data analysis Seminar (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 14 (STUVAC) 1. Critical appraisal - quantitative 2. Critical appraisal - qualitative Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: It is expected that students will attend all classes unless otherwise advised.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

 

Weekly readings are provided on Canvas.

The following textbooks are recommended.

Denscombe, M. (2014). The good research guide: For small-scale social research projects (5th ed.). Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.

Polgar, S., & Thomas, S. A. (2013). Introduction to research in the health sciences (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

Greenhalgh, T. (2016). Understanding research methods for evidence-based practice in health. (1st ed.). Melbourne: Wiley. (or 2020 - 2nd edition if available)

Terrell, S. R. (2016). Writing a proposal for your dissertation: guidelines and examples. New York, NY: The Guilford Press

 

All are available from the bookshop and from the library as e-textbooks. Be aware that e-textbooks are limited in terms of the number of people who can view them at once.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Locate, manage, synthesise, appraise and correctly reference literature relevant to a specific research area
  • LO2. Describe and interpret findings from different types of research designs
  • LO3. Demonstrate clear research questions, aims and (where appropriate) hypotheses
  • LO4. Design a research project to address your research question/s
  • LO5. Identify and address ethical issues generally and in relation to your research project
  • LO6. Provide and use peer feedback to improve and refine work
  • LO7. Develop a written research proposal clearly articulating the significance of their project and specifying appropriate methods to conduct the project.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 3.2.d. Make recommendations to other members of the healthcare team about the suitability and application of the proposed medical radiation examination/treatment, when appropriate.
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 3.2.d. Make recommendations to other members of the healthcare team about the suitability and application of the proposed medical radiation examination/treatment, when appropriate.
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 4.1.a. Identify the challenge or question and the information that is needed to respond.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 4.1.a. Identify the challenge or question and the information that is needed to respond.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
Domain 4.2.b. Critically reflect on own strengths and limitations to identify learning needed to improve and adapt professional practice.
Domain 4.2.c. Seek input from others to confirm learning needs of self and others to enhance the quality of patient/client care.
LO7
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback from 2021 students has resulted in changes to and reorganization of some lecture content to ensure understanding and help students move toward their research proposal. Assessment instructions and criteria have been amended for clarity.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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