Outline

Overview

Honours students undertake a supervised research project in a health discipline area within the Faculty. Each student will contribute to designing and/or implementing an approved research project and submit a thesis describing the project and its implications. In completing the research thesis, the student will work closely with academic staff, normally 2 co-supervisors, who will supervise their research activities. Students will meet regularly with their supervisors; attend seminars and workshops that contribute to the research process and their thesis. Students will attend classes on research methods and statistics, ethics, library skills, writing a literature review, and presentation skills. Additionally students should expect to engage with their supervisor(s) on a regular basis for iIndividual academic/research supervision.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	BHSC4005
Academic unit	Health Sciences
Credit points	24
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rachel Thompson, rachel.thompson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michelle Villeneuve, michelle.villeneuve@sydney.edu.au
	Tatjana Seizova-Cajic, tatjana.seizova-cajic@sydney.edu.au
	Glen Davis, glen.davis@sydney.edu.au
	Justin McNab, justin.mcnab@sydney.edu.au
	Maria Fiatarone Singh, maria.fiataronesingh@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Research methods exam Online exam, open book	20%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Literature review Narrative, scoping or systematic review of the literature	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Jun 2022 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Jun 2022	3000-4000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research proposal Research proposal	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 25 Jun 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Jul 2021	Aims and detailed method (1000 words)
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Foundations quiz Foundations quiz on concepts in quantitative research	3%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2022 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Mar 2022	Approx. 10 questions, no time limit
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Mini assignment Mini assignment 'My study design'	3%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2022 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Apr 2022	300-500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Mid-semester quiz Quiz on quantitative and qualitative study design and descriptive stat.	15%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Apr 2022 at 13:00 Closing date: 08 Apr 2022	50 min
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Show and tell 1: Methods Describe and justify method of a published study	3.5%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2022 at 13:00 Closing date: 29 Apr 2022	15 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Draft literature review Literature review	0%	Week 09 Due date: 07 May 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 May 2021	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Show and tell 2: Results Results of the same quant study you presented in W9	3.5%	Week 11 Due date: 13 May 2022 at 13:00 Closing date: 13 May 2022	15 min to present + 5 to discuss
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research proposal presentation In-person or online presentations (live, via Zoom) + questions	12%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2022 at 13:00 Closing date: 25 May 2022	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Mini assessments: The five mini assessments are based on the required readings, material covered in the research methods seminar. (1) Bigger ideas behind my study, Week 3; (2) My study design, Week 6; (3) My peer’s study design, Week 6; (4) Statistics mini-quiz, Week 7; (5) Comparing qualitative and quantitative research, Week 8.
Draft literature review (formative): The purpose of literature review is to clearly outline the state of current knowledge in the area of interest to you, and to identify a knowledge gap that explains the relevance of your project. The literature review should be presented in a format suitable for publication, and can be traditional narrative review, scoping review or systematic review.
Oral presentation of the research proposal: This first oral presentation is an opportunity for you to develop your oral presentation skills through a short presentation to the Faculty and your peers, in preparation for the final oral exam. Content: your research proposal. Marking: two examiners and your peers.
Rejoinder: Examiners and your peers will comment on your research proposal presentation and ask questions. You need to write down three questions and email them to the unit coordinator. You will receive two questions in return (based on the questions you have sent, or new questions) and need to address them in writing. This will give you the opportunity to reflect on your project – use it well.
Literature review: This is a formal, examinable submission of your literature review, following a revision based on your supervisor’s feedback.
Research methods exam: This exam will test the understanding of concepts covered in class (excluding LEP classes) and compulsory readings. You will receive a detailed list of assessable concepts.
Research proposal (formative): Describe your research plan in detail, clearly linking the proposed methods to your research aims. Use this final opportunity for reflection and feedback even if you have started collecting data.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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	Exceptional standard of work, showing depth and sophistication
Distinction	75 - 84	A very high standard of work
Credit	65 - 74	A good standard of work
Pass	50 - 64	An acceptable standard of work
Fail	0 - 49	Not meeting 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.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to Honours; meet and greet; Introduction to the research methods seminar and assessments	Presentation (2 hr)
Week 01	Types of research; research process; role of theory (online study; group discussion; self-test)	Online class (2 hr)
Week 02	2. Quantitative research: Introduction and basic concepts: Variables; measurement and uncertainty of measurement; distinction between observational and experimental research	Independent study (4 hr)
	Do-me-together formative quiz: 60 min of unsupervised group work (each student prepares beforehand and offers an answer to one quiz question, followed by group discussion of relevant concepts) + 30 min with tutor for Q&A, peer allocation and reflection on class dynamics	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	LEP* class: Literature search; Endnote (*Literature review, Ethics and Presentation series of classes)	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	3. Qualitative research: introduction and basic concepts	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	'Bigger ideas behind my study': bring and exchange draft mini-assignment with your peer, discuss; also discuss with class (group study + 30 min Q&A with lecturer)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	4. Experimental research (randomized controlled trials and quasi experimental studies)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Experimental research (with M Fiatarone Singh)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Causal reasoning in my project (unsupervised group discussion + 20 min Q&A with TSC)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	LEP class: Narrative literature reviews	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: Narrative literature reviews	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 05	5. Use of interviews in qualitative research	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: Systematic literature reviews	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: Systematic literature reviews	Independent study (1 hr)
	TOPICS: 1. Observational research (read assigned chapter from Bruce et al textbook, think about observational designs, sampling, measurements, risk of bias); 2. Think about your own study design (experimental or observational), discuss with your peer via Zoom; draft mini assignment 2; post any questions on Discussions	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 06	6. Use of focus groups in qualitative research	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: Ethics in research	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: Ethics in research	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 07	7. Descriptive statistics commonly used for (a) continuous data (b) categorical data; Quantitative skills: measures of central tendency and variability in Excel	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	8. Introduction to inferential statistics: (a) probability and probability distributions (b) statistical models, concept (c) statistical tests (NHST)	Lecture (2 hr)
	(A) p value: what it means and what it doesn’t mean (introduction to the Inference Under Uncertainty module) (B) Confidence Intervals: why they tell us more than the p value, and how to compute them by hand/in Excel	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	LEP class: Medical ethics: A case study	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	9. QUANT STREAM ONLY: From study design to statistics: How do we choose statistical tests? Statistical Decision Tree Analysis of continuous data (one continuous predictor): Correlation and regression	Lecture (2 hr)
	QUANT STREAM ONLY: Intro to SPSS; Descriptive statistics; plotting histograms; correlation in SPSS; bootstrap	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	9. QUAL STREAM ONLY: How we evaluate qualitative research	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	10. QUANT STREAM ONLY: Analysis of continuous data (one categorical predictor): Comparison between the means (t-test; ANOVA)	Lecture (2 hr)
	QUANT STREAM ONLY: Regression in SPSS; interpreting regression coefficients; ttest and ANOVA in SPSS	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	10. QUAL STREAM ONLY: Analysis of qualitative data, part 1	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: How to present	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: How to present	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 11	11. QUANT STREAM ONLY: Analysis of categorical data (one categorical predictor): OR, RR Analysis of categorical data (one continuous predictor): Logistic regression	Lecture (2 hr)
	QUANT STREAM, optional class: Advanced topics (may change depending on demand): Understanding models with two or more predictors; nested study designs; random and fixed effects; Bayesian statistics	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	QUANT STREAM ONLY: Read a published report; identify type of data and statistics used, think about the result in the light of the research question; bring to class to present and lead discussion	Individual study (2 hr)
	11. QUAL STREAM ONLY: Analysis of qualitative data, part 2	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	QUAL STREAM ONLY: Read a published report, apply concepts discussed in class to identify and evaluate data analysis; bring to class to present and to lead discussion	Individual study (2 hr)
	LEP class: Presentations drafts/practice (class time or other day/time - to be arranged with students)	Rehearsal (2.5 hr)
Week 12	12. QUANT STREAM ONLY: Your presentation of published results; Revision of quantitative stream (Weeks 9 – 12) via Q&A	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	12. QUAL STREAM ONLY: Your presentation of published results; Revision of qualitative stream (Weeks 9 – 12) via Q&A	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	LEP class: Presentations (marked)	Presentation (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to participate in discussions and activities. Attendance of less than 80% of the scheduled seminar classes must be supported by written documentation.

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 24 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 480-600 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The following recommended textbooks are available from the library (all except #3 are available online). Feel free to use other texts if you prefer them or already have them, but compare them to some of the recommended sources to ensure they are of similar depth.

Bourgeault, I., Dingwall, R. and deVries, R. (2010). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in health research. London: Sage. Available online: https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/2rsddf/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781473971172
Bruce N, Pope D & Stanistreet D (2018) Quantitative Methods for Health Research: a Practical Interactive Guide to Epidemiology and Statistics. Second edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Available online: https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/12rahnq/alma991005667659705106
Field AP (2013) Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics: and sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll. (4th ed.) London, SAGE Publications. Not available online – for hard copy, see: https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/12rahnq/alma991005642139705106 An excellent introduction to statistics, with very detailed instructions on SPSS. It’s a big volume, because Andy Field makes many jokes.
Portney LG (2020) Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Evidence-Based Practice. Fourth edition. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Available online https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/1c0ug48/alma99103174078740510
Saks M. & Allsop J. (2013) Researching health: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. London: Sage. Available online: https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/12rahnq/alma991014514489705106

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. study and work independently and in teams
LO2. manage schedules and resources
LO3. propose research that will increase knowledge in the area of interest
LO4. know the ethical principles of research and adhere to them
LO5. understand quantitative and qualitative approaches to research
LO6. conduct a literature review and write it up
LO7. investigate a topic under supervision, including data collection and analysis
LO8. write a research article that compiles all aspects of the study
LO9. demonstrate the ability to orally present ideas and research findings and respond to questions.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Additional information

This is an outgoing, 24-cp unit and only one student is doing it in 2022. She will join classes in units HSBH4101 and HSBH4103 instead of having a separate timetable.

The student has been added to HSBH4101 and HSBH4103 Canvas sites.

BHSC4005 Canvas site will also be activated but it will only be used for submission of assignments.

Disclaimer

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

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BHSC4005: Honours Thesis A

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect