Unit outline_

BIDH5002: Digital Health and Data Science Project B

Semester 2, 2025 [Supervision] - Westmead, Sydney

Digital health interventions and data science are increasingly used to address health challenges through a myriad of solutions from apps, augmented interfaces, clinician-facing decision-support systems, and new models of care such as telehealth. Candidates will work on a substantial research project in an area of specific interest applicable to digital health, health, or clinical data science. The project may include the analysis of an existing health related data set, a systematic review, a case study, health technology evaluation, clinical re-design, survey, or other projects deemed acceptable to the project partner and supervisor. Listed projects may be available for students to select if they fulfill the skills, pre-requisites, and interview requirements. Candidates with a current workplace-based project may apply for project partner approval if learning outcomes criteria are met. The candidate will enter a group or individual learning contract. The development of suitable methodologies and a substantive literature review will be the primary focus for Project A. This supports the focus for Project B; a scholarly work which may be a paper for publication or industry report, culminating in a presentation or seminar suitable for academic and/or professional audiences. Implementation science and modern project management techniques should be used where appropriate in projects.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Public Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
24 credit points of (HTIN5006 or HTIN5005 or HSBH5003 or BIDH5003 or BIDH5000 or COMP9001 or INFO5306 or HTIN5003 or COMP9103 or COMP5046 or COMP5048 or COMP5318 or COMP5424 or STAT5002 or STAT5003 or BMET9925 or BMET5933 or BMET5992 or IDEA9106 or CEPI5100 or BETH5204 or HPOL5014 or HPOL5012 or COMP5427)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Assumed library information systems research skills and basic knowledge of health, health care and associated ethics and governance systems are required. Students must complete a pre-capstone knowledge screening quiz or interview which will identify recommended modules for their capstone. Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information on further recommended resources, mandatory sessions and modules

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Adam Dunn, adam.dunn@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Audrey P. Wang (Digital Health), audrey.wang1@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s) Jinman Kim, jinman.kim@sydney.edu.au
Adam Dunn, adam.dunn@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Dissertation or thesis hurdle task Final Thesis Dissertation
- Final report in a publication format: word limit per journal requirements. - Personal Reflection: 2000 words maximum. - Peer review participation of reflection tasks and in-class discussions required. See specific guidance on the BIDH5002 Canvas site.
57% Formal exam period
Due date: 19 Nov 2025 at 23:59
Multiple durations & word limits, below AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation hurdle task Seminar Presentation
Mandatory presentation day (and slide deck upload Wk10) due date in Canvas. Peer review participation required.
33% Multiple weeks 12 minutes. Question & Answer (3-8mins) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Written work Early Feedback Task Project Progress Report 2
Project Progress Report 2
10% Week 08
Due date: 22 Sep 2025 at 23:59
1000 words maximum AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information, restrictions for each assessment and submission instructions can be found on the corresponding Canvas site. Please note : Final thesis is a publication report which must specify journal style (or industry report style). Style will determine author guidelines, word formating and word limits for main report, but total assessment word count including personal reflection, supporting information cannot be exceeded.

It may be helpful to use AI tools such as Grammarly, Notion AI, to directly suggest readability improvements to your text in terms of grammar, expression, edits and shortening. These tools must be acknowledged appropriately.

However, the data security classification that applies to your research data determines how it should be managed and if you can use public AI tools. 

  • Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted, highly protected or otherwise sensitive information into these tools. If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication. Your use of AI tools must adhere to the Student Charter 2020, including upholding honesty, ethics, professionalism, and academic integrity.

Assessment criteria

Assessment Grades

Result Code

Result Name

Mark Range

Description

HD

High distinction

85 - 100

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

DI

Distinction

75 - 84

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

CR

Credit

65 - 74

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

PS

Pass

50 - 64

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

FA

Fail

0 - 49

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

AF

Absent Fail

0 - 49

When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

 

NB: A results incomplete will be assigned to BIDH5001 Digital Health and Data Science Project A, so students will need to complete BIDH5002 Digital Health and Data Science Project B before receiving results applied to both units.

 

Result Code

Result Name

Mark Range

Description

RI

Results incomplete

No mark

Temporarily used in cases where a result will remain incomplete for a longer period than the IC (Incomplete) result. You will be able to re-enrol with an RI result.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. This unit of study may prohibit late submission or exclude late penalties only if expressly stated below : Simple extensions of up to 48 hours may be requested in writing by using the portal and emailing the unit coordinator Dr Audrey P Wang prior to the written assignment due date. Should your request be approved, you will receive an email with your new due date and time. Requests for longer extensions must be submitted through the Special Consideration system. Extensions are prohibited for presentation assessments. Final dissertation submission date should be adhered to as a delay may affect finalisation of results and graduation preference dates.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Project based activities and study (weekly). This occurs in negotiation with supervisor. Individual study (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 In-class discussion of progress of projects and planning. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Seminar Presentation of Capstone Projects (in-person compulsory attendance). Seminar (7.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Reflective Practice Workshop (in-person and compulsory) Workshop (6 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

On campus requirements as per published semester dates.

Please refer to Canvas for detailed information about attendance, assessment and class requirements including workshops and presentations. The Seminar  Presentation is a hurdle task and you are required to have full mandatory attendance on the presentation day that you have been allocated to in Week 10 and/ Week 11. Professional standards are expected to be adhered to.

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

All required readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas. Detailed information for readings and resources can be found on the corresponding Canvas site.

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. Initiate, formulate, and plan a research or development project in digital health
  • LO2. Demonstrate the application of critical inquiry and research skills by synthesising relevant literature and a research or development project into a report and presentation
  • LO3. Critically reflect and evaluate research outcomes, learning, and collaborative aspects of a research or development project
  • LO4. Develop, substantiate, and articulate professional responsibilities by applying modern project management frameworks
  • LO5. Adhere to agreed timelines and conditions of a learning contract, follow a research plan, and incorporate risk mitigation strategies

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

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

Minor changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

There are other types of capstone projects that do not require additional checks or costs e.g. using published datasets.

Additional costs

Students will require a laptop. If they wish to conduct a healthcare provider-associated capstone project they may additionally require other checks and tests including criminal record check, vaccinations, personal protective equipment and other site-specific requirements. Costs will vary.

Site visit guidelines

Students who are accepted onto a healthcare related capstone project (including those with a placement component) must adhere to professional standards that are in keeping with Faculty of Medicine and Health - Professionalism Requirements Provisions 2022 policy and site-specific policies including ethics and governance.

Work, health and safety

Detailed information is available in your relevant Canvas site, and is project and site dependent.

Students of MDHDS will have the opportunity to conduct a Capstone project closely tied to a healthcare provider or making use of health data if they fulfil the criteria to be accepted onto the project. Some of these projects have specific requirements, ethics, governance, policies and WHS checks to fulfil including vaccinations, criminal record checks, prohibited employment declaration, health records and privacy information declarations, and Working with Children checks. Costs may be incurred by the student dependent on the project.

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.