FMHU3000: Semester 1, 2026

Units FMHU3000 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

FMHU3000: Evidence Based Health Care

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Evidence-based health care is the practice of integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and the patient's values, preferences, and circumstances as health decisions are made. Through this unit, you will develop fundamental skills in locating, understanding, and critically appraising research evidence; eliciting patient values and preferences; and implementing evidence-based health care. These skills are highly relevant for current and future health practitioners as well as for those who design, develop, and implement health programs and policy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	HSBH1007 or HSBH2007 or FMHU2000
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	HSBH3005
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rachel Thompson, rachel.thompson@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Anna Singleton, anna.singleton@sydney.edu.au
	Jolyn Hersch, jolyn.hersch@sydney.edu.au
	Shannon McKinn, shannon.mckinn@sydney.edu.au
	Ashleigh Armanasco, ashleigh.armanasco@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Kristie Weir, kristie.weir@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Ashleigh Armanasco, ashleigh.armanasco@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Evidence Implementation Portfolio Compile a multimedia portfolio of work on implementation of evidence	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2026 at 23:59	Image, 5 minute video, 1000 words (max)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Multiple Choice Quiz Answer multiple choice questions on foundational evidence-based health care concepts	10%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Mar 2026	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Evidence Synthesis Report Synthesise research evidence to answer a health question	50%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2026 at 23:59	3000 words (max)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information on each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Evidence-Based Health Care	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Unit Introduction and Overview	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	(i) Asking Health Questions, (ii) Finding and Selecting Evidence	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	(i) Asking Health Questions, (ii) Finding and Selecting Evidence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Understanding and Critically Appraising Evidence	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	(i) Understanding and Critically Appraising Evidence, (ii) Synthesising Evidence and Drawing Conclusions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	(i) Critically Appraising Evidence about Health Interventions, (ii) Critically Appraising Evidence about Patient Perspectives (Qualitative Research), (iii) Critically Appraising Evidence about Patient Perspectives (Survey Research)	Lecture (6 hr)
Week 07	(i) Critically Appraising Evidence about Health Interventions (ii) Critically Appraising Evidence about Patient Perspectives	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	(i) Finding and Using Systematic Reviews, (ii) Finding and Using Clinical Practice Guidelines	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 09	(i) Finding and Using Systematic Reviews, (ii) Finding and Using Clinical Practice Guidelines	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Addressing Evidence-Practice Gaps	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 11	(i) Designing Evidence Implementation Strategies, (ii) Evaluating Implementation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	(i) Communicating Evidence, (ii) Shared Decision-Making	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 13	(i) Creating Patient Information Materials, (ii) Eliciting and Integrating Patient Preferences	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures: In Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, you are required to complete online lectures (which typically include pre-recorded micro-lectures and learning activities) in your own time. It is important to complete the lectures during or before the allocated weeks.

Tutorials: In Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, you are required to attend a face-to-face tutorial on campus. All tutorials are two hours' long, except the tutorial in Week 1 (which is one hour). Tutorials give you an opportunity to engage in peer learning and practice applying knowledge from the online lectures. Tutorials also contain important content for your assessments and are an opportunity for you to engage with your assessment group members. Tutorials are not recorded.

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.

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. Demonstrate an understanding that health decisions should be based on an integration of research evidence, clinical expertise, and the patient’s values, preferences, and circumstances
LO2. Generate focused, answerable questions about health interventions, diagnostic tests, prognosis, and patient perspectives
LO3. Locate research evidence to answer health-related questions
LO4. Critically appraise the validity, importance, and relevance of research evidence in the context of a health-related question
LO5. Synthesise and apply research evidence in order to answer a health-related question
LO6. Design strategies for implementing health-related research evidence and addressing evidence-practice gaps
LO7. Communicate effectively about health-related research evidence with diverse populations

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.

In response to student feedback and suggestions, changes have been made to the types, length, and weighting of assessment activities and the way in which learning is delivered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links