Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the principles and foundations of health research methodologies and ethics. Students will learn about the main methodologies used to conduct research that is scientifically and ethically sound and be able to critically appraise and review literature. We will introduce common study designs and research methodologies, including qualitative, epidemiologic and clinical studies, and discuss their strengths and limitations. We will introduce students to the main principles of conducting data analysis and the basis to choose amongst different statistical methods. Obtaining ethics approval is necessary for any study involving the collection or analysis of data involving humans, animals or their tissues. Hence, in this unit we will cover ethics in research and when and how to apply for ethics approval. Students will also learn about main concepts in health economics and economical evaluations of interventions and health policies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MEDF5005 or NTDT5602
Assumed knowledge ?	Basic knowledge in mathematics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Masum Billah, sk.billah@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
Written work	Ethics Ethics	20%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Up to 1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Qualitative Research Qualitative Research	25%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Up to 2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Proposal and appraisal for a quantitative study Candidates will identify study types and appraise a quantitative study.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59	Up to 2000 words or up to 5 A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Appraisal and analysis of a Quantitative study (statistics and economic evaluation) Candidates will identify study types and appraise a quantitative study.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	Up to 2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Candidates will be asked to identify potential risks and ethical considerations for research scenarios and consider strategies to mitigate any risks to participants, researchers and participating institutions.
Assessment 2: Candidates will develop a research proposal for a qualitative study. Candidates will be asked to consider methods in qualitative study design and analysis, and strategies to mitigate potential risks to participants, researchers and participating institutions.
Assessment 3: Candidates will be asked to identify and consider appropriate study types, identify and describe biases, and scientifically critique the design of one or more quantitative studies.
Assessment 4: Candidates will be given a dataset and asked to conduct an exploratory data analysis, summarise and present data and conduct a formal data analysis.

Assessment criteria

A grade of High distinction, distinction, credit, pass or fail will be awarded in accordance with University Grading Policies: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.html

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	Work of an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Work of a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Work of an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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.

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:

Late assignments of a pass or higher standard will be subject to a penalty of 5% of the total mark per day late or part thereof until a mark of 50% has been reached. Submissions greater than 10 business days late will not be accepted and will be given a mark of 0, unless prior approval has been provided.

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	Ethics in Health Research	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Ethics in Health Research	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Ethics in Health Research	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Qualitative Research	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Qualitative Research	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Qualitative Research	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Qualitative Research	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	BIOSTATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	BIOSTATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	BIOSTATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	BIOSTATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	BIOSTATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	BIOSTATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	HEALTH ECONOMICS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	HEALTH ECONOMICS	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	HEALTH ECONOMICS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	HEALTH ECONOMICS	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and class participation

Enroll in face to face/ online (hybrid) tutorial group
Attend live lectures/ Watch pre-recorded lectures (specified in canvas)
Complete required/recommended readings (as specified in canvas)
Complete prerequisite task (as specified in canvas)
Attend an in-person/online (hybrid) tutorial every week to undertake individual and group learning activities under the guidance of a tutor

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

Readings will be provided in Canvas.

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. • LO1: Describe the importance and the principles of ethics in the context of health research (GQ6, GQ7, GQ8, GQ9)
LO2. • LO2: Identify the main elements and methodologies of qualitative, epidemiologic and clinical research (GQ2, GQ5, GQ7)
LO3. • LO3: Identify the steps of a statistical analysis and the principles used to select the appropriate statistical method(s) (GQ2, GQ4)
LO4. • LO4: Understand the principles of health economics, namely, resource scarcity, incentives, opportunity cost, efficiency, and equity, and their practical application in real-life examples (GQ2, GQ5)

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.

The teaching team will review the results from the USS and provide candidates with a closing the loop summary of the feedback and how these will be addressed in subsequent iterations of the unit.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

FMHU5001: Foundations of Health Research

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links