Outline

Overview

In this unit of study you will critically analyse approaches to research through examination of the philosophical and theoretical origins of the research traditions and knowledge generation in nursing and other health research. Conceptualisation of research questions, selection of research designs, governance of research and research evidence and knowledge translation in the clinical setting will be explored. Opportunities will be provided to engage in research design and translation with reference to clinical nursing situations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jay Lee, jj.lee@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	Assessment 3:Research implementation proposal Research implementation proposal	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2026 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1: Systematic literature search strategy A Develop and submit a systematic search strategy	30%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2: Systematic literature search strategy B Develop and submit a systematic search strategy	30%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 – Using the template provided, you are asked to develop a research question; search the literature, extract key articles and critically appraise one. The research question in this first exercise must be suitable for a quantitative research approach. That is, we want you to source articles that report quantitative research studies.
Assessment 2 – Using the template provided, you are asked to develop a research question; search the literature, extract key articles and critically appraise one. The research question in this second exercise must be suitable for a qualitative research approach. That is, we want you to source articles that report qualitative research studies.
Assessment 3 – Research implementation plan:
Use the evidence-based recommendation(s) relating to the research or clinical questions you have developed for Assessments 1 or 2 or both. Based on the available research, write an evidence implementation plan for the transfer and maintenance of new knowledge from this research evidence into practice.
Prepare an Evidence Implementation Plan for implementing and evaluating evidence-based guidelines or recommendation(s) into a practice context. Implementation plans should detail a method and consider ethical and resource implications developed to a standard suitable for submission to a funding body or for executive approval; you are not required to actually carry out the implementation project.

Detailed information and rubrics for each assessment task can be found on Canvas.

Please note: All assessment tasks must be submitted to be eligible to pass the unit of study. Non-submission of assessment tasks may lead to an Absent Fail grade.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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.

Grade	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.

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:

*Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks 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 03	Study Days 1 & 2, student participation attendance in-person and on-campus. Learning activities include tutorials, guest speakers and workshops.	Lecture (14 hr)
Week 09	Study Days 3 & 4, student participation attendance in-person and on-campus. Learning activities include tutorials, guest speakers and workshops.	Lecture (14 hr)
Week 12	Unit Revision and Assessment 3 support	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend/participate in all intensive study days and related in-person or synchronous online required learning activity scheduled per unit of study.

(i) no absences without permission from the Unit of Study Coordinator or Program Coordinator are permitted

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activities may be approved and provided to students absent from all/part of an intensive study day or other scheduled learning activity, due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two intensive study day absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activities are completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.
Referencing guide: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

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 readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library. The list is available on Canvas. Some readings are hyperlinked but for others you will need to use the library portal to locate them. This activity is a core clinical research skill that you will need to complete your assignments.

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. Describe the philosophical paradigms underpinning various research approaches to investigating clinical questions and how these relate to the generation of new knowledge (research) in advanced practice nursing and health care
LO2. Implement developed strategies for the quality appraisal of research literature including identification of the appropriateness, strength and limitations of various research approaches in relation to practice and research questions
LO3. Understand key practical and theoretical issues pertaining to the application of ethical standards and codes in the conduct of research with humans
LO4. Engage with topics presented in the broader health care environment through analysis of health research
LO5. Develop strategies or plans for implementing new knowledge from research into professional and/or clinical contexts (practice change)
LO6. Develop and implement strategies or plan research for monitoring, evaluating and sustaining evidence-based practice change.

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.

Feedback about the timing of Study Days in relation to assignment submission dates has informed the scheduling of block study days and assessments for this unit. We aim to provide feedback on assignments sequentially, that is, prior to submitting your next assignment for this unit.

Additional information

The ethics lecture will teach you about the historical context out of which our modern clinical and clinical research ethics standards arose; these evolved from the actions of health care practitioners before and during the second world war. This is sensitive material than can be potentially upsetting as it involves the personal testimony of people who were victims and also the perpetrators of crimes.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5069: Evidence and Knowledge Translation

Semester 1, 2026 [Block mode] - 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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links