Outline

Overview

In this unit of study students will learn to recognise the quality and relevance of research for nursing practice. They will be introduced to the process of Inquiry: to Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply and Evaluate. This involves the translation of uncertainty to an answerable question, systematic retrieval of the best available evidence, critical appraisal of research studies for quality and appropriateness, summarising the evidence, and implementation of findings where appropriate. Students will also learn about the application of research integrity and ethical principles in research. They will learn to apply research evidence in the context of cult tures and values and the organisational, ethical and policy environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	NURS6030
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Brona Nic Giolla Easpaig, brona.nicgiollaeaspaig@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
Practical skill	Assessment 1A: Search strategy In-class test with search development exercises	10%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	50 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assessment 1B: Research appraisal In-class test with quantitative research appraisal	20%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	50 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2: Group poster presentation In-class group poster presentation of qualitative research	30%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	A0 size poster & 10 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3: Implementation research proposal Written work: implementation research proposal	40%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1A: Search strategy: This assessment concerns the development of skills to perform a rigorous search for evidence so that you can find what you need when you are looking for guidance in the clinical setting. Students will be asked to develop a search strategy and conduct a search as part of an in-class test.

Assessment 1B: Research appraisal: This assessment concerns the development of knowledge and skills to be able to critically appraise evidence. Students will undertake an exercise involving the critical appraisal of quantitative research as part of an in-class test.

Assessment 2. Group poster presentation: Students will be asked to work together to identify and synthesise qualitative evidence on a topic provided. Each group will develop an academic poster and give an oral presentation of their findings in class.

Assessment 3. Implementation research proposal: Students will be asked to develop an proposal to implement evidence into practice using a provided template. Through this proposal, students will develop an understanding of approaches used for translating research into clinical practice and the key considerations needed.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	An exceptional standard of work.
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	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 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	1. Introduction to research: definitions, research paradigms, methods, and implementation; 2. Developing researchable and accessible questions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Using research to help you address clinical questions; 2. Applying research to a topic 3. Identifying study types and applications	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Searching the research literature to inform decision making; 2. Boolean logic, databases and their appropriateness, and search terms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Practical skills workshop: Developing research questions and performing structured database searches	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Quantitative research methods; 2. Understanding the results of research (statistics)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Reading and understanding research literature; 2. In-class test	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Qualitative research methods; 2. Mixed methods research	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Critically appraising evidence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Ethical issues in research	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Applying ethical principles to research; 2. Considering ethical issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health research; 3. In-class test	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Approaches for thinking critically and working meaningfully in research	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Implementation frameworks (Part 1): Introduction to implementation science concepts and models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Synthesising and making sense of the evidence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Implementation frameworks (Part 2): Applying implementation frameworks towards practice change	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Workshop: Using frameworks to implement evidence-based interventions in practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Implementing evidence into practice and evaluating the process and outcomes for patients and other stakeholders. 2. Revision of the unit	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Student research conference: Group poster presentation	Tutorial (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 minimum 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled per unit of study.

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two tutorial absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

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

(d) Students must attend/participate in all practical classes (simulation labs and/or workshops) scheduled per unit of study.

(e) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two practical class absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

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

(f) Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.

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

Required texts

Greenhalgh, T. M., Bidewell, J., Crisp, E., Lambros, A., Warland, J., & Dermody, G. (2023). Understanding research methods for evidence-based practice in health (3rd edition ed.). Melbourne, AUSTRALIA: Wiley.

Greenhalgh, T. M., Bidewell, J., Crisp, E., Lambros, A., & Warland, J. (2020). Understanding research methods for evidence-based practice in health (2nd edition ed.). Melbourne, AUSTRALIA: Wiley.

Readings for this topic can be accessed via the library. You may need to login with your unikey to access everything you need.

Recommended text:
Curran. (2020). Implementation science made too simple: a teaching tool. Implementation Science Communications, 1(1), 27–27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-020-00001-z

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.

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

LO1. Understand and articulate the role of research and evidence as the foundation for safe, quality, and person-centred nursing practice.
LO2. Demonstrate analysis of the relationship between research question, study design and methods.
LO3. Acquire, appraise, interpret and apply research findings from the highest quality evidence to nursing knowledge and practice.
LO4. Reflect on the health care experiences of diverse populations and the intersection of research evidence, clinical practice, and peoples’ preferences and values to inform nursing practice.
LO5. Understand and articulate the ethical principles and standards for designing and conducting safe nursing research.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life 2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning. 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 5.4. Plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights 2.6. Uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes 2.7. Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care 2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice 4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning. 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 5.4. Plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement 5.5. Coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions 7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes 7.2. Revises the plan based on the evaluation 7.3. Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes 7.2. Revises the plan based on the evaluation 7.3. Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons

Responding to student feedback

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

This is a new unit and feedback provided will be engaged with to contribute to ongoing unit improvement.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice.

You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5203: Research and Evidence for Nursing Practice

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Westmead, 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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links