Outline

Overview

This unit of study builds on the fundamental health research knowledge gained in FMHU2000 (Introduction to Research Methods in Health). This unit is designed to extend students' knowledge, skills and competence in research methods, data analysis, critical appraisal, and oral and written scientific communication. Students then apply these knowledge and skills by conducting and presenting a literature review for a chosen health research topic. The knowledge, skills and competence developed in this unit of study prepares students for their Honours research project (PHAR4913) and equips them to appropriately analyse and apply research evidence to the practice of pharmacy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	FMHU2000
Corequisites ?	PHAR3921 and PHAR3922
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Megan Anakin, megan.anakin@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Ramya Padmavathy Radha Krishnan, ramya.radhakrishnan@sydney.edu.au
	Edward Lau, edward.lau@sydney.edu.au
	Ethan Noble-Green, ethan.noble-green@sydney.edu.au
	Benson Yiu, chin.yiu@sydney.edu.au
	Adyya Gupta, adyya.gupta@sydney.edu.au
	Alice Rose Kellaghan, alice.kellaghan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Assessment 4 (Final Exam) 45 MCQs	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Critical Appraisal Write a critical appraisal of a relevant published article	20%	Week 05 Due date: 03 Sep 2026 at 13:00	90 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Foundation Knowledge and Skills Test 30 MCQs	20%	Week 06 Due date: 10 Sep 2026 at 14:30	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Literature Review Explain and justify how the literature review was conducted and reported	30%	Week 11 Due date: 22 Oct 2026 at 13:00	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Critical Appraisal - In-class written

This assessment will be completed in class on Thursday of Week 5. Students will be given a research article to critically appraise and the framework for critical appraisal that has been used in workshops during weeks 1-5.

Assessment 2: Foundation Knowledge and Skills - In-Class - Secure Test

This assessment will be completed in class on Thursday of Week 6. Students will be given 30 MCQs similar to the ones that they have practised and written in workshops during weeks 1-6. Students will be asked to select the best possible answer.

Assessment 3: Literature review - In-class written

This assessment will be completed in class on Thursday of Week 11. Students will use the literature review and peer-review feedback reports as reference material for their in-class assessment. Students will be asked to explain and justitfy the methods they used to produce a literature review that they conducted collaboratively with their research team. This assessment draws on the foundation research methods knowledge and critical appraisal skills developed during weeks 1-6 and the literature review skills built in weeks 7-11.

Assessment 4: Final Exam

The purpose of this assessment is for students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed and build across the semester in PHAR3923. Pharmacists and researchers need to understand and use a wide range of concepts and processes to provide patient care and build the evidence-base for pharmacy. The Final Exam will contain 45 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 120 minutes. The MCQs will be similar to the ones that students have practised and written in workshops during weeks 7-13. Students will be asked to select the best possible answer.

Note: There are no hurdle tasks in PHAR3923.

No use of AI tools (For Assessments 1-4)

The use of automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) is prohibited in these assessments. Students are not allowed to use AI or any other software to create information or answers, to alter your own original writing, or to generate or modify text from other sources. This includes translation software, editing/paraphrasing software, and other AI tools.
Unapproved use is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in penalties, which can include a fail for the assessment.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the 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.

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
Multiple weeks	Students will be required to work independently and collaboratively with their research team to prepare for workshops and complete follow up tasks afterwards. Students will also be required to work independently to revise and prepare for their assessments.	Self-directed learning (52 hr)
Week 01	Virtual Lecture: Research Methods Underpinning Pharmacy; Research Conducted at SPS	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Project Team Formation; Exploring Research Conducted at SPS	Workshop (2 hr)
	Foundation Skill Development: Ethics and Data Management; Introduction to Critical Appraisal	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Virtual Lecture: Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 1; Foundation Skill Development: Qualitative Data Analysis Part 1	Workshop (2 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 2; Foundation Skill Development: Qualitative Data Analysis Part 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Virtual Lecture: Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 3; Foundation Skill Development: Quantitative Data Analysis Part 1	Workshop (2 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 4; Foundation Skill Development: Quantitative Data Analysis Part 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Virtual Lecture: More about Quantitative Data Analysis	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 5; Foundation Skill Development: Quantitative Data Analysis Part 3	Workshop (2 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 6; Foundation Skill Development: Quantitative Data Analysis Part 4	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Virtual Lecture: Review of Critical Appraisal Skills Developed	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Article 7; Preparation for Assessment 1 (Critical Appraisal)	Workshop (2 hr)
	Assessment 1 (Critical Appraisal)	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 06	Virtual Lecture: Review of Foundation Skills Developed	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Review Foundation Skills Developed; Preparation for Assessment 2 (In-Semester Test)	Workshop (2 hr)
	Assessment 2 (In-Class - Secure Test)	Assessment (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to Literature Reviews	Seminar (2 hr)
	Virtual Lecture: Types of Literature Reviews; Writing a Focused Research Question; Designing an Effective Search Strategy	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 1: Constructing Research Questions	Workshop (2 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 2: Search Strategy	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Virtual Lecture: Selecting Appropriate Literature: Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria, and Screening; Data Extraction Procedures	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 3: Selection	Workshop (2 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 4: Data Extraction	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Virtual Lecture: Methods for Analysing Extracted Data; How to Synthesise Results Meaningfully	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 5: Extracted Data Analysis	Workshop (2 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 6: Synthesis of Results	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Virtual Lecture: How to Report All Components of a Literature Review; How to evaluate the quality of a Literature Review Report; How to respond to review feedback	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 7: Reporting	Workshop (2 hr)
	Literature Review Skill Development Part 8: Evaluating quality via peer-review and responding to review feedback	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Virtual Lecture: Review of Literature Review Skills Developed	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Preparation for Assessment 3 (Literature Review)	Workshop (2 hr)
	Assessment 3 (Literature Review)	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 12	Applying Research Methods	Seminar (2 hr)
	Virtual Lectures: Revisiting the Research Methods Underpinning Pharmacy; Applying Critical Appraisal Skills to Evaluate Research Designs	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Evaluating Research Designs Part 1	Workshop (2 hr)
	Evaluating Research Designs Part 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Virtual Lecture: Review of Research Methods Knowledge and Skills Developed	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Evaluating Research Designs Part 3	Workshop (2 hr)
	Preparation for Assessment 4 (Final Exam)	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: In accordance with the course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% seminars and workshops to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study. For more information see the current handbook.

Since this unit is in a professional program, students are expected to notify their tutor by email as a courtesy, if they will be late or absent from class. Students arriving more than 15 minutes after the start of a seminar or workshop will be marked absent.

It is not possible to apply for special consideration for missed seminars and workshops because these learning sessions are not assessment events. If a seminar or workshop is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are expected to contact their tutor for an alternate task to complete and submit.

Due to the use of research teams in workshops, it is not possible for students to swap classes.

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 Reading list available on 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.

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

LO1. Describe and apply commonly used statistical methods in health research.
LO2. Demonstrate skills in research communication, such as written, oral and multi-media presentation skills, as well as providing, receiving and responding to feedback.
LO3. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of different experimental and observational research designs used in pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice research, and how these research designs can be appropriately applied to answer different research questions.
LO4. Explain the importance of ethics approval in health research, and describe and apply principles of research ethics in research design and conduct.
LO5. Conduct and present a critical appraisal discussion of a relevant published article relevant to assessment of the effectiveness and/or safety of a medicine.
LO6. Formulate appropriate research questions systematically and plan, conduct and synthesise a literature review for a chosen health research question.
LO7. Develop and demonstrate knowledge and core research skills relating to laboratory, quantitative and qualitative research.
LO8. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
LO9. Apply appropriate writing and referencing techniques, including appropriately acknowledging sources, to uphold academic honesty.

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
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.d. drawing conclusions by synthesising the results of research and inquiry activities
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.e. reporting and disseminating the outcomes appropriately
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 5.4. contributing to the evidence base through engaging in research and inquiry, including 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.a. formulating questions 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.6. adopting a proactive and reflective approach to maintaining and developing their own professional competence and expertise in order to remain fit-to-practise 4.1. engaging in regular and systematic reflection to enhance professional learning and practice 4.2. identifying and acknowledging professional limitations and seeking appropriate support where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.6. demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise 1.8. accepting personal responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions in simulated and/or work-integrated learning environments 4.1. undertaking regular reflection as a means of enhancing learning and practice 4.2. demonstrating awareness of professional limitations and adopting appropriate strategies where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.9. upholding and advancing the reputation and value of the profession 5.4. contributing to the evidence base through engaging in research and inquiry, including 5.4.e. reporting and disseminating the outcomes appropriately Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.9. upholding and maintaining the reputation and value of the profession 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.e. reporting and disseminating the outcomes appropriately

Responding to student feedback

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

NA - new subject

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR3923: Research Methods

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links