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Unit of study_

SOMS4101: Research Skills for Medical Sciences

We face major health challenges in today's society that require new insights and approaches from bright minds. Tackling the big questions in medical sciences and health requires the research skills that will inform tomorrow's health outcomes for individuals and populations. Immersed in a multidisciplinary medical science and health research environment, you will develop the core skills required to undertake laboratory, clinical and population health research. You will learn to design, execute and evaluate studies, and to scrutinise data and research outcomes. You will work individually and collaboratively in small teams of students from different areas of specialisation to learn theoretical and practical aspects of specific research techniques, as well as the ethical and regulatory frameworks relevant to medical and health research. This unit of study will equip you with knowledge and skills that will enable you to play an active role in finding meaningful solutions to difficult problems in a technical or research setting.

Code SOMS4101
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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A major in one of the following areas: Applied Medical Science; Immunology and Pathology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology; Microbiology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Infectious Diseases; Pharmacology; Medicinal Chemistry; Neuroscience; Physiology; Anatomy and Histology; Genetics and Genomics; Quantitative Life Science

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

  • LO1. Evaluate the methodological bases of core research techniques
  • LO2. Dissect complex medical science and health problems through careful design and evaluation of a research plan
  • LO3. Execute research methods competently and safely in various research environments
  • LO4. Compare and contrast the approaches taken to solve research questions
  • LO5. Identify common problems encountered in a research environment and develop solutions to overcome these challenges
  • LO6. Demonstrate accountability for your own learning by being an independent, self-directed learner and demonstrate effective teamwork skills through collaborative learning
  • LO7. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving skills and professionalism in a research context
  • LO8. Apply appropriate risk assessment, research integrity and ethical processes in research
  • LO9. Communicate effectively using a range of modes to a variety of audiences.
  • LO10. Evaluate key biostatistic tools, apply analysis and visual representation of large and complex datasets and how to report statistical analyses
  • LO11. Apply the tools required to extract and manage research studies from published literature and learn about powerful software platforms, guidelines and registries

Unit outlines

Unit outlines will be available 2 weeks before the first day of teaching for the relevant session.