Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This 24-point dissertation unit represents the equivalent of one semester of full-time study. It involves original research by the student under supervision. The dissertation gives students practice and experience in defining a clear research question, preparing a formal research proposal, conducting a review of a body of scientific literature and formal writing at a professional standard. Some dissertation projects involve detailed statistical or qualitative analysis and interpretation of a body of data. Students may collect original data specifically for the research or may analyse existing data in an original manner. Other dissertation projects are based on the analysis of published documents such as policies relating to a particular aspect of public health. Students undertaking such a dissertation are expected to collate, integrate and appraise critically the relevant literature, and evaluate current practice and policy in light of the literature. Other methods of enquiry may also be permitted. Students are encouraged to choose their own topics. Projects relevant to their work may be suitable. Students are also encouraged to undertake projects that are suitable for publication in the professional literature, though this is not a requirement.

Credit
24 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) to conceptualise a research question and/or objectives; (2) to gain advanced knowledge in an area of research; (3) to develop advanced skills in report writing and research dissemination; (4) to gain an understanding of ethics and the ethics application process; (5) to develop skills in structured reviews of the literature or in conducting original research; and (6) to develop project management skills.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) dissertation proposal; (2) dissertation; and (3) seminar presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the dissertation proposal component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Dani Barrington
Unit rules
Prerequisites
A mark of at least 70 per cent in the following units: i) PUBH4403 Epidemiology I.
ii) PUBH5749 Foundations of Public Health
or PUBH5754 Health Promotion, and.
iii) PUBH4401 Biostatistics I
or PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods.
With reference to requirement (iii) in the above, the requirement to score 70 per cent
or above is based on whether the research dissertation to be undertaken is quantitative
or qualitative in nature.
Contact hours
regular meetings with supervisor as required
Note
Students can choose to take PUBH5712 Dissertation (full-time) in semester one or semester two. Alternatively, students can take PUBH5714 Dissertation (part-time) in semester one and semester two.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.