Studying online

There are now 3 possible online modes for units:

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

Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The tools of research and evidence based practice have helped us answer and understand some of the most important health and medical questions and saved millions of lives—what's good for our health and what does harm in the world around us? In this unit, students are introduced to key concepts and methods used in clinical epidemiology, research study design, statistical reasoning and how it can be used to describe, monitor and manage the health of individuals and populations and in the conduct of research or other scholarly inquiry. One of the great challenges in health and medical research and its use in clinical practice is deciding whether the results are because of the treatment/intervention applied, some other influences out there in the big world, or random chance. Students apply the principles and skills of evidence based practice to critically select, read, interpret and use health and medical evidence.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice; Integrated Dental Sciences; Podiatric Health and Medical Sciences major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the main principles of the scientific method pertaining to medical research; (2) describe the main types of medical research study designs; (3) recognise the main data collection methods used in quantitative research; (4) explain basic concepts of statistics and epidemiology relevant to the use of measures of estimation, frequency and statistical inference; (5) discuss research translation and how it impacts health care practice and policy; (6) identify the different sources of bias and confounding, and identify strategies to minimise these; (7) discuss the ethical, safety and professional issues involved in medical research; (8) explain the basic statistical measures relating to validity and reliability; and (9) describe and critically appraise the methods and statistical content of medical research studies..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) examinations—in-semester and final; (2) written assignments; and (3) workshop assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Amber Boyatzis
Unit rules
Prerequisites
IMED2001 Body Defences (ID 5969)
Co-requisites
IMED2004 Human Development and Genetics
Approved quota: 400—a place in the unit is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Selection is based on time of enrolment with first places given to students enrolled in this major as a degree-specific and second to students enrolled as a second major. Any remaining places are given to those students according to when they enrol until all places are filled.
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
Workshops: 18 hours per semester
  • 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.