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
The focus of this unit is to extend the students' ability to use research in the practice of nursing and to understand research approaches (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods) that have a positive impact on nursing practice(s) and achieving quality patient care. Students develop beginning-level skills in the research process for research, from developing the research question, formulating research proposals, data collection techniques, data management and analysis, data interpretation, the presentation of findings and the application of evidence-based practice. The unit supports students to become research-informed and identify areas where research and relevant/appropriate evidence could enhance practice, generate knowledge or support their professional role in assessing research relevant to their professional practice. This unit of study provides students with the tools and skills to appreciate the process of inquiry and the methods used to construct nursing knowledge and provide evidence for practice. They are also supported to differentiate between these various modes of inquiry, understand the significance of research ethics, NHMRC Guidelines for Research; data collection techniques; data analysis; and report structure and writing. The unit also facilitates an opportunity to critique research relevant to nursing practice and health care and gain knowledge and experience of literature reviews, critiquing studies, research governance and the factors that guide the development of a research project.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical, methodological and ethical dimensions of research activity; (2) develop skills in designing, critically appraising, critiquing and evaluating quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research approaches using relevant appraisal frameworks; (3) develop beginning-level skills in becoming research aware and being able to recognise the need for and relevance of research for effective health care and nursing practice; (4) employ the capacity to analyse, interpret and present research results; (5) develop searchable questions arising from clinical problems and issues and evaluate the implications of research findings for nursing practice, education or research; (6) identify appropriate sources of information for relevant clinical or research questions and demonstrate skills in searching electronic databases; and (7) discuss the purpose of EBP within the healthcare environment and the key principles of EBP.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) finding evidence of EBP in the real world—poster presentation; (2) examination; and (3) PICO use. 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)
- Adjunct Associate Professor David Stanley
- Contact hours
- lectures, tutorials and focused in-class learning: 39 hours
self-directed learning: online or workbook activities - Texts
Jirojwong, S., Johnson, M. and Welch, A. eds Research Methods in Nursing and Midwifery: Oxford University Press 2011
Polit, D. and Beck, C. Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice, 4th edn: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2010
Polit, D., Beck, C. Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice, 8th edn: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2008
Richardson-Tench, M. et al. Research in Nursing, 4th edn: Cengage Learning 2011
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.