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 unit provides an overview of quantitative, qualitative and mixed method methodology used in health research. It covers a wide range of practical issues regarding successful conduct of a health research study. This includes elements such as identifying appropriate research questions, reviewing and critiquing the scientific literature, developing appropriate research teams, identifying and critiquing data measurement instruments and generating data collection tools as well as discussing sound sampling and data collection approaches. Ethics and equity considerations, health consumer participation and stakeholder liaison with health research, including translation, partnerships and systems thinking are also highlighted. High quality research data, both quantitative and qualitative are essential for decision making in public health, and the unit through its focus on different approaches is designed to provide students with necessary skills in health research.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Public Health major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) outline ethics, equity and social issues relating to research; (2) demonstrate a knowledge of qualitative and quantitative study designs and research methods; (3) generate a research question and brief research proposal; (4) demonstrate skills in online literature searching, critiquing, referencing and citation of sources; and (5) write in a concise, clear, scientific style appropriate to health

research.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quantitative research proposal; (2) qualitative research assignment; and (3) group research instrument design. 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)
Professor Angus Cook
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
PUBH2203 Foundations of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Contact hours
workshop: 2.5 hours per week
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.