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 provide students with the necessary knowledge to enable them to complete and submit a research proposal relevant to their research topic and prepare them for data collection, analysis and writing. The development of their proposal and the undertaking of a substantial literature review and description and justification of their chosen research methods enables students to engage with the literature relevant in a scholarly way. The undertaking of a research proposal seminar enables students to respond to feedback and/or justify the approach taken.

The unit introduces students to the scientific method and philosophical assumptions underpinning research paradigms. It also covers occupational safety and health issues associated with undertaking research; components of a research proposal; data management (including Advanced Word, databases, data security, managing data and passwords); information literacy; an overview of ethics (covered in detail in PAED4401 Research Conduct and Ethics undertaken in semester 2); reviewing the literature; writing a manuscript; research instrument development; community involvement in research; researching with minority/marginalised groups and sensitive issues; qualitative research methods; and experimental and epidemiological research design.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024OnlineOnline flexible
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) independently design a research plan; (2) conceptualise and develop a research question/hypothesis related to a research topic; (3) apply research skills to search and retrieve information relevant to a research topic; (4) critically appraise existing scientific literature relevant to a research topic; (5) design an appropriate research plan; (6) describe and justify research methods; (7) demonstrate scholarly communication of research aims, methods and relevant literature; and (8) interpret and respond appropriately to feedback.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral presentation and (2) research proposal. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Dani Barrington
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
honours in Population Health (HONS-PPHLT).
or BPhil(Hons) (BH005)
Contact hours
Approximately one meeting per fortnight with honours project supervisor/s, as well as independent learning on the research develop process via LMS.
Note
Assessments for the unit are due in the first 10 weeks (last assessment completed in early May).
This unit covers research training and research development topics for honours research. Throughout semester students will have access to research development tools on the LMS. Students will liaise and communicate with their research supervisor(s) on the development of their research proposal, which will be submitted around eight weeks later. In terms of contact hours and workload, the non-standard unit offering is equivalent to when it was offered in a standard teaching semester. However, the timing of the contact and content teaching has been adjusted to better suit the needs of an honours research student.
  • 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.