This course will introduce students to both the theories and practice of research, with a specific emphasis on research in the health arena. Students will learn techniques for identifying a topic for inquiry, reviewing the literature using systematic search techniques, identifying evidence gaps and formulating an answerable research question. The course is designed to help students learn the practical skills of protocol development, including foundational knowledge of sampling, recruitment, data collection and analysis as well as evaluation. In addition, the role of theory, ethics and rigour in research planning and implementation will be introduced, with a particular focus on data management. Maintenance of ethical standards and rigour throughout the research process will be presented in detail. The value and limitations of research results as evidence will also be examined. Students will be introduced to the ways in which disciplinary knowledge is necessary to produce valued evidence, and how and when some research questions will require a transdisciplinary approach that is beyond disciplinary silos and associated models of research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the different research traditions used in disciplines associated with health research;
- Analyse a health problem, and develop an answerable research question by conducting an appropriate systematic review of the literature to identify what is known what are the gaps in current knowledge;
- Develop a research protocol by applying appropriate sampling, data collection and analysis strategies;
- Describe and recognise ethical dilemmas associated with planning and executing morally responsible research;
- Explain why some research questions may need a transdisciplinary approach.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly Tutorial Reading (10) [LO 1,2,4]
- Progressive Summative Assessment (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Systematic Literature Review (group work) (25) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Research Protocol (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- End of Semester Examination (30) [LO 1,2,3,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour lecture plus 1 x 2 hour tutorial or seminar per week.
- Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed text, recommended resources will be provided in WATTLE.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7670 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |