Unit rationale, description and aim

Research is the process of the generation of new knowledge. It is a cornerstone of public health. Research in public health requires the consideration of the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. For this reason, it is broad in scope covering several disciplines and professions and including mixed methodologies. Large scale laboratory type experiments are not possible in public health. Rather, public health research addresses multiple socio-environmental influences through interventions directed at developing public policy, strengthening community action, creating supportive environments in 'real world' settings (e.g. tobacco control, transport policy). Examples of public health research include systematically reviewing research evidence to answer focussed questions, trend analysis, evaluating the impact of 'natural' experiments and economic modelling. Public health research seeks to understand program effects ('process' analysis) in contrast to just measuring them.

Over the course of two units (PUBH653 Public Health Research Project A and PUBH654 Public Health Research Project B) across two semesters (one unit per semester), students will design, undertake and report on research they conduct under approved academic supervision. In PUBH653 Public Health Research Project A, students conduct the first phase of the research project, providing the background and rationale through the completion of a literature review and research proposal. Within the current unit (PUBH654 Public Health Research Project B), students build on the work completed in PUBH653, conducting their research project (as outlined in the research proposal written in PUBH 653) under approved academic supervision within applicable time and resource constraints. The aim of this unit is to enable students to apply their knowledge of health research by conducting independent research and producing and presenting a well written public health research project.

2026 20

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.

Prerequisites

HLSC641 Introduction to Health Sciences Research , PUBH653 Public Health Research Project A

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in condu...

Learning Outcome 01

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in conducting a substantial, well-designed and ethical research project
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Integrate relevant literature, concepts and resea...

Learning Outcome 02

Integrate relevant literature, concepts and research method(s) into the research project
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC9, GC11

Critically report on results of research, and draw...

Learning Outcome 03

Critically report on results of research, and draw valid conclusions
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11, GC12

Develop an ordered, critical and reasoned expositi...

Learning Outcome 04

Develop an ordered, critical and reasoned exposition of the knowledge gained through the research project, and justify its relevance to practice
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Content

Following from the preliminary research stages completed in PUBH653 Public Health Research Project A (topic selection, formulation of research question, review of existing evidence and literature on the chosen topic, selection of research method(s) and application for research ethics approvals, if required), PUBH654 comprises the conduct and management of research activities, analysis of results and preparation of a research thesis/manuscript.

Student research activities are distributed across Public Health Research Project A and B (PUBH653 and PUBH654), culminating in the final research thesis/manuscript. A hurdle requirement for PUBH654 after completion of PUBH653 is the preparation of a brief progress report at the “midpoint” of the research process.

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures are used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with university assessment requirements. 

Achievement of the unit objectives will be determined through the three assessment tasks, scaffolded from research preparation in PUBH653. The hurdle provides an opportunity to reflect on and review the research progress, whilst assessment two (oral presentation) and assessment three (written research report) present the culmination of the research process. Students may present assessment three in the form of a thesis or a draft manuscript for publication.

These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills in research which, by the conclusion of the course, will enable them to graduate the Master course as a self-reliant and critically reflective professional.

Students will be allowed one re-attempt at the hurdle task within two weeks of the original submission date. In order to pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, pass the hurdle task and obtain a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.

Overview of assessments

Assessment 1. Graded Hurdle task:  Brief re...

Assessment 1. Graded Hurdle task: Brief research status report.

Enables students to reflect on their research progress, identifying any concerns and how these may be addressed. 

Weighting

5%

Learning Outcomes LO1
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Assessment 2: Oral presentation Enables students...

Assessment 2: Oral presentation

Enables students to demonstrate the ability to communicate and showcase the process and findings of their research project.

Weighting

15%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11, GC12

Assessment 3: Written research project report En...

Assessment 3: Written research project report

Enables students to demonstrate competency in research and written communication skills by bringing the project to a conclusion within a final research report.

Weighting

80%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11, GC12

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

PUBH654 uses an active learning approach to support students to undertake supervised independent public health research. The unit is offered in both multi-mode and online mode.

Teaching and learning strategies for all students are primarily via supervised sessions involving reflective/critical thinking activities and web-based learning. Teaching and learning strategies will reflect the expectation of students as independent learners. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within supervision sessions.

Students will undertake their research thesis/manuscript under supervision of a principal supervisor, with other co-/associate supervisors as appropriate. Supervisors will advise the student on the development and conduct of research as appropriate, and will meet with the student at regular intervals to discuss progress and provide guidance. This strategy will accommodate students who can utilise all available tools for supervision including video conferencing tools for supervision sessions.

Supervisors will advise students on the aims, scope and presentation of their final research thesis/manuscript, and critically review drafts as necessary. Supervisors will also provide final comments on a completed thesis/manuscript prior to submission for examination, and advise students on the potential for later publication.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Alele, F., Malau-Aduli, B., James Cook University, issuing body, & Pressbooks, distributor. (2023). An introduction to research methods for undergraduate health profession students. James Cook University. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/17ofh4e/alma991013452245402352


Ayton, D., Tsindos, T., Berkovic, D., Monash University, issuing body, & Open Educational Resources Collective. (2023). Qualitative research – a practical guide for health and social care researchers and practitioners. Monash University. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/17ofh4e/alma991013349159702352


DePoy, Elizabeth (2026) Introduction to Research, (7th ed.). https://www.clinicalkey.com/student/nursing/content/toc/3-s2.0-C20220004426

 

Health information and research essentials. (2024). The University of Queensland. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/17ofh4e/alma991013455947102352


Iskander, J. K., Wolicki, S. B., Leeb, R. T., & Siegel, P. Z. (2018). Successful scientific writing and publishing: A step-by-step approach. Preventing Chronic Disease, 15(6), E79–E79. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd15.180085


Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(4), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-151-4-200908180-00135


Polgar, S., & Thomas, S. A. (2020). Introduction to research in the health sciences (7th ed.). Elsevier. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/13lm7d8/alma991013092698202352


Roga, E., Pruis, K., Federation University Australia, issuing body, & Council of Australian University Librarians. Open Educational Resources Collective, publisher. (2025). Introducing scoping and systematic reviews. Federation University Australia. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/qpf7hm/alma991013493341102352

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