Unit rationale, description and aim
Research is central to public health and requires consideration of multiple stakeholder perspectives. As a result, public health research is broad in scope, draws on multiple disciplines, and uses mixed methodologies. Public health research may examine socio‑environmental influences through interventions in real‑world settings, such as public policy, community action and supportive environments (e.g. tobacco control or transport policy). Common approaches include systematic reviews, trend analysis, evaluation of natural experiments and economic modelling. Public health research focuses on understanding how and why programs work, not solely on measuring outcomes.
Over two units (PUBH653 Public Health Research Project A and PUBH654 Public Health Research Project B) across two semesters (one unit per semester), students will conduct research 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). The aim of this unit is to enable students to conduct and present a research project.
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
Integrate relevant literature, concepts and resear...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically report on results of research, and draw...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop an ordered, critical and reasoned expositi...
Learning Outcome 04
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 learning outcomes 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 researc...
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.
5%
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.
15%
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.
80%
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.