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 (PUBH651 Thesis A and PUBH652 Thesis B) across two semesters (one unit per semester), students will design, undertake and report on research they conduct under approved academic supervision. In PUBH651 Thesis 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 (PUBH652 Thesis B), students build on the work completed in PUBH651, conducting their research project (as outlined in the research proposal written in PUBH 651 Thesis A) 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 thesis.
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 PUBH651 (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), PUBH652 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 Thesis A and B (PUBH651 and PUBH652), culminating in the final research thesis/manuscript . A hurdle requirement for PUBH652 after completion of PUBH651 is the preparation of a brief progress report at the “midpoint” of the research process.
Assessment strategy and rationale
Early in EXSC652, after completion of PUBH651, there is a graded hurdle requirement being the preparation of a brief progress report at this “midpoint” of the research process. Further assessment tasks for this unit comprise: (i) an oral presentation of the research; and (ii) the production of either an (up to) 10,000 word thesis, or a 3000 word journal manuscript (aiming for publication) with an expanded methods section. This assessment is intended to test the ability of students to synthesise and incorporate research data into a standard written format used to communicate public health research.
These assessments build on the scaffolded assessment items from PUBH651 Research Project A. Appointment of examiners and the examination process will be conducted in accordance with the research thesis requirements of Australian Catholic University’s Guidelines for Postgraduate Coursework Programs.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every learning outcome, pass the graded hurdle, and attain an aggregate mark of equal to or greater than 50%.
Students have unlimited attempts to complete the hurdle task until the end of week 6 of classes.
Overview of assessments
Graded Hurdle task: Brief research status r...
Graded Hurdle task: Brief research status report.
To enable students to reflect on their research progress, identifying any concerns and how these may be addressed.
5%
Assessment 1: Oral presentation. This enables st...
Assessment 1: Oral presentation.
This enables students to present the literature, methods, results, interpretation, and implications for policy on a specific public health research topic, demonstrating effective oral presentation skills.
15%
Assessment 2: Written research thesis or &n...
Assessment 2: Written research thesis or Journal manuscript with expanded methods section.
This enables students to apply the relevant literature, concepts and research method(s), data analysis and interpretation, and implications for policy on a specific public health research topic.
80%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
PUBH652 uses an active learning approach to support students to undertake supervised independent public health research.
The unit is offered by on-campus classwork, supported by online material via the LMS.
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
Locations
- Melbourne
- Online