Unit rationale, description and aim
HLSC624 enables students to consolidate and extend advanced research knowledge and skills through the completion of an independent research project. The unit supports students to apply critical inquiry, ethical research approaches and evidence to address complex health challenges in administration, leadership, education or clinical practice.
Students complete an approved research project addressing a clearly defined research question and produce an academic dissertation demonstrating methodological rigour, critical analysis, synthesis and independent judgement. Students critically evaluate their findings and their implications for practice, including opportunities for innovative and evidence-informed approaches. Findings are presented in a dissertation for independent examination and disseminated to a relevant professional or academic audience.
The aim of the unit is to develop students’ capacity to demonstrate AQF Level 9 capabilities in independent research, leadership, innovation and critical inquiry, while developing the autonomy and reflective capacity required for lifelong learning and professional contribution.
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.
Conduct an independent research study demonstratin...
Learning Outcome 01
Synthesise relevant literature and methodological ...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate ethical and rigorous research methodologi...
Learning Outcome 03
Evaluate research findings to draw evidence-based ...
Learning Outcome 04
Effectively communicate research outcomes to diver...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Module 1: Research Project Orientation and Continuity
- Revisiting the approved research proposal
- Confirm research milestones, timelines and expectations
- Identify any approved changes or methodological considerations
- Develop a plan for completing the research project and dissertation
Module 2: Research Project Implementation
- Implement the approved research methodology
- Conduct data collection in accordance with the research protocol
- Maintain ethical and research governance requirements
- Manage research data and documentation
- Address challenges and maintain research rigour throughout the research process
Module 3: Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Prepare and manage research data
- Apply appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative analysis techniques
- Assess the quality and rigour of the analysis
- Interpret findings in relation to the research question and objectives
- Identify patterns, relationships and significant findings
Module 4:Critical Discussion of Research Findings
- Relate findings to relevant literature and existing evidence
- Compare and contrast findings with previous research
- Explain significant, unexpected or contradictory findings
- Evaluate strengths and limitations of the research
- Develop evidence-based conclusions
Module 5: Implications, Innovation and Research Impact
- Examine implications for health practice, education, leadership, administration and/or policy
- Develop evidence-informed recommendations
- Identify innovative approaches or solutions arising from the research findings
- Consider potential impact on practice and/or the broader health context
- Develop an appropriate framework or approach for evaluating potential impact
- Consider implementation, sustainability, barriers and enablers
Module 6: Dissertation Development and Scholarly Writing
- Structure and develop the complete dissertation
- Integrate the introduction, background/literature, methodology, findings, discussion and conclusion
- Develop a coherent scholarly argument
- Apply academic writing and referencing conventions
- Incorporate supervisor feedback
- Demonstrate research integrity and academic standards
Module 7: Research Dissemination and Professional Communication
- Communicate research findings to academic and professional audiences
- Develop and deliver an effective oral/visual research presentation
- Tailor research communication to different audiences
- Communicate implications, innovation and potential impact
- Respond to questions and defend research decisions and conclusions
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to support achievement of the unit learning outcomes and development of graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements.
Assessment 1 (Ungraded Hurdle Task): Two Research Progress Reports monitor research progress, ethical and methodological rigour, and readiness for dissertation completion. Formative feedback supports timely progress, with two opportunities to meet the hurdle requirement for each report.
Assessment 2: The Research Dissertation is the primary summative assessment, normally up to 15,000 and no more than 18,000 words. Students demonstrate independent research capability through critical engagement with literature, rigorous methodology, analysis and interpretation of findings, and evidence-based conclusions, including implications for practice and innovative recommendations.
Assessment 3: The Research Dissemination Oral Presentation assesses students’ ability to communicate research findings to professional or academic audiences, including implications, innovation and potential impact on practice.
The assessment strategy scaffolds research development and supports independent research capability, critical judgement, innovation and professional communication. Learning is supported through a dialogic and collaborative relationship with the allocated supervisor, enabling students to progressively develop autonomy and responsibility for their research.
In order to pass the unit students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, pass hurdle tasks, and obtain a minimum mark of 50% in graded units.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Research Progress Reports (h...
Assessment Task 1 - Research Progress Reports (hurdle task)
Enables students to monitor and reflect on their research progress, apply ethical and rigorous methods, and receive formative feedback to support successful completion of the dissertation.
Pass/Fail
Assessment Task 2 - Research Dissertation Enabl...
Assessment Task 2 - Research Dissertation
Enables students to demonstrate independent research competence by critically engaging with literature, applying rigorous methodology, analysing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
70%
Assessment Task 3 - Research Dissemination Presen...
Assessment Task 3 - Research Dissemination Presentation
Enables students to demonstrate advanced communication skills by effectively presenting research findings to professional or academic audiences.
30%
The formative progress reports as hurdle tasks ensure students receive early feedback and are demonstrating ethical and methodological rigor.
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Learning will be largely by means of a mentoring relationship with the allocated supervisor. Students will be expected to meet regularly with their supervisor on an individual basis and encouraged to draw on and apply the knowledge gained within their coursework units to their own research projects. The frequency of consultation might be expected to vary at different times in the process and reflects respect for the student as an independent learner who takes responsibility for their own learning and its successful outcomes. Meetings with the National Unit Leader throughout the semester will provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their own progress and identify where further support or skill development may be required. The student will prepare draft chapters for review by the supervisor, culminating in the submission of a dissertation.