Unit rationale, description and aim
Research in digital health is evolving rapidly through advances in technology, data, user-centred design, and health systems implementation. Over the two-unit sequence (HLSC684 Digital Health Research Thesis A and HLSC685 Digital Health Research Thesis B), students undertake a thesis-level research project under the guidance of a nominated supervisor.
In HLSC685 Digital Health Research Thesis B, students build on the proposal developed in the preceding unit (HLSC684 Digital Health Research Thesis A), and will:
- Conduct the research project: data collection, analysis, interpretation of findings in the digital health domain (such as telehealth, health informatics, AI in health, implementation science).
- Prepare the final research report: a thesis or manuscript suitable for academic and/or professional audiences.
- Present and defend the research outcomes in a format appropriate for a professional or academic audience.
The aim of this unit is to enable students to apply their knowledge and skills in digital health research by completing and communicating an independent research project that adds value to the field and is grounded in ethics, rigour and practical application.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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.
Execute a substantial, well-designed and ethically...
Learning Outcome 01
Integrate relevant literature, theoretical framewo...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically report on the results of research, draw...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop a coherent, critical and professionally st...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- This unit comprises the following key activities:
- Execution of research activities framed in Digital Health Research Thesis A: data collection, management, and analysis in the digital health context.
- Interpretation of findings in relation to digital health systems, technology implementation, user outcomes, health data, and stakeholder perspectives.
- Preparation of a thesis/manuscript or equivalent final report suitable for publication.
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit uses scaffolded assessment items that reflect progression from HLSC684 DIGITAL HEALTH RESEARCH THESIS A and emphasise independent research, critical thinking and professional communication. Students must deliver an oral presentation and complete a final thesis on their digital health research project. To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain an aggregate mark in the unit of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Oral Presentation Presentatio...
Assessment Task 1: Oral Presentation
Presentation of research process, findings and interpretation to an academic/general audience.
20%
Assessment Task 2: Presentation of Digital Health...
Assessment Task 2: Presentation of Digital Health Research Thesis or Journal Manuscript (Written and Oral)
Enables students to plan, present their digital health research project to an academic or professional audience.
80%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses an active learning approach: students undertake supervised independent research under a principal supervisor (and co-/associate supervisors as needed). Students are expected to meet regularly with supervisors, engage in critical reflection, manage their research project timeline and use digital/online tools (video conferencing, LMS forums, digital data tools) for collaboration and feedback. The unit supports independent learners working in the digital health research space.