| Unit name | Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHEDM4011 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sebire |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This course introduces basic principles of research methods and various research designs. Essential scientific themes addressed include basic statistics, epidemiology research, quantitative research, qualitative research, concepts of validity, reliability, measurement and research ethics. Students are also guided on how to read and critique peer-reviewed published research articles. This course also introduces the student to research designs, evaluation and reporting of scientific research. Applications are presented to guide the student toward their own scientific investigation. Applications of appropriate statistical and qualitative analyses to various research designs are also explored. The content is directly relevant to a career in public health, health promotion, research and/or academia.
Aims:
The main teaching method is face-to-face lectures plus small group learning activities. Teaching takes place across four 1-day visits across 4 weeks equivalent to ~ 5 hours of taught time per day.
Assessment is through the completion of one written 4000 word assignment that comprises(a) three brief essays critically appraising three scientific papers covering qualitative, quantitative and epidemiological research designs and (b) design of an original piece of research which articulates an alternative methodological means of answering the research questions outlined in one of the three papers in part A. The assignment is directly related to the learning outcomes and students are required to show an in-depth understanding of the unit at a level consistent with a Master’s degree.
