Year
2021
Units
9
Contact
1 x 2-hour lecture fortnightly
1 x 2-hour tutorial fortnightly
Prerequisites
% = any matching topic, eg BIOL1% includes BIOL1101, BIOL1102 etc
1 Admission into MHID-Master of Health and International Development
1a Admission into GCPHCDC-Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care in Developing Countries
1b Admission into GCHP-Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion
1c Admission into GDPEHP-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice
1d Admission into MPH%
1e Admission into DPH-Doctor of Public Health
1f Admission into MPHCC-Master of Public Health (Chronic Condition Management)
1g Admission into MPHHS-Master of Public Health (Health Services Management)
1h Admission into MPHPC-Master of Public Health (Primary Health Care)
1i Admission into MPHPH-Master of Public Health (Public Health)
1j Admission into MPHPN-Master of Public Health (Public Health Nutrition)
1k Admission into MMHNCW-Master of Mental Health Nursing (Coursework)
1l Admission into MPHEP-Master of Public Health (Public Health Epidemiology)
1m Admission into GCPH-Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h or 1i or 1j or 1k or 1l or 1m))
Enrolment not permitted
1 of PHCA8007, PHCA8503 has been successfully completed
Assessment
Assignments.
Topic description

This topic defines and discusses public health, and then introduces concepts and approaches related to: qualitative and quantitative research methods, causation, and study designs. A step-by-step account of how a research investigation maybe undertaken is also described. Approaches to undertaking a literature review are examined, which includes how to conduct a systematic search of relevant literatures. Students are expected to develop a research proposal for the final assignment.

Educational aims

This topic aims to:

  • Provide students with opportunities to enhance their ability to understand research methods for public health, in relation to an evidence-based care approach
  • Encourage students to critically think about research
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Apply rigorous quantitative/positivist and qualitative/constructionist methodological approaches and their methods
  2. Make use of major value bases and theoretical perspectives underpinning approaches to health research
  3. Critically appraise and synthesise research literature
  4. Develop and communicate a research question/hypothesis in an area of interest
  5. Critically examine research designs, and the importance of causation
  6. Identify appropriate data collection and analytical approaches for answering public health research questions