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James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

HS2402 - Health Professional Research 1

Credit points:03
Year:2024
Student Contribution Band:Band 1
Prerequisites:At least 18 credit points of level one subjects
Administered by:College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences

Available to all 2nd year students enrolled in health science programs.

Subject Description

    This subject introduces undergraduate students to practical and theoretical concepts, principles and methods in qualitative and quantitative research in Health Sciences. This is the foundational knowledge required for understanding research and provides a primer for conducting reliable and trustworthy research that aligns with academic best practice standards. The first two days of the block subject will provide students with an introduction to the basics of qualitative health research. This introduction will include design methodology, data collection approaches including interviews, focus groups and analysis. Ethical research practice with human participants will also be introduced. The remaining eight days will focus on quantitative research methods and statistics. All aspects of the research cycle - that is, research and statistical hypotheses, study design, data collection (including measurement), data analyses (univariate and bivariate statistical analysis), interpretation, and linking back to statistical and research hypotheses will be introduced. An introduction to descriptive and analytical epidemiology, bias and aspects of validity will also be covered to assist in critical reading, appraisal and interpretation of research. Statistics is an integral part of quantitative research methodology. Opportunities for guidance in performing statistical analysis and interpreting results will occur during the tutorials along with self-directed activities. Students will apply the theoretical knowledge introduced in lectures and tutorials in completing the assessment tasks.

Learning Outcomes

  • demonstrate understanding of core elements of study designs, data collection, analysis, interpretation of health research questions and published research information
  • work independently, think critically and demonstrate knowledge of research processes, including a consideration of ethical research conduct
  • identify, explain and apply basic qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in health sciences

Subject Assessment

  • Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (35%) - Individual
  • Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
  • Written > Research report - (35%) - Individual
  • Written > Test/Quiz 2 - (15%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more.

Availabilities

Cairns Nguma-bada, Study Period 3, Mixed attendance, (Face to Face dates exist for this availability)

Census date:Thursday, 01 Feb 2024
Study Period Dates:Monday, 01 Jan 2024 to Friday, 16 Feb 2024
Face to face teaching:Monday, 29 Jan 2024 to Friday, 09 Feb 2024
Coordinator(s):
DR Michael Meehan
MS Jemma King
Lecturer(s):
MS Hannah Mason
Assoc. Professor Sue Devine
DR Maru Castellanos Reynosa
Assoc. Professor Iyke Emeto
DR Samson Ogunlade
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 18 Hours - Tutorials - Face to Face Tutorials across the two week block
  • 30 Hours - Online activity - Online Lectures and Interactive Materials- 3 hours per day for the two week block
  • 32 Hours - Specialised - Self-Directed Learning and Activities

Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 3, Mixed attendance, (Face to Face dates exist for this availability)

Census date:Thursday, 01 Feb 2024
Study Period Dates:Monday, 01 Jan 2024 to Friday, 16 Feb 2024
Face to face teaching:Monday, 29 Jan 2024 to Friday, 09 Feb 2024
Coordinator(s):
DR Michael Meehan
MS Jemma King
Lecturer(s):
MS Julie Parison
MS Hannah Mason
Assoc. Professor Sue Devine
DR Maru Castellanos Reynosa
Assoc. Professor Iyke Emeto
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 18 Hours - Tutorials - Face to Face Tutorials across the two week block
  • 30 Hours - Online activity - Online Lectures and Interactive Materials- 3 hours per day for the two week block
  • 32 Hours - Specialised - Self-Directed Learning and Activities.