POPLHLTH 701 : Research Methods in Health

Medical and Health Sciences

2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A comprehensive overview, in relation to health, of theoretical underpinnings of research; the asking of research questions; literature reviews; the design, implementation and appraisal of qualitative and quantitative research; and the writing up and dissemination of research.

Course Overview

General in nature, this foundational level 15 point Masters level course has been designed for students without prior exposure to research methods. It is aimed principally at health professionals working in the health sector, including clinical practice, research, management, planning and policy. However, the course is suitable as a research methods course for a wide range of health disciplines. The course is offered in both Semester 1 and Semester 2 in two streams: (1) face to face and (2) distance (within New Zealand). Students are asked to select one of these streams, either an online class or 7 three hour classes at the Grafton Campus.  The course is presented through a range of media including recorded face to face lectures, lesson readings, online 'Discussions', evening conferences around assignments, and two workshops. Distance class students are welcome to attend any of the face to face sessions, although particularly the first all-day session and the workshops. 


Course Requirements

Restriction: CLINED 714, NURSING 768, POPLHLTH 202

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Master of Health Sciences

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand basic elements of the language, philosophy and ethics of research (Capability 1.1 and 1.2)
  2. Develop the skills required to develop a well-constructed research question (Capability 1.2 and 2.1)
  3. Demonstrate information literacy and be able to work with evidence (Capability 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 6.2)
  4. Identify and utilize appropriate methodologies to address a research question (Capability 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.1)
  5. Develop a research proposal that builds on the previous learning outcomes (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1 and 6.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
World View Assessment 5% Individual Coursework
Formulating a research question and reviewing literature 20% Individual Coursework
Qualitative data analysis 20% Individual Coursework
Quantitative data analysis 20% Individual Coursework
Research proposal 35% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
World View Assessment
Formulating a research question and reviewing literature
Qualitative data analysis
Quantitative data analysis
Research proposal
The School of Population Health policy on late assessments is as follows: 
 
Due dates for assessments must be strictly observed 
Extensions will only be given in very exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, and if approved by the course coordinator/lecturer prior to the assessment due date. Penalties will be imposed for extensions (see below)  
Late assessments where an extension has not been given will be penalised as follows: 
 
Up to 2 weeks (including weekend days) late - 5% off the assessment total mark for each day late e.g. 
if an assessment is out of 40 and is 1 day late, then 2 marks (5% of 40) will be deducted from the grade achieved 
if an assessment is out of 40 and is 5 days late, then 10 marks (25% of 40) will be deducted from the grade achieved 
More than 14 days late – the assessment will NOT be graded

Learning Resources

All the materials are available on the course webpage accessible through CANVAS as soon as the semester starts.

Course Contacts

Course Director   
Stephen Buetow  
Associate Professor  
Email: s.buetow@auckland.ac.nz  
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 6241 
 
Course Coordinator   
Dr Ruth Teh  
Senior Lecturer  
Email: r.teh@auckland.ac.nz  
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 7517 
 
Course Administrator   
Mrs Upendra Wickramarachchi  
Group Services Administrator  
Email: u.wicks@auckland.ac.nz  
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 3058

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 20/12/2019 03:29 p.m.