Course Title: Research Methods for Biological, Medical & Health Sciences

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Research Methods for Biological, Medical & Health Sciences

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2398

Bundoora Campus

Research

160H Medical Sciences

Distance / Correspondence or Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2017

BIOL2398

Bundoora Campus

Research

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

Flexible Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2398

Bundoora Campus

Research

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

RSCHYr2018 (All)

BIOL2398

Bundoora Campus

Research

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

RSCHYr2020 (RM03)

BIOL2398

Bundoora Campus

Research

173H School of Health and Biomed

Internet

RSCHYr2021 (RM11)

BIOL2398

Bundoora Campus

Research

173H School of Health and Biomed

Internet

RSCHYr2022 (RM21),

RSCHYr2022 (RM23)

Course Coordinator: Dr Jonathan McQualter

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7275

Course Coordinator Email: jonathan.mcqualter@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223.2A.001B


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 

Assumed Knowledge

A body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines at a level equivalent to AQF level 8.Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.


Course Description

This course will enable Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates to plan and conduct advanced research in order to create new knowledge in the biological, medical and health sciences. This course will assist you to prepare for confirmation of candidature.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course you will develop your knowledge of the philosophy and practice of research in the fields of biological, medical and health sciences.  You will be exposed to a range of pertinent research literature to deepen your understanding of the scientific literature in the field of your research project.  In addition, you will refine your critical and creative thinking and communication skills to the high level required for professional researchers.
 


By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Follow the policies relevant to research integrity, impact, ethics and intellectual property in your research activities;
  2. Develop a convincing rationale, hypothesis and aims/objectives for a selected research topic by critically reviewing the relevant academic literature guided by your supervisors;
  3. Design a research proposal of appropriate HDR scope guided by your supervisors;
  4. Select valid research methods and statistical tools suitable for the objectives of a research project; 
  5. Craft a written plan to outline the activities for a research project including preparations and timeline.
  6. Write, present and discuss results of research activities.

 

 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: RMIT Research Training Modules
Weighting 10%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 3

Assessment Task 2: Data Analysis Plan
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 4 & 5

Assessment Task 3: Research Proposal Outline (written and presentation)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 4: Literature Review
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2 & 6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.