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

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

During this course you will undertake the following activities:

• Preview recorded lectures, participate in tutorials and guided reading through Canvas, and contribute to discussions;
• Prepare a presentation which summarises your research project;
• Write a literature review that will contribute to the requirements for your confirmation of candidature;
• Participate in recommended training of research modules;
• Use electronic project management tools to plan, manage, and deliver research milestones;
• Keep records of your research learning documents including training certificates.

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. You will be provided with a list of learning resources throughout the course and will be expected to build on these through your own literature searches.

Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

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