Courses & Units
Research Methodology and Project Design CSA408
Introduction
This unit introduces students to applied research methodology through literature review and research project design. Students carry out online studies of readings and tutorials, participate in online discussion forums to develop their research skills through discussion, and undertake a literature review and design of a research project of their own choice in clinical or laboratory-based basic science. In this unit, scientific literature, bibliographic databases, information retrieving and searching strategies are discussed in the context of preparing and writing a literature review. Academic support and general guidance are provided on the selection of research topic, the formulation of the research questions and hypothesis, and the preparation of a research proposal. The theories and principles of research methodology, various approaches in project design in health and medical research are discussed in conjunction with key elements of a research project including creativity, ethics, variables, statistical analysis, research techniques, data collection and interpretation, budgeting and reporting.
Summary
| Unit name | Research Methodology and Project Design |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CSA408 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Health and Medicine School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology |
| Discipline | Pharmacy |
| Coordinator | Doctor Colin Curtain |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Honours |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 2 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of scientific literature in health and medical sciences, and the ability to apply information retrieval skills to search bibliographic databases and acquire key source documents for review on a specific topic.
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, synthesise and report the results of a literature search by writing a literature review on a chosen topic that provides the rationale for your research questions, hypotheses and objectives.
- Be aware of the principles of research methodology and project design in health and medical sciences, and apply this knowledge to develop a research project proposal.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 060501 | $1,118.00 | $1,118.00 | not applicable | $2,596.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is offered online and students are expected to complete approximately 10 hours of independent learning per week. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Short exercises (10%)|Research design project (40%)|Review of selected research topic (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
The following two books are the requisite textbooks for CSA408. These books are eBooks that are available in full text at the online Ebook Library. 1. Ridley, D. (2008) The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students. 185 pages. Sage Publications. 2. Supino, P.G., Borer, J.S. (2012) Principles of research methodology: a guide for clinical investigators. 285 pages. Springer. New York. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | The following two eBooks are recommended readings for CSA408. These eBooks are available in full text to students at the online Ebook Library. 1. Bettany-Saltikov, J. (2012) How to do a systematic literature review in nursing: A step-by-step guide. 194 pages. Open University Press. 2. Vogt, W. O., Gardner, D.C., Haeffelle, L.M. (2012) When to use what research design. 401 pages. Guilford Publications, New York. | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.