SRH5003 Designing and conducting health research
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
SRH5003 Designing and conducting health research is a level 5, 12-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 7 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before SRH5003
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After SRH5003
1 unit list SRH5003 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in a Postgraduate degree
Overview
This unit is an introduction to research methods used in health research.
It aims to equip you with the theoretical knowledge of research design and methods used in undertaking research, and the practical skills to conduct their own research.
You will develop skills in formulating research questions, searching the literature for evidence, identifying and understanding the components of rigorous research design, appropriate data collection and analysis techniques, and ensuring research is conducted in an ethically and culturally sensitive manner.
By the end of the unit, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to initiate their own research project as the basis for a minor thesis, or to conduct a research project within their workplace.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Online |
| Second semester | Clayton | Online |
Assessment
- Web based quizzes (MCQ) (1 hour)Quiz / Test10%
- Literature review (3,000 words)Written30%
- Research question discussion forum (250 words)WrittenCompetency hurdle-
- Research proposal presentation (20 mins and 1000 words)Presentation30%
- Ethical considerations (1,500 words)WrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- Reflection Exercise - (1000 Words )ExerciseCompetency hurdle10%
- Research Integrity Module (2 hours)ExerciseCompetency hurdle-
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Critically differentiate between research traditions and methods;
- 2
Undertake a search and synthesis of the research literature and critically appraise the findings;
- 3
Formulate a research question that addresses an evidence gap in the health care literature;
- 4
Articulate the ethical considerations in promoting ethical conduct in health research;
- 5
Design a research project that includes a method appropriate to the research question;
- 6
Formulate a research protocol that is rigorous and feasible;
- 7
Communicate the use of research as a basis for decision-making in health care policy & practice;
- 8
Explain and apply the principles of academic integrity when conducting research.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops15 hours
For this distance education unit, you are expected to undertake your work during private study time. You will be expected to log onto Moodle on a regular basis for announcements and updates.
You will need to undertake readings (available via Moodle) and view online materials (e.g. PowerPoint/audio/visual material).
You will also be required to undertake regular formative activities. You will be required to undertake all assessment activities as these are all hurdle requirements to ensure that all learning objectives are covered. The assessments will require preparation ranging from readings, writing and undertaking online activities (quizzes and forum discussions).
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Tammy Smith
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Melinda Goodyear
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for SRH5003?
SRH5003 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after SRH5003?
SRH5003 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including SON5000.
When is SRH5003 offered?
In 2026, SRH5003 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton, with an online option.
Does SRH5003 have an exam?
No. SRH5003 has 7 assessment tasks and no exam.