Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Evidence-based Research in Health Practice

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

OHTH4262

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Danielle Baxter

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: Danielle.baxter@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: TBA

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of research in health sciences. Through this course students will develop the skills and knowledge to enable them to approach their studies and future career in a research-informed way. Content to be covered includes learning the skills to conduct a literature search, evaluating the quality and reliability of studies, exploring and applying different types of research designs and methods, and delving into ethical principles in research. Upon completion of this course, students will have a clear understanding of the principles and basic methods of research in health and be prepared to engage and apply scientific design and evidence to real-world health challenges.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes:

BP231OST Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy):

PLO 1: Apply a breadth and depth of biomedical science and Osteopathic knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real-world settings using a scientific approach.
PLO 2: Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems using a biomedical and Osteopathic perspective.
PLO 3: Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to biomedical sciences and Osteopathy and exhibit safe and ethical conduct.
PLO 5: Demonstrate critical reflection skills, responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice as part of a multidisciplinary team.


On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Explain ethics principles and basic processes guiding research in health.  
2. Identify and describe different research designs and methods used in health sciences, including their strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications.  
3. Demonstrate the ability to conduct systematic literature searches to identify relevant and credible health research sources.  
4. Critically appraise research evidence by evaluating its quality, validity, and applicability to health science contexts.  
5. Integrate fundamental research principles and collaboration into the design of a research project proposal.  


Overview of Learning Activities

Students are enrolled in this compulsory, second year course that is delivered in a blended mode – online and face-to-face components. The core content and recommended reading materials will be made available in Canvas. The theories and practical skills learnt during lectures are extended in tutorials.  

Students are required to complete the tasks of the recommended reading materials and learning activities. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the learning activities with the teaching team through Canvas and during tutorials throughout the semester.  

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. Resources such as prescribed and recommended texts are available through the RMIT library eReserve, internet links to relevant information and links to relevant YouTube videos will support your understanding of topics.

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: Written Assessment 
Weighting: 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3   

Assessment Task 2: Critical Appraisal
Weighting: 25% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4  

Assessment Task 3: Research design assessment  
Weighting: 45% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

 

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 EquitableLearning Services if you would like to find out more.