Graduate Research Methods

Subject PHTY90006 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

March, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 contact hours consisting of lectures and tutorials.
Total Time Commitment: Students will be expected to undertake a number of hours of self directed learning in this subject. Approximately 100 hours of self directed learning is suggested.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Dr Peter Bragge

Contact

Dr Adam Bryant
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces the principles of research methods and provides examples of their application in clinical physiotherapy research and practice. There will be emphasis on the techniques required for the critical evaluation of all aspects of published research relevant to the physiotherapy profession. The use of quantitative statistical analysis techniques will also be discussed.
Objectives:

On completion of the subject, students will have developed the following skills:

  • an understanding of research design principles, reliability and validity
  • a capacity to undertake searching of computerised medical literature databases
  • an understanding of basic statistical techniques and some familiarity with SPSS software
  • an ability to critically analyse published research
  • skills in written scientific communication
  • skills in participation in class discussion of the above concepts
Assessment:
  • Written assignment: critical evaluation of a journal article (2000 words): 50%
  • Class verbal presentation seminars: critical evaluation of journal articles: 30%
  • Mid-semester Class Quizzes: covering lecture content (3 quizzes X 30 mins): 20%
Prescribed Texts:
  • Jekel JF, Katz DL, Elmore JG & Wild DMG (2007): Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier
  • Portney LG & Watkins MP (2008): Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Practice, 3rd edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall
Recommended Texts:
  • Herbert R, Jamtvedt G, Mead J & Hagen KB (2006): Practical Evidence-Based Physiotherapy. London: Butterworth Heinemann
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • Skills in written scientific communication.
  • Skills in oral communication and contribution to class discussion.
  • An ability to critically analyse published research.

Specific Skills:

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • A capacity to undertake searching of computerised medical literature databases.
  • An understanding of research design principles, reliability and validity.
  • An understanding of basic statistical techniques and some familiarity with SPSS.
Links to further information: http://www.physioth.unimelb.edu.au/programs/pgrad/index.html

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