CQUniversity Unit Profile
ALLH14002 Research Project for Health Professionals 1
Research Project for Health Professionals 1
All details in this unit profile for ALLH14002 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Research forms the foundation of high quality, evidence-based clinical practice. As a health professional, it is important that you understand how to develop, analyse and use research to facilitate improvement in health outcomes. In this unit, you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ethically design a health research project. You will extend your critical thinking and analytical skills through exploration and evaluation of the current health literature to identify a clinically relevant research question. This unit requires you to demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning and work collaboratively with others to develop your research methodology and begin data collection. You will also be required to apply academic conventions to oral and written communication of your research plan. You will finalise your research project in a subsequent term in your capstone research unit - Research Project for Health Professionals 2.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 4
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Students must have successfully completed 96 credit points of study within CB66, CB84 or CB87 courses. As part of those 96 credit points, students need to have successfully completed ALLH12006 Evidence Based Practice for Health Professionals. Alternatively, students admitted into CC71 are also eligible to enrol in this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Presentation
Weighting: 40%
2. Research Assignment
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit evaluations

Feedback

Students found the assessment requirements complicated and confusing.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Unit Coordinator provides more detail on assessment requirements on Moodle and discusses all criteria with examples in an early tutorial.

Feedback from Unit evaluations

Feedback

Students appreciated the help, support and encouragement they received from the Unit Coordinator and their supervisors.

Recommendation

It is recommended that Unit Coordinator continues to include one-on-one and group encouragement, feedback and practical support in the tutorials alongside support from project supervisors.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Appraise and synthesise relevant theory, knowledge and evidence to develop and support a research question relevant to health
  2. Design and conduct a research project applying ethical principles relevant to your health discipline and the Australian context
  3. Adapt communication to describe and justify your research design in different formats
  4. Critically reflect on the relationships between theory, research, and clinical practice
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Presentation - 40%
2 - Research Assignment - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • EndNote or similar bibliographic software is recommended. EndNote is available free of charge from CQUniversity via the Library or IT services.
  • CQUniversity Library Resources
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Stephanie Alley Unit Coordinator
s.alley@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 | Introduction to research Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • What is research?
  • Evidence-based practice
  • The research-practice relationship
  • Generating research questions
  • Background literature search

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Unit welcome and overview
  • Exploring potential research questions
  • Key words and strategies for your background literature search

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 | Types of research questions & systematic literature searches Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Types of research questions
  • Frameworks for quantitative vs. qualitative research questions
  • Systematic database searches
  • Tracking your searches

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • More on database/literature searching
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 | Systematic review (Part 1) Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Types of literature reviews
  • Steps to conducting a systematic review

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Conducting a systematic review
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 | Ethics Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • The importance of ethics
  • Guidelines for ethical conduct
  • Ethics applications at CQUniversity

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Unpacking ethics applications for research projects
  • Ethical considerations for systematic reviews
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 | Quantitative research Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Quantitative research designs
  • Data sources for quantitative research
  • Sampling for quantitative research

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Conducting and interpreting quantitative research
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation/Break week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 | Qualitative research Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Qualitative research designs
  • Data sources for qualitative research
  • Sampling for qualitative research

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Conducting and interpreting qualitative research
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 | Presenting research Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Structuring your presentation
  • Creating presentation slides
  • Tips for oral presentations

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Identifying key literature and ideas to support your research question
  • Drafting your main arguments
  • Planning your presentation
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 | Systematic review (Part 2) Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Collecting your data
  • Reviewing full texts
  • Data extraction

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Next steps for conducting a systematic review
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 | Writing your Introduction using academic writing Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Critical reading and notetaking
  • Writing your introduction
  • Tips for academic writing

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Writing your introduction 
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 | Research proposal presentations Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • There are no recorded lectorials or online interactive activities this week

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • No tutorial this week
  • You may use this time to record your group presentation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Research Proposal Presentation Due: Week 10 Friday (23 May 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Week 11 | Writing Workshop Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • There are no recorded lectorials or online interactive activities this week

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • This week's tutorial will be conducted as a writing workshop to polish your introduction section
  • Project specific support

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 | Review week Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

RECORDED LECTORIAL AND ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

  • There are no recorded lectorials or online interactive activities this week

LIVE TUTORIAL

  • Drop-in session for project and/or assessment related questions

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Introduction for your Research Paper Due: Review/Exam Week Tuesday (10 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation

Assessment Title
Research Proposal Presentation

Task Description

For this assessment task, you will submit a pre-recorded presentation of your research proposal/protocol. If you are conducting your research with peers, you will record your proposal presentation with your research group.

Your presentation should include a summary of the background literature on the topic, justification for conducting your research, and your research question(s). You will be expected to discuss the significance of the research to your health discipline, demonstrating consideration of the research-practice relationship (i.e., how might your research outcomes contribute to evidence-based practice? How did current clinical practice inform your selection of the research question and design?). You will need to outline and justify your proposed methods for answering your research question, and identify any ethical and/or cultural considerations that relate to your project. 

You need to support your oral presentation with the use of PowerPoint or similar (e.g., Prezi), applying presentation tips and guidelines reviewed in class. You are able to briefly refer to notes but are expected to discuss your topic versus read from your notes or a prepared script. Your presentation can be a maximum of 10 minutes in length.

Please refer to the ALLH14002 Research Project for Health Professionals 1 Moodle page for additional information, including a detailed task description and submission requirements. It is recommended that you carefully review the instructions and use the rubric as a guide when preparing your proposal presentation.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Friday (23 May 2025) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025)

You will receive written feedback within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This is a must-pass assessment task. In order to pass, you must obtain a minimum grade of 50% on this task. It is important that you access the marking rubric, available on Moodle. This rubric provides you with detailed marking criteria that will assist you in completing the assessment task.

Section 1 assesses your ability to demonstrate understanding of the topic within the context of existing literature through discussion of the material in your own words with minimal to no reading. General oral presentation skills are also graded within this criterion. If you are conducting your research in a group, and therefore presenting a group, you will receive an individual grade for Section 1 of the rubric since it is specific to your oral presentation skills. It is your responsibility when designing your presentation to ensure that each member is able to individually demonstrate the criteria described in Section 1.

Section 2 assesses the overall accuracy and clarity of the content, the flow and organisation of the presentation (including balance of content across presenters), and format of presentation including choice of visuals and slide design. All members of the group will receive the same grade for this section of the rubric. 

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Agents (Gen AI): Within this assessment the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents can be used to generate ideas and general structures as well as content editing, critique and review. Please reference its use as appropriate. Using AI beyond idea generation, content editing and review (i.e., to write the assessment for you) is not permitted.

Please refer to the ALLH14002 Research Project for Health Professionals 1 Moodle page for additional information, including a detailed marking rubric. It is recommended that you carefully review the instructions and use the rubric as a guide when preparing your proposal presentation.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
You will submit a PDF of your slides and a link to your recording saved on Echo360 by 9:00am on Friday of Week 10. Please refer to the assessment folder on Moodle for instructions.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Appraise and synthesise relevant theory, knowledge and evidence to develop and support a research question relevant to health
  • Design and conduct a research project applying ethical principles relevant to your health discipline and the Australian context
  • Adapt communication to describe and justify your research design in different formats
  • Critically reflect on the relationships between theory, research, and clinical practice

2 Research Assignment

Assessment Title
Introduction for your Research Paper

Task Description

The introduction must be written independently. It is expected that your introduction demonstrates independent thoughts and ideas.  While some of the literature included in the background may be the same as other members of your research group, it is expected that you will work independently to review and integrate that literature into a cohesive written assessment. 

Your introduction needs to describe your topic, providing context and background regarding what is already known in that area of the field. You will need to use what is known to identify gaps and justify why your project/review is needed. In other words, you need to use existing literature to provide a clear rationale/justification for the research you plan to carry out. Your rationale should also address the significance of your planned project and its potential outcomes. Your introduction must clearly state your research question(s) which should logically flow from the background information you provide. Thus, you are expected to apply information literacy to demonstrate a high level of communication, problem solving, critical thinking and reasoning in this assessment task. 

Please refer to the ALLH14002 Research Project for Health Professionals 1 Moodle page for additional information, including a detailed task description and submission details. It is recommended that you carefully review the instructions and use the rubric as a guide when preparing your Introduction for your research paper.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Tuesday (10 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Feedback on this assessment task will be provided via Moodle within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This is a must-pass assessment task. In order to pass, you must obtain a minimum grade of 50% (i.e., minimum mark of 30/60). It is important that you access the marking rubric, available on Moodle. This rubric provides you with detailed marking criteria that will assist you in completing the assessment task. There are two sections to the rubric. Section 1 includes your ability to integrate evidence to justify your research questions.  Section 2 focuses on academic writing style and conventions and use of APA referencing and formatting.

Your introduction cannot exceed 1000 words. This includes in-text citations but not references listed on your reference page. NOTE: There are no marks specifically allocated to word limit in the rubric. The assessor will only review and grade the portion of your document that meets this guideline. That is, the assessor will not review or grade any content beyond the first 1000 words. Students are required to paraphrase information from sources rather than include direct quotations. Paraphrasing ensures the content is well integrated into the context of the text and provides students better opportunity to explain the significance of the information to their paper. If direct quotes are used, that information will not be considered in the grading of the work.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Agents (Gen AI): Within this assessment the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents can be used to generate ideas and general structures as well as content editing, critique and review. Please reference its use as appropriate. Using AI beyond idea generation, content editing and review (i.e., to write the assessment for you) is not permitted.

Please refer to the ALLH14002 Research Project for Health Professionals 1 Moodle page for additional information, including a detailed marking rubric. It is recommended that you carefully review the instructions and use the rubric as a guide when preparing your Introduction for your research paper.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This assessment must be submitted as a Word document (.doc or .docx) via the ALLH14002 Moodle page by 9:00am on Tuesday of Review/Exam Week.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Appraise and synthesise relevant theory, knowledge and evidence to develop and support a research question relevant to health
  • Adapt communication to describe and justify your research design in different formats
  • Critically reflect on the relationships between theory, research, and clinical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?