Introduction to Medical Research (MEDS40007)
HonoursPoints: 50On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2 (Extended)
Email: continuing-education@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149
Contact hours: https://unimelb.edu.au/professional-development/contact-us
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 (Extended) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
In this subject, the first subject in the Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours), you will learn the theory behind, and practical application of, the skills required to locate, synthesise, evaluate and apply clinical evidence, and broaden your experience and comprehension of the relationship between clinical healthcare and biomedical research. You will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of medical and scientific researchers to have a clearer understanding and appreciation of the background work and processes involved in the advancement of clinical knowledge and clinical practice through developing skills in the acquisition, evaluation and application of information (evidence). During this subject, you will participate in modules which explore concepts related to: the conduct of clinical research; research integrity; methodologies used to collect and analyse experimental data; critical appraisal and the evaluation of different types of published scientific literature and; evidence-based medicine and the relationship between research and clinical practice. In addition, you will complete a module on Presenting Academic Discourse (which is subject LING90002 Presenting Academic Discourse) which will allow you opportunities to develop skills in communicating research findings, both written and oral, to your research peers and professional colleagues.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe the key principles of how scientific discovery and evidence are used to support clinical practice
- Differentiate and critique common methodologies used in clinical research and demonstrate the ways in which knowledge and research evidence are assembled and evaluated to provide a scientific rationale for updating clinical practice and treatment
- Justify selection of, and appropriately use, a variety of analytical techniques to appraise clinical research data
- Explain the benefits of clinical research and the value of health professionals contributing to the advancement of knowledge
- Recognise and explain the ethical responsibilities associated with the design, conduct and application of clinical research
- Use a combination of oral and written communication approaches to effectively articulate and communicate knowledge, concepts and research findings with a wide range of audiences
- Demonstrate introductory skills in the critical appraisal of the literature through identifying and assessing the strengths, weakness and biases of qualitative and quantitative study designs commonly encountered in the medical literature
Generic skills
- Display enhanced oral and written communication skills appropriate for a diverse a range of audiences and settings
- Work collaboratively and productively as an individual and in teams
- Engage in self-reflection and self-directed study
- Apply scholarly, ethical and professional thinking to personal and academic conduct.
Last updated: 10 January 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the null Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours)
This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that students have foundational clinical sciences knowledge relevant to the practice of clinical medicine, dentistry or another relevant health-sciences field.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 10 January 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
MCQs or SAQs based on Clinical Research seminar series
| Weekly throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Biostatistics open book quizzes
| Weekly from Week 2 to Week 10 | 15% |
Presenting Academic Discourse Contextualized Essay
| Week 4 | 5% |
University of Melbourne's Office of Research and Ethics Integrity (OREI) online ethics training module (RIOT).
| Week 6 | N/A |
Research Methodology and Application
| Completed by mid-semester | 20% |
Presenting Academic Discourse Critical Review Essay
| Mid semester | 5% |
Biostatistics Exam
| Week 10 | 10% |
Presenting Academic Discourse Seminar Presentation
| Week 11 | 5% |
Presenting Academic Discourse Literature review based on preassigned topic
| Week 16 | 15% |
Data Analysis Project report
| During the assessment period | 25% |
Last updated: 10 January 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2 (Extended)
Coordinator Nilakshi Waidyatillake Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 680 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 28 November 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 5 December 2025 Semester 2 (Extended) contact information
Email: continuing-education@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149
Contact hours: https://unimelb.edu.au/professional-development/contact-us
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 10 January 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 10 January 2025