HLH401 Advanced Research Methods

To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.

Unit code:	HLH401
Prerequisite(s):	PUB561 or (XNB251 and XNB255 and XNB345) or XNH279 or XNH269 or SWH401
Assumed Knowledge:	Completion of a basic statistics unit is assumed knowledge.
Credit points:	12
Timetable	Details in HiQ, if available
Availabilities	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 More about teaching periods More about unit attendance modes
CSP student contribution	$1,192
Domestic tuition unit fee	$4,704
International unit fee	$4,848

This advanced unit enables you to apply your theoretical and practical knowledge and research skills to a specific area related to your professional discipline, to critically appraise evidence and learn the skills to develop a research project. An advanced understanding of research methods is fundamental for evaluating evidence to inform your professional practice within an evidence-based practice framework. The unit provides opportunities to consolidate your critical analysis skills and foster your research skills to prepare you for your discipline-related Capstone project (HLH403-1/2).

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:	HLH401
Credit points:	12
Pre-requisite:	PUB561 or (XNB251 and XNB255 and XNB345) or XNH279 or XNH269 or SWH401
Assumed Knowledge:	Completion of a basic statistics unit is assumed knowledge.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

The unit provides opportunities to consolidate your critical analysis skills and foster your research skills to prepare you for your discipline-related Capstone project (HLH403-1/2).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

Locate, analyse, evaluate, and synthesise evidence and critically apply findings to address a practice/research issue;
Apply appropriate research design and methods (including methods to identify, collect and analyse data) to address an answerable research question;
Apply appropriate research ethics frameworks to undertake research related to a practice/research issue;
Demonstrate principles and processes for translating evidence into practice;
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.

Content

The unit covers the following content:

Critical appraisal of evidence
Development of a searchable question and search strategy
Formulation of an answerable research question and hypothesis
Research ethics, including conducting research with specific population groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods study designs and methodologies
Data collection methods
Data analysis, including data management
Implementation science and knowledge translation
Evidence-based practice
Scientific presentations and research communication skills

Learning Approaches

This unit engages you in your learning through a theory-to-practice approach. The unit is structured using a blended approach, combining interactive, interprofessional workshops with digitally-enhanced, self-directed online learning.

Self-directed learning will allow you to explore unit materials at your own pace, enabling you to consolidate your knowledge in preparation for collaborative activities and assessment tasks. Workshops will offer opportunities to discuss, apply, and reinforce your understanding of key concepts through practical activities, case studies, and group work. The workshops will include group work activities with students from different disciplines to facilitate interprofessional learning.

For some disciplines, it will be expected that you engage with your HLH403-1/2 project supervisor during this unit to inform your research question and proposal. These expectations will be identified within the Canvas site for HLH401.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive formative feedback from academic staff and peers during workshops and via Discussion Board.

Written feedback on both the Journal Club Presentation and Research Proposal will be provided in addition to the criteria sheet. Generic comments about common problems experienced by students will be provided on QUT Canvas.

Assessment

Overview

Your assessment items are designed to measure your attainment of the learning outcomes stated above.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)

You will present, critically appraise and summarise a journal article, related to a discipline-specific research/practice issue, as part of a journal club presentation to colleagues. Your 6-minute presentation should summarise your appraisal of the study using an established critical appraisal tool and highlight the strengths and limitations/biases of the study. Your presentation should conclude with a statement on the implications of the study for practice and/or research. Your presentation will be followed by 4-minutes of question time from interprofessional assessors.

You will also be required to complete and submit a written template which will outline your database search strategy, and your appraisal of the study against the appropriate critical appraisal checklist.

This assessment replicates what researchers and practitioners do in practice in appraising evidence to inform practice and further research.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

Weight: 50

Length: 6 minutes plus 4 minutes questions

Individual/Group: Individual

Due (indicative): Week 8

Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 4, 5

Related Standards: DA2021: 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.3, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.6, 1.3.7, 1.3.8, 1.4, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.4, 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.3, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5

Assessment: Research Proposal

You will take on the role of a health researcher to develop a research proposal. The proposal will enable you to synthesise the problems identified in the literature (or in practice) into an answerable research question, select an appropriate study design, and identify appropriate outcome measures, and methods to analyse data collected to answer the question chosen.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

Weight: 50

Length: 5 pages

Individual/Group: Individual

Due (indicative): Week 13

Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Related Standards: DA2021: 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.3, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.6, 1.3.7, 1.3.8, 1.4, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.4, 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.3, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Hoffmann Bennett, & Del Mar (2023). Evidence Based Practice across the Health Profession. Elsevier.

Liamputtong, Pranee (2022) Research methods and evidence-based practice (Fourth edition). Oxford University Press.

Peat, Jennifer & Barton, Belinda (2014). Medical statistics: a guide to data analysis and critical appraisal 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons

Risk Assessment Statement

Substantial computer-based work will be required. Students should refer to the guidelines for safe work practices contained in the QUT Guidelines to Students. Students should ensure that their workstations are adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

CS46 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

Employ research skills in parallel with evidence-based professional reasoning and shared decision-making to safely and effectively undertake person-centred management for diverse lower limb conditions through assessment, investigation, diagnosis and evaluation.
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)
Practice scholarly multimodal communication and effective collaboration, establishing inclusive partnerships with patients, health professionals and relevant stakeholders, leveraging digital capabilities and interprofessional referral pathways to positively impact individual and community health outcomes, applying the full scope of podiatric practice, including dissemination of research findings.
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal
Leads self and others in reflective practice and lifelong learning, recognizing and addressing own biases, seeking and responding to feedback, contributing to evidence-based solutions, fostering a culture of peer support and mentoring, alongside a curious, agile, resilient and entrepreneurial mindset.
Relates to: Research Proposal

CS48 Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)

Conduct investigative research in medical imaging that contributes to innovation and sustainability of evidence-based practice, and disseminate the outcomes
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal

CS50 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (Honours)

Research principles, planning and methods
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)
Critical thinking (analyse, interpret, evaluate, synthesise)
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)
Independent research and scholarship in radiation therapy
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)
Research appraisal and critique skills
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)
Creative thinking to develop new knowledge through independent inquiry
Relates to: Research Proposal
Contribution to evidence-based practice
Relates to: Research Proposal
Apply research methods, design and process
Relates to: Research Proposal

SW05 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Critically evaluate theoretical, practical and contextually relevant social work knowledge, skills and values and, as a change facilitator, meet diverse client and community needs that promote social justice
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal
Formulate and implement strategies using advanced knowledge and research skills to analyse, consolidate and synthesise social and practice evidence to generate solutions and to inform professional practice and decision-making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Research Proposal
Develop advanced knowledge, skills and values, to inform culturally safe communication and effective intra- and inter-professional collaboration and with a wide range of audiences and contexts, including accessing, evaluating and utlising digital health information.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal
Construct and implement strategies for practising collaboratively and independently, focused on socially progressive, anti-oppressive, culturally safe and ethical practice, integral to the standards of professional social work practice
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal
Access, evaluate and utilise social work information to advocate for a socially just society and the promotion of human dignity and worth that reflect different social, political, cultural and historical circumstances, on the beliefs, values and aspirations of various groups, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations
Relates to: ULO3, Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal

XN52 Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)

Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal
Communicate and collaborate to transfer complex knowledge to clients and health professionals in a culturally safe manner.
Relates to: Research Proposal
Apply knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning within the professional, legislative, and ethical standards of practice.
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)
Design, execute, and communicate research relevant to clinical exercise physiology practice.
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal

XN55 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours)

Uphold the professional, legislative, and ethical standards of sport and exercise science expected of learner practitioners.
Relates to: Research Proposal
Design and execute research in sport and exercise science contexts and disseminate findings that contribute to the sustainability of sport and exercise research and practice.
Relates to: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence), Research Proposal

HLH401 Advanced Research Methods

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Content

Learning Approaches

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Assessment

Overview

Unit Grading Scheme

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Journal Club Presentation (Critical Appraisal of Evidence)

Assessment: Research Proposal

Academic Integrity

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Risk Assessment Statement

Standards/Competencies

National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia

1.1: Demonstrates safe practice

1.2: Demonstrates ethical and legal practice

1.3: Demonstrates leadership

1.4: Demonstrates management

2.1: Adopts an evidence-based approach to dietetic practice

2.3: Influences food systems to improve the nutritional status of clients

3.1: Conducts research, evaluation, and qualitymanagement processes

Course Learning Outcomes

CS46 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

CS48 Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)

CS50 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (Honours)

SW05 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

XN52 Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)

XN55 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours)

Home