This unit aims to demystify research and to build in students the confidence needed to use evidence with purpose. The unit will help students to understand what research is, to find relevant research products, and to consume and evaluate those products. Students will build foundational knowledge regarding discipline-based and professional contexts (as they relate to distinct course cohorts) in which research is produced and used (e.g. the evidence based practice paradigm as it applies to the health professions). Students will also build skills related to academic integrity, including the sourcing, summary, and citing of literature. Students will be supported as they start to apply their knowledge and skills in order to communicate evidence to their peers. In doing so, the unit will enhance students’ capacity and confidence to successfully use evidence in their academic work and to inform future professional practice.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The portfolio consists of three weekly worksheets (each worksheet is weighted 15%) which aims to build knowledge regarding fundamental research concepts. Through completion of the portfolio, students will also develop skills in sourcing and citing literature.
For the second assessment, students will work collaboratively in a small group to produce and present a report, which consists of multiple sections. Within this report, students will explore key research concepts, and will explore the current research evidence available within a topic related to their specific health discipline, and its application to clinical practice.
Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):