Program Overview

Introduction to CHIR8201 Postgraduate Advanced Research I

CHIR8201, Postgraduate Advanced Research I, is a unit offered by Macquarie University. This unit, together with CHIR8202, aims to develop students' ability to critique, evaluate, and synthesise biomedical research, crucial for lifelong learning and evidence-informed clinical practice.

General Information

• Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff: Simon French
• Credit Points: 10
• Prerequisites: CHIR8512
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged Status: None
• Unit Description: Students work in groups to develop and execute a medium-term, capstone research project to answer a specific research question/s, focusing on critiquing, evaluating, and synthesising biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Critically appraise research literature on a specific clinically relevant topic and identify areas requiring further research.
• Apply knowledge in research methods to analyse, interpret, and assess research findings.
• Effectively communicate the design of a research protocol, or a case study, to peers and experienced academics using verbal and written methods.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research methods by designing a research protocol, or a case study, to answer a specific research question in a clinically relevant area.

General Assessment Information

Students choose one of two group assessment options:

• Option 1: Research Project - Involves a group of students working on a project nominated by staff in the Department of Chiropractic, developing a research protocol in CHIR8201 and carrying out the research in CHIR8202.
• Option 2: Case Report - Students select a patient from the student clinic and write a detailed case report, including a comprehensive evaluation of the literature and identification of research gaps, with the aim of designing a research protocol in CHIR8202 to address these gaps.

Assessment Tasks

• Quiz (30%): A time-limited examination evaluating student learning of lecture and tutorial material.
• Research Plan/Case Study Presentation (30%): An oral research presentation about the research protocol/case study.
• Research Written Report (40%): A written report of the student research protocol/case study in the format of a journal article.

Delivery and Resources

• The unit comprises teaching materials on advanced research methods, plus the planning and write-up of a group research protocol or group case study.
• Recommended Readings: Foundations of clinical research: applications to evidence-based practice, by Portney, LG; EBSCO Publishing (Firm), 4th edition.
• Technology Used: Active participation requires access to a tablet, laptop, or similar device.
• Delivery Mode: Self-directed learning with online lectures providing a high-level overview of research skills and advanced topics.
• Attendance and Participation Requirements: Strongly recommended to attend and participate in at least 80% of tutorials.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of policies including:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University aims to provide everyone with the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study, participate in campus life, and flourish. Students must contribute to the development of an inclusive culture and practice.

Professionalism

Professionalism is a key capability embedded in all courses in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. Students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions and show respect for peers and academic staff, contributing to a healthy learning environment.

Academic Integrity

Macquarie University believes academic integrity is at the core of learning, teaching, and research. Resources and services are available to help students meet expectations, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development, and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

The university provides a range of support services, including academic success resources, library support, IT support, accessibility and disability support, mental health support, and social support.