Key facts
UNE unit code: HLTH501
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Add value to your career with a solid foundation in the research methods commonly used in health and social care. In this rapidly changing sector, professionals who can apply advanced practical research skills to solve complex problems are in demand.
Studying this unit, you will develop the skills needed to identify and select appropriate qualitative, quantitative or mixed method approaches and research methods.
Exploring issues related to research design and processes pertinent to inquiry in health and social care, you will critically evaluate a range of contemporary methodologies used by health and social science researchers.
You will be required to design a research project, applying appropriate research methodology to ensure your project incorporates key recruitment, data collection, data analysis and reporting aspects to answer your research question.
This unit is designed to extend your ability to conduct health and social care research appropriately, effectively and ethically.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically evaluate various research methodologies used by health and social science researchers;
- determine appropriate approaches to researching a research question heeding ethical, social, and cultural considerations;
- design a research project incorporating key elements of recruitment, data collection, data analysis and reporting;
- critically review the processes required to meet the standards for ethical and legal conduct of research; and
- design strategies to ensure your research project protects the ethical and legal rights of participants.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Assurance Task | Yes | 35% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% across all assessments No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Online activities - group work or forum participation. All activities must be completed to pass the assessment. This assessment must be passed in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Written or verbal report that may include tables and/or figures. No. Words: 3000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
eBook Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
ISBN: 9780190330385
Liamputtong, P., , Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
Writing research proposals in the health sciences
ISBN: 9781526411303
Schneider, Z. & Fuller, J. , SAGE Publications, Limited 1st ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Understanding and conducting research in the health sciences
ISBN: 9781118135402
Cunningham, C. J. L., Weatherington, B. L., & Pittenger, D. J. , John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated 1st ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Research handbook for health care professionals
ISBN: 9781405177375
Hickson, M. , John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated 1st ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project
ISBN: 9781529672220
O'Leary, Z., Sage 5th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Getting started in health research
ISBN: 9781405191487
Bowers, D., House, A., & Owens, D. , John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated 1st ed. 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
eBook Practical Research: Design and Process, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292449579
Leedy, P. D. & Ormrod, J. E. , Pearson Australia Pty Ltd 13th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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