Key facts
UNE unit code: HLTH500
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

The complex problems we face in health and social care demand evidence-based solutions. Explore the nature of inquiry and research in health and social care and develop research skills that will help you to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector.
This unit is designed to foster your ability to formulate practical, researchable questions and explore problems founded on current evidence.
With an introduction to foundational concepts and paradigms that underpin research approaches commonly used in health, you will critique the suitability of different research designs and apply your learning to real world practice problems and dilemmas.
The unit also offers opportunities to examine the array of legal and ethical obligations and considerations you may face in health and social care settings within the context of research.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
You must enrol in this unit by the Monday before the Trimester starts. If there are insufficient student numbers this unit will not run and you will be withdrawn from the unit and offered an appropriate alternate unit by the course coordinator.
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:
- formulate a practice based research question;
- determine whether the research question can be researched and whether it is practical to proceed;
- critically evaluate and synthesise research evidence to produce a coherent review of the relevant literature;
- critically evaluate and reflect on the suitability of various research designs often utilised by health and social science researchers; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical obligations of a researcher working in the health and social care.
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 | 25% | 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: 1500 |
| 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 | 60% | All offerings | Written assignment that may include tables and/or figures. No. Words: 3500 |
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.
Research handbook for health care professionals
ISBN: 9781405177375
Hickson, M., John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated 1st ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
eBook Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
ISBN: 9780190330385
Liamputtong, P., Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
Systematic reviews to answer health care questions
ISBN: 9781975211097
Nelson, Heidi D. , Wolters Kluwer Health 2nd ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
eBook Practical Research: Planning and Design, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292449579
Leedy, P. D. & Ormrod, J. E. , Pearson Australia Pty Ltd 13th ed. 2023
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
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